Taxes in Newport
Newport's tax picture combines Kentucky's real, flat, recently-cut state income tax with Campbell County's own property tax, which runs the highest of any Kentucky county.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreCampbell County's highest-in-Kentucky property tax
Campbell County's own effective property tax rate ran approximately 1.06% as of 2026 (median bill $2,495 on a $234,500 home) -- explicitly the highest of any Kentucky county, per multiple 2026 sources.
Kentucky's flat 3.5% income tax
Kentucky's individual income tax was cut to a flat 3.5% effective January 1, 2026 under House Bill 8's phase-down (from 5% in 2018) -- CONTINGENT on the state meeting budget-reserve/revenue-growth triggers and legislative reenactment each cycle.
Kentucky's simple, no-local-add-on sales tax
Kentucky's sales tax is a flat 6% state rate with NO local city or county add-ons anywhere in the state.
Key takeaways
- Campbell County's property tax rate (~1.06%) runs genuinely the highest of any Kentucky county.
- Kentucky's flat 3.5% state income tax (effective Jan. 1, 2026) is real but contingent on ongoing budget triggers.
- Kentucky's flat 6% sales tax carries no local city or county add-ons anywhere in the state.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Newport overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert