Is Kenner Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kenner
Kenner, Louisiana, presents a complex picture for prospective residents, blending suburban amenities with the vibrant culture of the New Orleans metropolitan area. Nestled on the west bank of the Mississippi River, it offers a unique lifestyle shaped by its proximity to major urban centers and its own distinct community character. Understanding the nuances of Kenner is key for anyone considering a move to this part of Louisiana.
The city provides a range of housing options, from established neighborhoods to more modern developments, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Its location offers convenient access to transportation routes, including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, making travel and commuting relatively straightforward for its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Kenner?
When considering safety, Kenner exhibits a crime rate that is higher than the national average. Overall crime in Kenner is approximately 50% higher than the national average, with property crimes being a significant contributor to this statistic (as reported by AreaVibes). There is a 1 in 32 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Kenner, and violent crime rates are comparable to the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within Kenner. While some areas have a higher incidence of crime, others are considered safer, with a chance of victimization ranging from 1 in 13 in southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 29 in the northeast (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also higher than the national average, with a rate of 31.54 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Market Trends
The housing market in Kenner presents a moderately competitive environment, with a median home value around $265,684 (as reported by CrashWatch). Recent trends show an increase in home values, with a 4.5% year-over-year rise (as reported by CrashWatch). The median sale price for homes in Kenner was $248,000 in March 2026, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental prices in Kenner are generally lower than the national average. The median rent stands at $1,651 per month, which is below the national average of $1,910 (as reported by Redfin). Apartments for rent show a median rent of $1,925 as of August 2025, with a slight month-over-month decrease (as reported by Redfin). When considering rental costs, the average rent for an apartment in Kenner ranges between $1,349 and $2,912 in 2026, depending on the size and number of bedrooms (as reported by Apartment List).
Economic Landscape and Employment Opportunities
Kenner’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with significant employment concentrations in retail, healthcare, and professional services (as noted in the Kenner Economic Profile). Major employers in the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner metropolitan area include Ochsner Health System, Jefferson Parish School System, and Northrop Grumman Corporation (as reported by HUD User). The city itself is home to companies like Boyd Gaming and Discovery Health Sciences Schools (as reported by Zippia).
The average salary in Kenner is approximately $45,434 annually, or about $21.84 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This median income is generally considered a good salary if it exceeds $48,000 annually (as reported by Zippia). The unemployment rate in Louisiana was 4.3% in February 2026, which is on par with the national average (as reported by USAFacts).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Kenner experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot, and oppressive summers, and short, cool, and windy winters (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The average annual temperature ranges from 46°F to 92°F, with summer months feeling particularly humid from May to September (as reported by Livability.com). The average high temperature in August is 90°F, while January sees an average high of 62°F (as reported by Time and Date).
The city receives substantial rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of 64 inches (as reported by Livability.com). August is typically the wettest month, with approximately 8.5 inches of rain, while November is the driest, receiving around 2.6 inches (as reported by Weather and Climate). This consistent rainfall contributes to the lush, green environment characteristic of the region.
Educational Opportunities and School Ratings
Kenner’s public schools have an average ranking of 4 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Louisiana public schools (as reported by Niche). The average math proficiency score is 30%, and the reading proficiency score is 38%, both below the state averages (as reported by Niche). However, some schools in Kenner stand out, with Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy being a notable example, consistently outperforming district and state averages in English Language Arts and Math (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Other well-regarded schools include A.C. Alexander School and Chateau Estates School, which also demonstrate above-average test scores (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The majority of students in Kenner attend public schools, with minority enrollment being high at 82% of the student body (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community Profile
Kenner is home to a diverse population of approximately 64,904 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition includes White (42.4%), Hispanic (29.5%), Black or African American (17.0%), Asian (4.6%), and multiracial populations (as reported by Census Dots). The city is more racially diverse than Louisiana overall (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Kenner is 39.3 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (as reported by Zippia). A significant portion of Kenner’s residents are foreign-born, with 20.8% being born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Kenner is $64,020, with a poverty rate of 11.8% (as reported by Zippia).