Median Income
$40,993
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,400
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
87/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$676
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.6%
26% higher than US avg
How Kenton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,487
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density590/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,993
Per Capita$21,991
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty15.6%
County GDP$1,688M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,400
Rent$676
Ownership58.0%
Zillow$155,450
Housing Units711
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent87/100K
Property873/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking23.1%
Depression32.0%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
Rain54.7 in/yr
Elevation322 ft (98 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute29 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Kenton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kenton receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Kenton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kenton is $40,993, 45% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kenton is $96,400, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $676 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Kenton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 873 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Kenton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches.
Kenton has a population of 1,487 with a density of 590 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (74.6%), with 10.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 35.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,487
Total Population
2023 Census
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Kenton is $40,993, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,991 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $922, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 751 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 2.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,993 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,991 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $922 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,211 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 751 |
| County GDP | $1,688M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 68 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,654 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 2.3% |
The median home value in Kenton is $96,400, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,450, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $90,350 with homes selling in an average of 42 days. Homes sell for 93% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $676 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 711 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,654 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,400 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $155,450 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $90,350 |
| Median List Price | $69,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $90,350 |
| Median List Price | $69,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $61 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 42 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $676 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Housing Units | 711 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,654 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.75% |
In Kenton, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.9% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,344. The dentist ratio is 1:1,900. 40.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kenton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 9.9% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.1% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 32.0% |
| Mental Distress | 23.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,344 |
| Dentists | 1:1,900 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,027 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 51.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,716/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 68 |
Kenton has a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 873 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kenton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kenton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 87.3/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 873.4/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kenton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 322 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 58.9°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 322 ft (98 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 590/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2022°N, 89.0180°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Obion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Everett-Stewart Regional (UCY)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.7"
44% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.66"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 42.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
357 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
118 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
83 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
131 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
109 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
121 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
86 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
75 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
41 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
83 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
88 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
41 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
72 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
39 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
80 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
76 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 185 fatalities, 1,787 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
33 km |
57 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
76 km |
11 |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
EF4 |
70 km |
6 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1971 |
EF4 |
26 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1968 |
EF4 |
80 km |
2 |
| Mar 4, 1964 |
EF4 |
75 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
25 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
26 km |
2 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
74 km |
17 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
3 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
46 km |
16 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
4 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
15 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
141 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEVILS BACKBONE RX (3,215 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DEVILS BACKBONE RX |
3,215 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
4.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
49°F (9°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Kenton has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 36°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and August the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Kenton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138-$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184-$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92-$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735-$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69-$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138-$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46-$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368-$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92-$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55-$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46-$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138-$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676-$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368-$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055-$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460-$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595-$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838-$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735-$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184-$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919-$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69-$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76-$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30-$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30-$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76-$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68-$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55-$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74-$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37-$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46-$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69-$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103-$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28-$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28-$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551-$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460-$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184-$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368-$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595-$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46-$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28-$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18-$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138-$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92-$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenton
What is the population of Kenton?
Kenton has a population of 1,487 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 590 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Kenton expensive to live in?
Kenton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,993, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,400 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $676 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kenton safe?
Kenton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 873 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kenton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kenton?
Kenton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 54.7 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Kenton?
Kenton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $922. There are 751 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 2.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kenton?
The median home value in Kenton is $96,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $155,450. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $90,350, with homes typically selling within 42 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $676. Fair market rent is $924 for a 1-bedroom and $1,118 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,654.
How are the schools in Kenton?
Schools in Kenton score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Kenton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kenton?
The obesity rate in Kenton is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.1% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 32.0% of residents report depression. 13.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 40.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,344.
What is transportation like in Kenton?
The average commute in Kenton is 29 minutes. 92.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kenton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kenton is 74.6% White, 10.1% Black or African American. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 35.0% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.