Is Kennesaw Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kennesaw

Is it Safe to Live in Kennesaw?

Kennesaw presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates varying by category and comparison point. Overall crime in Kennesaw is reported as being significantly lower than the national average (48% lower per 100,000 residents, according to AreaVibes). However, some sources indicate that Kennesaw is not among the safest communities in America, with a crime rate higher than 59% of Georgia’s cities and towns (NeighborhoodScout).

When examining specific crime types, Kennesaw’s violent crime rate is notably lower than the national average. In 2021, there were 137 violent crimes per 100,000 people, a figure 65% lower than the national average (FBI via Wirks Moving). Property crime rates also tend to be lower than the national average, with Kennesaw experiencing 40% fewer property crimes per 100,000 people in 2021 (FBI via Wirks Moving). Despite these lower-than-average statistics, it’s important to note that year-over-year crime in Kennesaw has seen an increase of 3% (AreaVibes).

Kennesaw’s Economic Landscape

Kennesaw’s job market is supported by a diverse range of major employers across various sectors. Key industries include biotech, advanced manufacturing, and logistics, with companies like Artivion, Crane Nuclear, and Novelis playing significant roles (Kennesaw Development Authority). The transportation and warehousing sector is also a substantial employer, featuring companies such as Atlanta Bonded Warehouse, Estes Express Lines, and FedEx Ground (Kennesaw Development Authority).

The healthcare sector is another significant contributor to Kennesaw’s employment opportunities, with Wellstar Health System being one of the largest employers, operating Wellstar Kennestone & Cobb Hospitals and employing over 5,000 staff (Kennesaw Development Authority). Kennesaw State University also stands as a major employer and economic driver, ranking among the largest employers in the metro Atlanta area (Kennesaw Development Authority, News).

Job Market and Salaries

The average salary in Kennesaw varies depending on the source, with some reporting an average annual salary around $48,474 (ZipRecruiter), while others indicate a higher average of $67,916 per year (ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Kennesaw was $83,356 as of the most recent Census Bureau data. This income level supports a cost of living that is generally comparable to, or slightly above, the national average (Living Cost.org).

The unemployment rate in Georgia was 3.6% as of February 2026 (USAFacts). This figure reflects the broader economic health of the region where Kennesaw is located. The employment rate within Kennesaw itself is reported as 95.11% (BestNeighborhood.org).

Housing Market and Costs

The housing market in Kennesaw is described as somewhat competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly. As of March 2026, the median home price in Kennesaw was $352,000, showing a year-over-year increase of 2.5% (Redfin). The median listing price for new homes for sale is around $380,000 (Redfin).

Rental costs in Kennesaw are generally in line with or slightly below national averages. As of May 2026, the average rent for an apartment in Kennesaw was $1,491 per month, which is 9% lower than the national average (Apartments.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $1,491, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,769 per month (Apartments.com).

Climate and Weather in Kennesaw

Kennesaw experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and short, cold, and wet winters. The summer season typically lasts from late May through September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 80°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 87°F and lows near 71°F (WeatherSpark).

The cooler part of the year extends from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 58°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 35°F and highs near 51°F (WeatherSpark). The city experiences seasonal variations in cloud cover, with clearer skies from mid-July to late November, and a cloudier period from late November through mid-July (WeatherSpark). Rainfall is a factor throughout the year, with the chance of showers and thunderstorms being present at various times, particularly in the spring and summer months (National Weather Service).

Education and Demographics in Kennesaw

Kennesaw is served by a public school system, with Kennesaw Elementary School receiving an “A minus” overall grade from Niche, highlighting its strengths in academics and student-teacher ratio (Niche). For secondary education, Kennesaw Mountain High School also holds an “A+” overall grade, recognized for its diversity and college preparatory programs (Niche). These schools contribute to a community where a significant portion of the adult population has attained higher education, with 47.3% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (US Census Bureau).

The population of Kennesaw was 33,036 as of the 2020 Census, with a projected increase to around 34.6k residents in 2024 (Data USA). The demographic makeup is diverse, with White residents constituting approximately 53.1% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 22.3% (US Census Bureau, Census Dots). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 13.6% of the population, and Asian residents represent around 5.1% (Census Dots). The median age in Kennesaw is around 32 years (Wikipedia).

Pros and Cons of Living in Kennesaw

Kennesaw offers a blend of suburban living with access to amenities, making it an attractive place for many. The city boasts a strong job market with diverse employment opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and education (Kennesaw Development Authority). The presence of Kennesaw State University not only provides educational avenues but also contributes to the local economy and cultural vibrancy.

However, the cost of living in Kennesaw can be a consideration, with some sources indicating it is slightly above the national average, particularly in housing costs (Living Cost.org, AreaVibes). While crime rates are generally lower than national averages, they are higher than many other areas in Georgia, and there has been a slight increase in crime year-over-year (NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). The climate, with hot and humid summers, may also be a drawback for those sensitive to heat and humidity.