Moving to Independence: Pros, Cons & What to Know
Moving to Independence means joining a real, fast-growing Northern Kentucky suburb genuinely oriented toward Cincinnati -- a young population, below-national crime, and a real, disclosed local payroll tax worth budgeting for.
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Learn moreA real, deliberately-centered county seat since 1840
Independence was platted as "Crewitts Creek" in 1837, then renamed and incorporated in 1842 as Kenton County's seat of government, sited at the exact geographic center of the new county on five donated acres.
A genuine Cincinnati-commuter identity
Of roughly 15,000 employed residents, many commute daily to Cincinnati (average 27.3 minutes), aided by Interstate 75 approximately 2 miles to the west -- expect a genuinely car-dependent daily routine.
Budget for a real, local payroll tax
Independence levies its own 1.25% city payroll tax on gross pay earned within city limits, on top of Kentucky's own state income tax -- a real, disclosed local-tax layer to factor into any relocation budget.
Key takeaways
- Independence's real 1840s founding as Kenton County's centered seat of government remains visible in the 1912 courthouse.
- Most working residents commute to Cincinnati -- budget for a genuinely car-dependent lifestyle.
- A real, disclosed 1.25% city payroll tax applies on top of Kentucky's state income tax.
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