Kenton County: Northern Kentucky

Population:155,321 (Source: Right Site Analytical Software, 2007)

Kenton County is the central of the three Northern Kentucky counties, it is generally bounded by the Ohio River on the north side, by the Licking River on the east side, and by Interstate 75/71 on most of its west side. It is the more densely populated of the three counties, beginning along the historic waterfront area of Covington and moving south toward Interstate 275. The economy and residential environs of Kenton County are more mature in comparison to the recent vintages of Boone County.

The construction along the river, where the new Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Corporex towers and other high-rise structures are going up, is redefining the skyline piece-by-piece.

Topography: The topography of Kenton County is fairly steep just south of the Ohio River basin but moderates to gently rolling in its center and southern sections.

Profile

Population:
2000	151,464
2007	155,321
2012 Projection	158,971

Cities:	2007	2012
Covington	40,444	39,121
Erlanger	17,979	18,806
Independence	18,114	20,414

Persons by Age:	2007
0-17	42,259
18-24	15,235
25-34	22,030
35-44	23,125
45-54	21,964
55-64	14,437
65-74	8,338
75+	7,933

Persons by Race (2007):
White	145,105
Black	5,989
Asian, Pacific Islander	1,199
Hispanic	2,778
Other	3,028

Median Age by Race (2007):

34.2

Poverty Rate (2006)

9.0%

Households (2007):
Total Households	62,364
Persons Per Household	2.46

Income by Place of Residence (2007):
Household Income, Median	$53,603
Household Income, Average	$67,449
Household Income, Per Capita	$27,082

Kenton County Civilian Labor Force (2007):
Civilian Labor Force	87,266
Employment	82,942
Unemployment	4,324
Unemployment Rate	5.0%

Northern Kentucky Earnings by Industry (2006):
Wages (000)
Construction	$84,402
Utilities, Trade & Transportation	$396,536
Information	$20,909
FIRE	$122,045
Services	$423,069
Government	$219,478
Agriculture, Unclassified	$3,160
Manufacturing	$231,362

Northern Kentucky Employment by Industry (2006):
	Employment
All Industries	165,533
Construction	7,981
Utilities, Trade & Transportation	43,552
Information	1,862
FIRE	10,907
Services	59,699
Government	22,502
Agriculture, Unclassified	354
Manufacturing	18,652

Education (2006):
Percent Graduating	87.2%
Percent Attending College	47.5%
Percent Entering Workforce	57.1%
Percent Attending Vocational School	14.4%
Percent Entering Military	0.8%
Source: Kentucky Department of Education, Updated August 24, 2007

COMMUTING PATTERN (2005):
Drive Time Less Than 15 Min.	24.9%
Drive Time Less Than 30 Min.	39.5%
Drive Time More Than 30 Min.	28%
Drive Time More Than 60 Min.	4.9%

Estimated Retail Sales in Kenton County (2007)($000)
Source: Right Site, Analytic Software, 2007
Total Retail Sales	$1,408,345
Motor Vehicles	$110,063
Furniture & Home Furnishings	$35,398
Electrical & Appliances	$17,579
Building Materials & Gardens	$118,085
Food & Beverages	$269,944
Health & Personal Care	$114,848
Gasoline Stations	$171,677
Clothing & Accessories	$43,081
Sporting Goods	$25,785
General Merchandise	$100,478
Miscellaneous Sales	$58,123
Nonstore Purchases	$34,267
Food Services	$309,017

Total retail Sales reflects net sales (minus refunds and allowances for returns) for all establishments primarily engaged in retail trade, plus eating and drinking establishments. Receipts from repairs and other services are included. Retail sales by wholesalers and services establishments are not included.

Municipalities

Total of 21 cities of various sizes. Three largest: 

Covington – (Estimated 2007 Population – 40,444)

The City of Covington is home to a wide spectrum of businesses from the headquarters of two Fortune 500 companies to the small "mom and pop" establishments, some of which have been continuously operating in Covington for more than a century. Businesses doing business in Covington enjoy many advantages and development incentives including tax credits and loan programs. The City is conveniently located just minutes from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport with immediate access to I-75/71 and I-275.

The median age in the city is 32.7 years and the median income is $36,705.

Erlanger – (Estimated 2007 Population – 17,979)

Erlanger is minutes away from downtown Cincinnati, located at the juncture of two interstate highways - I-71/75 and I-275. In addition, Erlanger is five minutes away from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Erlanger is a supportive, business-friendly environment with total commitment from the Mayor to the newest employee.

The median age in the city is 33.1 years and the median income is $50,223.

Independence – (Estimated 2007 Population – 18,114)

The City of Independence is located in the "heart" of Kenton County in Northern Kentucky. Independence, even though a rapidly expanding community, maintains its small town heart while accomodating strong urban growth. The rural setting of life in Independence set it apart from other Northern Kentucky cities.

Independence is the third largest land mass city in the Commonwealth, encompassing approximately 23 square miles. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in the Commonwealth. The median age in the city is 30.2 years and the median income is $59,566.

Future Growth

South of I-275.