Is Kennedale Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kennedale
Kennedale, Texas, offers a blend of suburban comfort and community-focused living, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a quieter pace while remaining connected to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This city balances a friendly atmosphere with practical amenities, providing a solid foundation for families and individuals alike.
The following article explores the safety, lifestyle, and key aspects of living in Kennedale, providing a comprehensive overview for potential residents. It delves into the cost of living, job market, educational opportunities, and the general climate of the area, aiming to equip you with the information needed to make an informed decision about calling Kennedale home.
Is it Safe to Live in Kennedale?
When considering a move, understanding the safety of a city is paramount. Kennedale presents a nuanced picture regarding crime rates, with varying statistics depending on the source and the specific crime category. While some reports indicate a higher-than-average violent crime rate compared to the national average, others suggest an overall crime rate significantly below national figures.
One report indicates a violent crime rate of 169.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 140% higher than the national average, leading to a safety grade of F (High Risk) from that specific source (PlainCrime). Conversely, another analysis of FBI data suggests that Kennedale has a lower crime rate than 73% of communities in Texas, with the chance of becoming a victim of any crime being one in 199, compared to one in 47 nationally (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are reported as significantly below the national average in some analyses, while others suggest a property crime rate higher than the average US city (AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org).
Housing and Cost of Living
The housing market in Kennedale shows a trend of increasing home values. The median sale price of a home in Kennedale was $502,000 in March 2026, marking a 24.0% increase since the previous year (Redfin). The median property value was $380,100 in 2024, which is higher than the national average (Data USA). The homeownership rate in Kennedale is 71.4%, which is higher than the national average (Data USA).
The overall cost of living in Kennedale is slightly lower than the national average. Kennedale, Texas’s cost of living is 3% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 2% lower than the national average (Payscale). However, utility prices are 13% higher than the national average. The median rent in Kennedale is approximately $1,373 per month, which is 16% lower than the national average rent (Apartments.com).
Housing Costs
For those looking to buy, the median sale price of a home in Kennedale was $502,000 as of March 2026, with prices up 24.0% year-over-year (Redfin). The median price per square foot is $173, showing a slight increase from the previous year (Redfin). The median property value in Kennedale was $380,100 in 2024, a 6.68% increase from the prior year (Data USA). This upward trend in property values suggests a competitive market for homebuyers.
Rental prices offer a more affordable entry point into the Kennedale housing market. The average rent in Kennedale is $1,373 per month as of May 2026, which is 16% lower than the national average (Apartments.com). A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,373 per month, while a two-bedroom averages around $1,996 per month (Apartments.com). This makes Kennedale a more affordable option for renters compared to many other U.S. cities.
Job Market and Economy
Kennedale’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries and a growing employment sector. The largest employment sectors for residents include Construction, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing (Data USA). These industries provide a substantial number of jobs within the community, contributing to the local economy.
The employment rate in Kennedale has seen steady growth, with employment increasing by 0.602% from 2023 to 2024 (Data USA). The highest-paying industries in Kennedale are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, followed by Other Services Except Public Administration and Finance & Insurance (Data USA). This indicates opportunities for skilled professionals in specialized fields within the Kennedale area.
Major Employers
While specific company data for Kennedale is limited, major employers in the broader Tarrant County area, which includes Kennedale, offer insight into the regional job landscape. Companies such as General Motors, Arlington Independent School District, and the University of Texas at Arlington are significant employers in the vicinity (Wikipedia). In Kennedale itself, the largest companies by revenue include entities in sectors like discount retail, equipment rental, and metal manufacturing (Lensa).
The local economy also benefits from a variety of businesses, with Construction, Manufacturing, and Education being leading industries by job count (ZoomProspector). This diverse industrial base provides a range of employment opportunities for residents, contributing to the economic stability of the area.
Education and Schools
Kennedale is served by the Kennedale Independent School District, which is rated as above average by Niche. The district serves approximately 2,754 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (Niche). State test scores indicate that 36% of students are proficient in math and 50% in reading (Niche).
Individual schools within the district also receive varying grades. For example, James F. Delaney Elementary School and R.F. Patterson Elementary School both have a B or B-minus rating (Niche). Kennedale High School is rated as a B-minus, with 24% of students proficient in math and 51% in reading (Niche). The district’s overall performance suggests a solid educational foundation for students residing in Kennedale.
School District Performance
The Kennedale Independent School District is recognized for being among the best school districts for athletes in Texas, ranking #79 out of 795 (Niche). It is also noted as one of the more diverse school districts in the state, ranking #106 out of 888 (Niche). These rankings highlight the district’s commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience that includes athletic opportunities and embraces diversity.
While the district receives an overall B rating from Niche, specific schools within the district may have different performance metrics. Kennedale Junior High School, for instance, has a B-minus rating, with 39% of students proficient in math and 54% in reading (Niche). This mixed performance across different schools indicates areas of strength and potential for improvement within the district.
Climate and Weather
Kennedale experiences a climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The average maximum temperature in the warmest month, August, is around 95°F, while the coldest month, January, has an average minimum temperature of about 38°F (IDcide). Temperatures can fluctuate, with the hot season lasting from June to September and the cool season from November to February (WeatherSpark). The temperature typically varies between 37°F and 96°F throughout the year (WeatherSpark).
Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with an annual average of about 9.99 inches (IDcide). The wettest month is typically May, with an average rainfall of 5.34 inches (IDcide). Conversely, July tends to be the driest month. The area experiences moderate temperature variations between day and night, particularly during the summer and winter months (IDcide).
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summers in Kennedale are hot and muggy, with daily high temperatures frequently exceeding 88°F from June through September (WeatherSpark). Winters are generally cold and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 65°F from late November to late February (WeatherSpark). The region is partly cloudy year-round, offering a mix of sunny and overcast days.
Rainfall is most significant in May, which can see an average of 10.7 days with rain (WeatherSpark). The drier season spans from late October to early April. Long-range forecasts for the area suggest warmer and wetter conditions during spring months, with potential for tropical storm activity in late May (The Old Farmer’s Almanac).
Demographics and Community
Kennedale is home to a population of approximately 9,439 residents, with a median age of 38.6 years (Data USA). The community is diverse, with White residents making up the largest ethnic group at 51%, followed by Hispanic (21%) and African American (16%) populations (Niche). Most residents are U.S. citizens, with a citizenship rate of 95% (Data USA).
The community tends to lean conservative, and many young professionals choose to live in Kennedale, contributing to a suburban feel (Niche). The majority of residents own their homes, with a homeownership rate of 71.4% (Data USA). This indicates a stable and established community where residents are invested in their properties.
Population Characteristics
The median household income in Kennedale was $118,794 in 2024, significantly higher than the national average (Data USA, Niche). This economic stability is reflected in the community’s low poverty rate, with 11.3% of the population living below the poverty line, which is lower than the national average (Data USA). Households led by residents aged 25-44 have a median income of $119,332, and those with someone aged 45-64 earn $121,525 (Data USA).
In terms of education, 20% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree, and 7% have a master’s degree or higher, though these figures are slightly below national averages (Niche). The average commute time for residents is 32.4 minutes, and most people drive alone to work (Data USA). The community is also characterized by a high rate of car ownership, with an average of two cars per household (Data USA).