countyscore
49.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 82.1Lawn Care 76.1

County Report Card

About Kenton County, Kentucky

Matching the National Median

Kenton County holds a composite score of 49.8, placing it right at the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard American living experience with high incomes offset by urban challenges.

Chasing the State Average

The county sits nearly 10 points below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While it is an economic engine for the region, its lower scores in affordability and environmental risk weigh down the overall ranking.

Wealth and Wellness Lead

High salaries are the norm here, with an income score of 83.2 and a median household income of $79,421. The county also supports a healthy lifestyle, earning a strong health score of 74.0.

High Costs and Natural Risks

Living here is expensive, as evidenced by a cost score of 20.9 and rents exceeding $1,000. Additionally, the risk score of 22.6 suggests the area is more vulnerable to natural disasters than many of its peers.

Ideal for Career-Oriented Residents

This county is a prime fit for professionals who value high-paying jobs and quality healthcare above all else. It offers the perks of a developed urban area for those who can manage higher taxes and housing prices.

2040608010037.520.957.57452.382.122.68662.5Tax37.5Cost20.9Safety57.5Health74Schools52.3Income82.1Risk22.6Water86Weather62.549.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Kenton County DNA

Foverall

How Kenton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Kenton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (82.1/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (20.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.5-14.5
Cost
20.9-27.1
Safety
57.5
Health
74+24
Schools
52.3
Income
82.1+31.099999999999994
Risk
22.6-24.4
Water
86+28
Weather
62.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Kenton County

Whether buying or refinancing in Kenton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$244,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,069/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$244,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,548/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Kenton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kenton County

via TaxByCounty

Kenton's tax rate exceeds national norms

At 1.004%, Kenton County's effective rate is among the highest profiled and surpasses the national median of 0.85% by roughly 18%. The median property tax of $2,284 falls just below the national median of $2,690, placing Kenton in line with higher-taxed U.S. counties.

Highest rate in Kentucky sample

Kenton's 1.004% rate is the highest among the eight counties examined and far outpaces Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median tax of $2,284 more than doubles the state median of $1,093, reflecting both significant home values and the county's notably elevated effective rate.

Cincinnati suburb commands premium rates

Kenton's 1.004% rate stands well above neighboring Jessamine County (0.771%) and is more than 50% higher than Larue County (0.630%). As a prosperous Cincinnati suburb, Kenton's higher tax burden aligns with its relatively strong property values and robust county services.

What $227,500 home costs yearly

A typical Kenton homeowner with a median-valued property pays approximately $2,284 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that climbs to $2,401; without one, it falls to $2,004.

High taxes make appeals even more valuable

In a high-rate county like Kenton, a successful tax appeal can yield substantial annual savings for overassessed homeowners. Given median taxes here exceed $2,200, even a modest assessment reduction can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.

Income & Jobs in Kenton County

via IncomeByCounty

Kenton leads Kentucky with premium incomes

Kenton County's median household income of $79,421 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by nearly $4,700, placing it above average for the entire U.S. This positions Kenton households in the upper-middle income tier and reflects the county's role as home to the Cincinnati metro's Kentucky suburbs.

Kentucky's highest-income county by far

Kenton's $79,421 median income ranks first in Kentucky, 42% above the state average of $55,909. The per capita income of $42,623 also leads the state by 44%, demonstrating Kenton's economic dominance across all income levels.

Clear income leader in the region

Kenton's $79,421 household income significantly outpaces Jessamine ($74,886), Larue ($67,770), and all other neighboring counties. This advantage stems from Kenton's integration with the greater Cincinnati economy and access to higher-wage employment corridors.

Strong housing affordability across income spectrum

Kenton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is the lowest among all eight counties, showing housing costs remain well-controlled. With a median home value of $227,500, homeownership is accessible even at the county median income.

Kenton's income premium enables serious wealth building

Above-average household income means Kenton residents can aggressively pursue investment strategies beyond retirement accounts. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions, diversifying into taxable investments, and exploring real estate opportunities to compound wealth advantages.

