Is Kenneth City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kenneth City
Kenneth City, a small town in Pinellas County, Florida, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant St. Petersburg metropolitan area. With a population hovering around 5,000 residents, it provides a close-knit community atmosphere. This locale is well-suited for those seeking a quieter pace of life while remaining close to urban amenities and the picturesque Gulf Coast beaches.
The town’s strategic location is a significant draw, placing it within easy reach of major employment centers, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. This accessibility, combined with a generally lower cost of living compared to national averages, makes Kenneth City an attractive option for a diverse range of residents, from young professionals to retirees.
Is it Safe to Live in Kenneth City?
Kenneth City presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average, with some sources indicating it is safer than a significant percentage of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that while crime exists, it is not a pervasive issue, and residents can feel reasonably secure.
Violent crime rates in Kenneth City are also noted to be lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The town’s safety grade is often described as a B+, indicating a crime rate below that of the average U.S. city (as reported by OpenCrime). Residents generally consider the northwest and southeast parts of the city to be the safest areas (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and CrimeExplorer.org).
Crime Statistics and Trends
Over a recent five-year period, Kenneth City recorded a specific number of violent and property crimes (as reported by CrimeExplorer.org). The average violent crime rate per 100,000 residents is reported, which is noted as being above the national average in one report (as reported by CrimeExplorer.org). Conversely, another analysis states that violent crimes in Kenneth City are 41% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates are reported to be below the national average (as reported by CrimeExplorer.org). The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Kenneth City is approximately 1 in 75 (as reported by AreaVibes). Crime trajectory in Kenneth City is described as stable, based on available data (as reported by OpenCrime).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Kenneth City is notably more affordable than the national average, making it an appealing destination for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing expenses, in particular, are significantly lower than the U.S. average, contributing to the overall affordability of the area (as reported by Payscale). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, creating a favorable economic environment for residents.
While housing costs are a major advantage, utility prices in Kenneth City are slightly higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are also marginally higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices tend to be a bit higher than the national average as well (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
Housing in Kenneth City offers significant value, with median home values considerably below the national average. One report indicates a median home value of $216,400 (as reported by Kurby AI), while another cites a median listing price of $129.9K with a median sale price of $203,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). These figures suggest a market that is accessible for many buyers.
The rental market in Kenneth City also presents affordable options. The average rent is reported to be around $1,305 per month, which is 21% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes renting in Kenneth City more budget-friendly compared to many other U.S. cities.
Income and Affordability
The median household income in Kenneth City is reported to be around $49,347 (as reported by Census Reporter and Kurby AI), which is below the national median. However, this is balanced by the lower cost of living, particularly in housing. The poverty rate in Kenneth City is approximately 13.8% (as reported by Census Reporter and Kurby AI).
To live comfortably in Kenneth City, based on average rent costs, an individual would need to earn approximately $52,200 per year (as reported by Apartments.com). This guideline suggests that a significant portion of the median income is available for other expenses after covering rent, indicating reasonable affordability for many residents.
Job Market and Economy
Kenneth City’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with key sectors including health care, retail trade, and manufacturing. Employment in these areas provides opportunities for residents within the town and the broader Tampa Bay region. The town itself is part of a larger economic landscape that offers a variety of professional avenues.
The unemployment rate in Kenneth City is reported to be low, with one source indicating it was 2.8% in 2023 (as reported by Census Depth). This rate is below the U.S. average, suggesting a stable job market. Many residents commute to larger employment hubs in nearby St. Petersburg and Tampa, leveraging the region’s diverse economic opportunities.
Major Employers
While specific major employers within Kenneth City are not detailed, the surrounding St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay area host numerous significant companies. These include major healthcare providers like Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg (as reported by Instawork). Financial services firms such as Raymond James Financial are also prominent employers in the region (as reported by Instawork).
Other key industries in the broader Tampa Bay area include technology, manufacturing, and education. Companies like Jabil, a global manufacturing leader, and HSN, an e-commerce and lifestyle company, are significant employers in the vicinity (as reported by Instawork and Become St. Pete). The presence of these large organizations contributes to the overall economic vitality of the region.
Climate
Kenneth City experiences a tropical climate, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The town is wet year-round, with distinct seasonal variations in rainfall (as reported by Weather Spark). The climate is generally favorable for outdoor activities for much of the year, with comfortable temperatures prevailing during certain seasons.
The hot season typically runs from late May to early October, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 79°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The cool season lasts from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 73°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 56°F and highs of 69°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Temperature and Rainfall
Average annual temperatures in Kenneth City generally range between 56°F and 89°F, rarely dropping below 45°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall is around 53 inches (as reported by Livability.com), with the wettest month being August, receiving about 6.5 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark).
The drier season extends from late September to early June, with November typically having the least amount of rainfall, averaging about 1.7 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The water temperature in the surrounding areas is cool from late December to late March, with February having the coolest average water temperature around 65°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
Demographics
Kenneth City is a diverse community with a population of approximately 5,000 residents. The racial composition includes a majority White population, with significant Hispanic and Multiracial communities. The town has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Reporter).
The median age in Kenneth City is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a significant retiree population. One report indicates a median age of 55.4 years (as reported by Data USA), with slightly more males than females. The population is characterized by a high percentage of U.S. citizens, exceeding the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Population and Diversity
The population of Kenneth City is estimated to be around 5,012, showing a slight change from the 2020 Census (as reported by Data USA and Census Reporter). The racial breakdown includes approximately 62.5% White, 19.7% Hispanic, 9.4% Multiracial, and 6.0% Black (as reported by Census Reporter). This diversity is a key characteristic of the town’s community.
The Hispanic population in Kenneth City has seen substantial growth, increasing its share of the total population significantly since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Reporter). This demographic shift contributes to the evolving cultural landscape of the town.
Education
The public schools serving Kenneth City are generally rated as above average, providing a solid educational foundation for the community’s younger residents. While specific schools within Kenneth City may vary in their ratings, the overall district performance is considered strong (as reported by Niche).
Notable schools in the vicinity include St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, which holds a high rating, and Osceola Fundamental High School, also well-regarded (as reported by Niche). These institutions contribute to the town’s appeal for families prioritizing education.
School Ratings and Performance
Schools in the Kenneth City area have received positive reviews, with several institutions earning high ratings on platforms like Niche. St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, for instance, has a rating of 4.37 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). Discovery Academy of Science Charter School also holds a favorable rating of 4.25 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
The educational landscape includes a mix of public and charter schools, offering various educational approaches. The performance of these schools, as indicated by their ratings and reviews, suggests a commitment to quality education within the community and its surrounding areas.