Is Kenmore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kenmore

Kenmore, Washington, nestled on the northern tip of Lake Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the greater Seattle metropolitan area. This lakeside community is known for its natural beauty, including its shoreline along Lake Washington and the Sammamish River, and its family-friendly atmosphere. It provides residents with a desirable place to live, balancing peaceful surroundings with the amenities and opportunities of a larger urban region.

The city’s strategic location along SR 522 makes commuting to major employment centers in aerospace, technology, and universities efficient. Kenmore is characterized by attractive neighborhoods, many featuring mid-century architecture and scenic lake views, contributing to its appeal for potential residents. The community prides itself on its accessible government and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Is it Safe to Live in Kenmore?

Kenmore presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with a crime rate that is slightly higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 29.86 per 1,000 residents (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). However, the chance of becoming a victim of crime is relatively low, standing at 1 in 97 (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington).

When examining specific crime statistics, Kenmore’s violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). Property crime rates are also below the national average (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). Kenmore ranks in the 34th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 34% of U.S. cities, though less safe than 66% (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). Neighborhoods in the northeast part of the city are generally considered the safest, with the chance of being a victim of crime varying by area within the city (as reported by Niche).

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Kenmore is notably higher than the national average, with an overall index of 158.1, meaning it is approximately 58% more expensive to live there than the U.S. baseline (as reported by BestPlaces). This elevated cost is largely driven by housing expenses, which are nearly three times the U.S. average, with a housing index of 292.9 (as reported by BestPlaces).

Housing prices in Kenmore reflect this trend. The median home value was reported at $967,400 (as of April 2026) (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). More recently, as of May 2026, the median home price was $920,000, showing a year-over-year decrease of 8.5% (as reported by Beyond Real Estate). Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,879 per month, which is 15% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing Costs

For those looking to rent, a studio apartment in Kenmore averages around $1,506 per month, while a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,879, and a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,319 (as reported by Apartments.com). Houses for rent are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $3,500 (as reported by Rentometer).

The median gross rent in Kenmore is $1,949 per month (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). To comfortably afford rent in Kenmore, a monthly income of about $6,263 or $75,156 annually is recommended, based on the guideline of spending no more than 30% of income on rent (as reported by Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

Kenmore’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers and a motivated workforce. The labor force consists of approximately 13,169 people, with an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent as of April 2026 (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). Many residents are employed in professional or administrative positions, with a significant portion working for private companies or in the public sector (as reported by Point2Homes).

The largest employers in Kenmore include Bastyr University, Safeway, and Dollar Tree (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). Other significant companies in the broader region contribute to the job market, with industries like aerospace, technology, and healthcare being prominent. The city also boasts a strong small business presence, with numerous multi-generational companies contributing to its economic vitality (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington).

Major Employers

Bastyr University is a key employer in Kenmore, known for its programs in alternative medicine (as reported by Zippia). Safeway and Dollar Tree also provide substantial employment opportunities within the city (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). In the wider King County area, major employers include King County itself, with over 17,000 employees, and prominent companies in technology and retail sectors (as reported by King County, Washington).

For those seeking employment in related fields, major companies in Snohomish County, a neighboring area, include The Boeing Company, Microsoft, and Amazon, indicating the strong presence of large corporations in the region (as reported by Snohomish County, WA).

Climate and Environment

Kenmore, Washington, experiences a mild, temperate climate characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. The average temperature fluctuates between a low of 35°F in winter and a high of 77°F in summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives about 41 inches of annual precipitation, with November and December being the wettest months (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Snowfall is light, averaging around 4 inches annually, typically occurring in December and February (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels are comfortable year-round, with dew points generally ranging between 36°F and 53°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The summer months are particularly pleasant, with temperatures peaking around 75–77°F and comfortable humidity, while winters are cool and damp but not severe.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall

During the summer, from June 22 to September 15, daily high temperatures average above 71°F, with August being the hottest month, reaching an average high of 76°F (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the cool season runs from November 13 to March 1, with daily high temperatures below 52°F, and December is the coldest month, with an average low of 38°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Precipitation is most abundant in November, with an average of 17.1 days experiencing at least 0.04 inches of rain (as reported by Time and Date). August typically sees the fewest wet days, with an average of 3.7 days (as reported by Time and Date). The climate is conducive to lush green surroundings due to consistent precipitation throughout the fall and winter.

Education and Schools

Kenmore is served by the Northshore School District, which is recognized for its strong academic performance and commitment to student success. Public schools in Kenmore demonstrate high proficiency scores in both math and reading, surpassing state averages. The district is noted for its efforts in closing opportunity gaps and supporting student growth (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington).

The public schools in Kenmore have an average ranking of 10/10, placing them in the top 10% of Washington public schools (as reported by Niche). Kenmore Elementary School, for example, is a highly rated public school with strong teacher quality and student diversity (as reported by Niche). Kenmore Middle School also receives high marks, indicating a robust educational environment across different grade levels (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings and Performance

Kenmore, WA public schools boast an average math proficiency score of 56% and a reading proficiency score of 71%, significantly higher than the Washington public school averages of 41% and 53%, respectively (as reported by Niche). Moorlands Elementary School, Inglemoor High School, and Arrowhead Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the area (as reported by Niche).

The student body in Kenmore’s public schools reflects the city’s diversity, with minority enrollment at 49% (as reported by Niche). This demographic makeup is slightly lower than the Washington public school average of 52% (as reported by Niche). The Northshore School District emphasizes academic achievement, with a high percentage of students graduating within four years and recognition for supporting student growth (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington).

Demographics and Population

Kenmore, Washington, is home to a diverse population of approximately 23,741 residents, with a slight increase from the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Reporter). The city’s demographic makeup is evolving, showing increased racial diversity compared to previous years. White residents constitute the largest racial group, making up 62.7% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 16.2% (as reported by Census Reporter).

Hispanic or Latino individuals represent 9.8% of the population, with multiracial residents at 7.6%, Black residents at 2.8%, and Native American/Other at 0.9% (as reported by Census Reporter). The median age in Kenmore is 39 years (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington), with a balanced distribution across age groups, including a significant portion of adults between 25 and 64 years old.

Population Breakdown

The population of Kenmore is comprised of 52.1% males and 47.9% females (as reported by Point2Homes). In terms of citizenship, 90.5% of Kenmore residents are U.S. citizens, which is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). A notable 21.3% of residents were born outside the country, indicating a diverse cultural landscape (as reported by Data USA).

The educational attainment in Kenmore is high, with 61.8% of adults holding a college degree (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington). The median household income is $139,764, which is significantly higher than both the Washington state average and the national average (as reported by City of Kenmore Washington).