Safety in Kenton County

via CrimeByCounty

Kenton County Safety Exceeds National Marks

With a safety score of 98.5, Kenton County is much safer than the typical U.S. county. Its total crime rate of 978.3 per 100K residents is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5. Fifteen local agencies work together to maintain this standard of public safety.

Aligning With Kentucky's Safety Standards

Kenton's safety score of 98.5 sits right near the Kentucky average of 98.8. The total crime rate of 978.3 is slightly higher than the state average of 786.2, but remains well within a safe range. It serves as a relatively stable environment compared to other populous Kentucky counties.

Regional Comparisons to Kenton County

Kenton County’s rate of 978.3 crimes per 100K is significantly lower than Jessamine County’s 1532.3. It maintains a competitive safety profile compared to other urbanized areas in the state. Local law enforcement keeps crime levels manageable even with a high population.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 862.4 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate is 115.9, which is higher than the state average of 78.1 but still far below the national 369.8. Most residents will primarily encounter issues related to theft or vandalism rather than physical threats.

Effective Strategies for Home Protection

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing your perimeter is a smart move. Modern doorbell cameras and window sensors can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Staying connected with neighbors through local safety apps also helps keep Kenton County secure.

Soil Quality in Kenton County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Kentucky Soil Character

Specific taxonomic data for Kenton County is currently limited, but the area generally aligns with the state pH average of 5.80. Compared to the national median of 6.5, these soils are more acidic and often require amendments for optimal vegetable growth. Understanding this baseline is essential for any Northern Kentucky land project.

Soil Texture and Workability

While sand and silt percentages are currently unmapped, the soil texture in Kenton County dictates how well your garden drains. A high clay content, common in the region, provides excellent nutrient retention but can make digging difficult when dry. Knowing your soil's physical limits helps you choose the right tools for the job.

Tracking Organic Matter Trends

Kenton County benefits from a state organic matter average of 3.55%, which is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. With a state average water capacity of 0.186 in/in, the local ground has a strong ability to support plant life through the season. These numbers point to a productive foundation for local lawns and gardens.

Understanding Local Water Drainage

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently available for this specific county record. Proper water management is key in Northern Kentucky to prevent basement dampness and soil erosion on hillsides. Homeowners should focus on grading and runoff solutions to keep their land stable and productive.

Cold-Hardy Growth in Zone 6b

Kenton County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, which means growers should select plants that can withstand slightly colder winters. This zone is perfect for growing sturdy brassicas, root vegetables, and many varieties of fruit trees. The cooler climate offers a distinct advantage for those looking to cultivate a diverse backyard orchard.

Lawn Care in Kenton County

via LawnByCounty

Easy Lawn Care in Northern Kentucky

Kenton County scores a 76.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it high above the national average of 50.0. Sitting in Hardiness Zone 6b, this area provides a slightly cooler environment that favors traditional northern grass types.

Moderate Heat and Balanced Rainfall

Annual precipitation is 45.3 inches, which is slightly below the state average but ideal for maintaining healthy turf. The county faces 22 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 30, meaning less heat stress for your grass.

Foundational Care for 6b Soils

Data for soil pH and texture is currently limited for this area, making local testing essential. Homeowners should focus on organic amendments to improve soil structure and ensure adequate nutrient uptake for new growth.

Zero Current Drought Stress

Kenton County saw 4 weeks of drought over the last 12 months, but currently 0.0% of the area is impacted by dry conditions. Efficient watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and keeps roots hydrated during the few dry spells that occur.

Select the Best Cool-Season Grass

Fine fescue and perennial ryegrass are excellent choices for the 6b climate in Kenton County. Aim to seed in late summer or early autumn to take advantage of cooling temperatures before the first freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kenton County's county score?
Kenton County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 49.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Kenton County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Kenton County ranks #101 among all counties in Kentucky on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Kenton County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Kenton County is $2,395, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Kenton County a tax score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kenton County?
The median household income in Kenton County, Kentucky is $80,548 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kenton County earns an income score of 82.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kenton County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Kenton County scores 49.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #101 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Kenton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Kenton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.