Kenton
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Kenton County is unusual in two ways: the overdose death rate is in the top 11% of American counties (33 per 100,000) and rainfall is in the top 12% of American counties (53 inches a year). Within Kentucky it ranks 45th of 120 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Kenton County, Kentucky. 169,066 people live here with you. The population grew 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +129).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $76,016 a year, higher than 83% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $71,985. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 54% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,661 a year.

Home

The median home costs $291K, pricier than 67% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,023 a month. Property tax is 1.04% of home value, roughly $2,168 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 55% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 33 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 76.1 years, longer than 53% of American counties. There are 581 active physicians in the county, about 34.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 5.0 of 5 stars. 6.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.17 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 72% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 19 points. 66% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 55°F, highs near 65 and lows near 45, colder than 53% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 74 out of 100, riskier than 74% of American counties; the county has had 15 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 264 Mbps down, faster than 81% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries.