Why Independence
Independence is a home-rule class city situated in central Kenton County, Kentucky, within the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Recognized as the third-largest city in Northern Kentucky after Covington and Florence, it recorded a population of 28,676 during the 2020 census. Independence holds a distinct civic role as one of the two official seats of government for Kenton County.
The area's postal service originated under the name Everett's Creek in 1837, later changing to Crews Creek in 1838 and Bagby in 1839. When Kenton County was established from portions of Boone and Campbell counties in 1840, local farmer John McCollum donated central acreage to serve as the administrative hub. The site was named Independence to celebrate the residents' liberation from Campbell County, leading to formal incorporation in 1842. Because a higher concentration of county residents lived along the Ohio River, Independence was later obliged to share its county seat status with Covington.
Geographically, the municipality spans a total area of 17.70 square miles, consisting of 17.44 square miles of land and 0.26 square miles of water. Most of the territory is drained by Banklick Creek, a stream flowing northeast toward the Licking River. The original heart of the town lies in the southeastern section along Madison Pike. Independence is bordered by Elsmere to the northwest, Erlanger and Covington to the north, Ryland Heights to the northeast, and Florence alongside Boone County to the west. Kentucky Route 17, a four-lane divided highway running just east of the town center, provides a direct 11-mile route north to downtown Covington and extends 27 miles south to Falmouth.
Visitors and residents in Independence have access to a variety of civic, recreational, and educational resources. Cultural amenities include a local branch of the Kenton County Public Library, alongside numerous outdoor recreational sites such as Independence Park, Lincoln Ridge Park, Bowman Field, Doe Run Lake, and Memorial Park. Additional public green spaces include Mills Road Park, Pioneer Park, Richardson Road Park, and Sterling Staggs Park. Economic life in the city is supported by primary employers including Balluff, Cengage Learning, Krauss Maffei, Mazak, and Rotek, with public emergency services provided by the Independence Fire District.
01 Weather
91°
69°
☔ 94%
95°
70°
☔ 35% 
69°
64°
☔ 59%
71°
60°
☔ 91%
71°
62°
☔ 100%
64°
64°