Is Kensington Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kensington

Kensington, Philadelphia, PA, is a neighborhood with a complex socioeconomic profile and varying safety perceptions. While some areas experience higher crime rates, others are comparable to the city average. The cost of living is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing, but this is offset by lower average incomes and higher unemployment in certain parts of the neighborhood. The demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant Hispanic population, alongside African Americans and White residents.

Is it Safe to Live in Kensington?

Kensington faces challenges with crime rates, which are higher than the national average in some aspects. The violent crime rate is approximately 30% higher than in Philadelphia overall (328 violent crimes per 10,000 residents compared to 242 per 10,000) (as reported by National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership). Property crime incidents are also elevated, with 306 per 10,000 residents compared to the city’s average of 287 per 10,000 (as reported by National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership). However, it’s important to note that these are neighborhood averages, and large areas within Kensington have property crime rates lower than or equal to the citywide average (as reported by National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership). Despite these statistics, residents report feeling as safe during the day as other Philadelphians, with 87.5% expressing this sentiment (as reported by National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership).

Demographics and Community

Kensington is a neighborhood characterized by its diverse population and rich cultural tapestry. The majority of its residents are Hispanic or Latino, primarily of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, making up 59.9% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia). The neighborhood also has significant African American and White populations, as well as smaller communities of Polish Americans and Asian Americans. The median age in Kensington is 34, with a distribution that includes a substantial percentage of younger residents and a smaller proportion of those aged 65 and older (as reported by Point2Homes).

Economic Landscape

The economic situation in Kensington presents a mixed picture, with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, but also with income levels below the citywide average. The overall cost of living in Kensington is 4% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 21% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, the income per capita in Kensington is 28% lower than the national average, and the median household income is 22% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The unemployment rate in Kensington is notably higher than the national average, reported as 100% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Market

The housing market in Kensington offers more affordable options compared to many other areas. The median rent for all property types in Kensington, Philadelphia, is $1,700 per month, which is 13% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in Kensington are slightly more expensive, averaging $1,795 per month, while apartments average $1,650 per month (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $1,500, and a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,795 (as reported by Zumper).

Climate and Environment

Kensington, Connecticut, experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by moderate temperatures and a notable amount of precipitation. Temperatures in Kensington range from an average low of 18°F in January to an average high of 84°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives an annual precipitation of approximately 50 inches, with snowfall contributing significantly in the winter months (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Humidity levels are generally comfortable during the summer, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Educational opportunities in Kensington, Philadelphia, present a varied landscape. Kensington High School, for instance, has an overall Niche grade of C-minus, with 8% of students proficient in math and 30% proficient in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche). Diversity at Kensington High School is rated as an A-minus (as reported by Niche). In contrast, public schools in Kensington, Maryland, show higher performance, with average math proficiency scores of 33% and reading proficiency scores of 54%, which are above the Maryland state averages (as reported by Niche). These Maryland schools have an average ranking of 6/10, placing them in the top 50% of Maryland public schools (as reported by Niche).

Major Employers and Job Market

The job market in Kensington, Philadelphia, is influenced by its economic conditions, with a higher unemployment rate than the national average. As of the latest data, the employment rate in Kensington, Philadelphia, is 92.76%, indicating an overall employment rate (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). However, the unemployment rate in Kensington is reported as 100% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specific major employers within the broader Kensington area are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results, but companies like PNC Bank Corp. and 7-Eleven are noted as significant employers in the New Kensington, Pennsylvania area (as reported by Lensa). Kensington, CT, has companies such as CVS Health and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as notable employers (as reported by Indeed.com).