Is Kenilworth Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kenilworth

Kenilworth offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. This community, known for its planned development and picturesque setting, provides a high quality of life for its residents. The town’s strong sense of community, coupled with its desirable location, contributes to its enduring appeal.

For individuals considering a move to Kenilworth, understanding the local landscape is crucial. This includes insights into safety, the cost of living, the job market, educational opportunities, and the general climate. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear picture of what life in Kenilworth entails, assisting in making an informed decision.

Is it Safe to Live in Kenilworth?

Kenilworth’s crime statistics present a generally positive picture, with rates often reported as lower than national averages. In Kenilworth, NJ, over a five-year period, the violent crime rate was reported as 88.6% below the national average, and property crime was 63.0% below the national average (according to FBI Crime Data Explorer). Similarly, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, UK, has seen its crime rate fall over recent years, with a rate of 53 reported between January and December 2019, which was about half the national average crime rate for the 2018/19 year (as reported by Kenilworth Watch). This suggests a community that prioritizes safety and where residents are actively engaged in maintaining a secure environment.

While overall crime rates are favorable, it is important to note localized trends. In Kenilworth, Warwickshire, an increase in reported crimes and antisocial behavior in the town center was noted by a local councilor, though police attributed some of this to changes in reporting systems (as reported by Kenilworth Nub News). Despite this, Kenilworth is generally considered a safe place to live, with a crime rate significantly lower than the UK national average (as reported by Propertistics). This indicates that while vigilance is always important, Kenilworth remains a secure community for its residents.

Cost of Living in Kenilworth

The cost of living in Kenilworth varies depending on the specific location, with areas in New Jersey and Illinois often cited as having higher costs than the national average. In Kenilworth, NJ, the cost of living is reported as 26% higher than the U.S. national average, driven by soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices (as reported by Salary.com). Similarly, Kenilworth, IL, is noted to be 12% higher than the U.S. national average, with housing and transportation as key cost drivers (as reported by Salary.com).

Conversely, data for Kenilworth, IL, also indicates that its cost of living is significantly lower than the Illinois state average, by 345% (as reported by Salary.com). Housing expenses in Kenilworth, NJ, are notably higher, being 79% above the national average, while utility prices are only 4% higher (as reported by PayScale). This suggests that while overall living expenses can be high, particularly in New Jersey, housing is a primary factor contributing to these costs.

Housing Market Trends

Kenilworth’s housing market is characterized by high property values and a competitive environment for buyers. In Kenilworth, IL, the median listing price for a home is $3.45 million, with a median price per square foot of $607 (as reported by realtor.com®). This market has seen significant year-over-year growth, with the median sale price rising by 21.41% (as reported by realtor.com®).

The market in Kenilworth, IL, is described as somewhat competitive, with homes selling for around 1% below list price and going pending in approximately 56 days (as reported by Redfin). However, some homes can sell for up to 3% above list price and go pending in about 21 days, indicating a dynamic market. In Kenilworth, IL, the median sale price of a home was $1.6 million last month, up 16.8% since last year, with a median price per square foot of $654, up 24.7% since last year (as reported by Redfin). In contrast, rental availability in Kenilworth, IL, is currently very low, with zero rental listings reported (as reported by realtor.com®).

Job Market and Employment

The job market in Kenilworth, NJ, offers a variety of opportunities across numerous industries, with a significant number of jobs available. As of May 13, 2026, there were approximately 354,000 jobs listed in Kenilworth, NJ (as reported by Indeed). The town has about 12,798 jobs hiring across 23 industries (as reported by Joblist).

Key employment sectors in Kenilworth, PA, include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Construction, with the most common job groups being Office & Administrative Support, Management, and Sales & Related Occupations (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Kenilworth, NJ, is $95,590 (as reported by Joblist), and the median home price is $521,100 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The unemployment rate in Kenilworth, NJ, varies by education level, with a rate of 6% for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and 9% for those with some college education (as reported by Joblist).

Climate and Weather

Kenilworth experiences a climate with distinct seasons, offering varied weather throughout the year. In Kenilworth, UK, summers are short, comfortable, and partly cloudy, while winters are long, very cold, windy, and mostly cloudy. Temperatures typically range from 35°F to 71°F, rarely dropping below 24°F or exceeding 80°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The warmest month is July, with average highs of 70°F and lows of 54°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows of 35°F and highs of 44°F.

Precipitation is present year-round, with a wetter season from late May to early February, and November typically having the most wet days. The drier season runs from early February to late May, with April having the fewest wet days (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). In Kenilworth, Illinois, the climate features warm and wet summers, and freezing, snowy, and windy winters, with temperatures ranging from 21°F to 82°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with highs of 82°F and lows of 68°F, while January is the coldest, with lows of 22°F and highs of 33°F.

Education and School Ratings

Kenilworth offers a range of educational opportunities, with varying ratings for its school districts. In Kenilworth, NJ, the school district is ranked within the bottom 50% of all school districts in New Jersey, based on combined math and reading proficiency data for the 2022-2023 school year (as reported by Public School Review). The district has a graduation rate of 92%, which has increased over the past five school years (as reported by Public School Review).

Public schools in Kenilworth, NJ, have average math and reading proficiency scores below the New Jersey state average (as reported by Public School Review). For instance, math proficiency is 32% compared to the state average of 38%, and reading proficiency is 40% compared to the statewide average of 49%. In contrast, Kenilworth School and Sixth Form in the UK is rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted across all five categories, including quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth-form provision (as reported by Ofsted and Kenilworth Nub News).

Demographics and Population

Kenilworth is a community with a relatively small population and a predominantly White demographic. As of the 2020 census, Kenilworth, IL, had a population of 2,514, with a population density of 4,142 inhabitants per square mile (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial composition is largely White, making up 83.78% of the population, with smaller percentages of Asian, other races, and multiracial individuals (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes).

The median age in Kenilworth, IL, is 40.9 years, with slightly more females than males (as reported by Data USA). In Kenilworth, NJ, the median age is reported as 38.5 years, similar to the Union County and New Jersey averages (as reported by Census Reporter). The majority of housing units in Kenilworth, IL, are owner-occupied, with 97.5% of homes being owned by their residents (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Kenilworth

Kenilworth presents a compelling case for potential residents, offering a safe environment and a strong sense of community. The town’s crime rates are often below national averages (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer and Kenilworth Watch), contributing to a secure living atmosphere. Furthermore, Kenilworth is known for its well-planned development and is considered an affluent community, particularly in Illinois, where it’s recognized as one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the Midwest (as reported by Salary.com).

However, the cost of living, especially housing, can be a significant consideration. In Kenilworth, NJ, living expenses are 26% higher than the national average, largely due to housing costs that are 79% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com and PayScale). While the job market offers opportunities, the high cost of living may offset some of the benefits of higher median incomes reported in some areas (as reported by Joblist and ERI Economic Research Institute).