Is Kingsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kingsville

Kingsville, Texas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and developing economic opportunities. Nestled in South Texas, it provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, characterized by a rich cultural heritage and a growing presence of industry. The city is known for its proximity to major transportation routes and the Port of Corpus Christi, positioning it as a strategic location for businesses and residents alike.

The community is deeply rooted in its history, with influences from ranching and early railway development. This heritage continues to shape the city’s identity, offering a glimpse into the enduring spirit of South Texas. As Kingsville continues to evolve, it maintains a focus on economic development and community growth, making it an interesting place to consider for those seeking a different pace of life.

Is it Safe to Live in Kingsville?

Kingsville’s overall crime rate is reported to be 4.6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Kingsville are 29% lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of security for residents (as reported by AreaVibes). However, property crimes are 0.4% higher than the U.S. average, indicating areas where vigilance might be necessary (as reported by AreaVibes).

When comparing Kingsville to other communities of similar population size, its combined crime rate is notably higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Kingsville is approximately 1 in 51 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America, with a chance of 1 in 401 of becoming a victim (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Housing Costs in Kingsville

The median home price in Kingsville was $195,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 11.0% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Kingsville tend to sell after approximately 100 days on the market, a significant increase from 35 days last year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $128, reflecting a 17.4% decrease from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

The average rent in Kingsville is $1,050 per month (as of May 5, 2026) (as reported by Zillow). This represents a month-over-month increase of $75 and a year-over-year decrease of $450 (as reported by Zillow). The rental price range for all property types in Kingsville is between $625 and $2,300 (as reported by Zillow).

Kingsville’s housing market is described as not very competitive (as reported by Redfin). The median home price is 46.8% lower than the national average, and monthly rent prices are 4.5% lower than typical rates (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

The unemployment rate in Kingsville was 4.7% as of February 2026, which is lower than the previous month’s rate of 4.90% and the previous year’s rate of 4.50% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is also lower than the long-term average of 6.17% (as reported by YCharts).

Major employers in Kingsville include significant operations from companies such as Rolls Royce, PROCO, Celanese, Lockheed Martin, Kodiak Manufacturing, and Exxon (as reported by Cravey Real Estate). The city’s economic stability is supported by a diverse economic base and a strong workforce, with opportunities for training provided by Coastal Bend College and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (as reported by Cravey Real Estate).

The economy of Kingsville employs approximately 13,200 individuals, with the retail trade, educational services, and health care & social assistance sectors being the largest employers (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Kingsville is around $44,762, with most salaries ranging between $31,894 and $54,840 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate in Kingsville

Kingsville experiences hot and oppressive summers, with winters that are short, cool, and windy. The city is partly cloudy throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark). Over the course of a year, temperatures typically range from 48°F to 96°F, and it is rarely below 35°F or above 100°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The hot season lasts for approximately 3.8 months, from late May to late September, with daily high temperatures averaging above 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). August is typically the hottest month, with an average high of 95°F and a low of 76°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The cool season spans about 2.6 months, from early December to mid-February, with average daily high temperatures below 73°F (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 48°F to 69°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual precipitation in Kingsville is approximately 27.19 inches (as reported by NOAA).

Education in Kingsville

Kingsville Independent School District serves the city, with a student population of approximately 2,603 students across PK-12 grades (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio within the district is 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 19% of students are proficient in math and 31% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).

Within the district, Harrel Elementary School receives a “C” rating, while Perez Elementary School and Harvey Elementary School both have “C minus” ratings (as reported by Niche). Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a significant educational institution in the city, awarding approximately 1,510 degrees in 2023 (as reported by Data USA).

Demographics of Kingsville

Kingsville has a population of approximately 24,994 residents (as reported by US Census Bureau). The largest racial and ethnic groups in Kingsville are Hispanic (73%), followed by White (18.3%) and Black (4.1%) (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median age of Kingsville residents is 26.3 years (as reported by US Census Bureau).

The median household income in Kingsville was $58,148 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau). However, a significant portion of families, 21.6%, live below the poverty line (as reported by US Census Bureau). A substantial majority of the population, 95.9%, are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Kingsville

Living in Kingsville offers several advantages, including a cost of living that is lower than both the national and state averages (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are particularly affordable, with home prices and rents significantly below national figures (as reported by AreaVibes). The city also boasts a strong sense of community and a slower pace of life, which many residents find appealing (as reported by Niche).

However, Kingsville also presents some challenges. The crime rate, particularly for property crimes, is slightly above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Additionally, the median household income is lower than the national average, and a notable percentage of families live in poverty (as reported by US Census Bureau). Educational outcomes, as indicated by proficiency rates in math and reading, are also an area for potential improvement (as reported by Niche).