Is Kennett Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kennett
Kennett, Missouri, offers a distinct living experience characterized by its affordability and a slower pace of life, nestled in the southeastern “Bootheel” region of the state. This area is predominantly agricultural, with Kennett serving as its largest city. The community provides a close-knit atmosphere, appealing to those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers.
The city presents a unique blend of small-town charm and essential amenities, making it a viable option for various demographics, including families, retirees, and first-time homebuyers. Understanding the various facets of life in Kennett, from its economic landscape to its environment, is key for anyone considering a move to this Missouri community.
Is it Safe to Live in Kennett?
Kennett’s crime rate presents a complex picture, with overall crime rates significantly higher than the national average. The city experiences a crime rate of 45 per one thousand residents, placing it among communities with higher crime rates across the United States (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Within Missouri, a majority of communities have lower crime rates compared to Kennett (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crimes, including offenses like robbery and aggravated assault, occur at a rate that is above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Property crimes, such as burglary and larceny, are also a concern, with rates exceeding national averages (as reported by Crime Explorer). While the city’s overall crime rate is a concern, neighborhood safety can vary, with some areas considered safer than others (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Statistics
The violent crime rate in Kennett is notably higher than the national average. Specifically, the annual rate stands at 168.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 58.4% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Robbery rates are particularly high, falling into a Grade F category with an annual rate of 9.9 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 5.8 per 100,000 residents (as reported by Crime Explorer).
Aggravated assault also contributes to the higher violent crime statistics, with an annual rate of 29.7 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 22.3 per 100,000 residents (as reported by Crime Explorer). These figures suggest that residents face a greater risk of experiencing violent crime compared to the national average.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime rates in Kennett are also considerably elevated when compared to national figures. The average property crime rate is 336.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 105.7% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Burglary rates are particularly concerning, with an annual rate of 59.4 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 24.0 per 100,000 residents (as reported by Crime Explorer).
Larceny incidents also contribute to the elevated property crime rate, standing at 257.4 per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average of 116.4 per 100,000 residents (as reported by Crime Explorer). While motor vehicle theft rates are lower than the national average, the overall prevalence of property crime is a significant factor in the city’s safety profile.
Cost of Living in Kennett
Kennett is recognized for its affordability, with a cost of living that is notably lower than both the state and national averages. The overall cost of living index in Kennett is 80, indicating it is 20% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends across various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Housing costs are a significant driver of this affordability, being substantially lower than the national average. This makes Kennett a more accessible market for both homeowners and renters compared to many other areas in the United States. The lower cost of living can allow residents to allocate more of their income to savings or other discretionary spending.
Housing Costs
Housing expenses in Kennett are significantly below the national average, making homeownership and renting more accessible. The median home price in Kennett is approximately $132,000 (as reported by Homes.com). Other sources indicate a median home value around $104,451 (as reported by Livability.com) or $98,000 (as reported by Kurby AI), with some reports showing a median listing price of $99,000 (as reported by Kennett Housing Market & Rental trends).
Monthly housing costs, including rent and utilities, are also considerably lower. The median gross rent in Kennett is around $651 per month (as reported by Data USA), and another source states a median monthly rent of $458 (as reported by Livability.com). For homeowners, the median property value was reported as $112,000 (as reported by Data USA) or $97,600 (as reported by Data USA), with a median property tax of $2,389 (as reported by Livability.com).
Income and Expenses
The median household income in Kennett varies slightly across different reports, with figures around $55,450 (as reported by Livability.com) and $52,907 (as reported by Kurby AI and Point2Homes). Another source indicates an average annual household income of $65,365 (as reported by Point2Homes), while ERI SalaryExpert reports an average salary of $57,292 per year or $28 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). ZipRecruiter estimates the average annual pay to be $47,598 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), and another estimate places the average annual salary at $46,141 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
These income levels, combined with the lower cost of living, contribute to the city’s affordability. For example, monthly living costs are estimated at $2205 for singles and $4855 for families of four, which is 11% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Major Employers
The job market in Kennett is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with a notable presence in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade. Employment in Kennett has seen a slight decline in recent periods, with a decrease of -3.48% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA).
Several key employers contribute to the local economy. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance, employing a significant number of residents, followed by Manufacturing and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Companies like Parker Hannifin, Greenbrier Companies, and Manac are noted in the manufacturing sector (as reported by Indeed.com). Additionally, large retail chains such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General are prominent employers in the area (as reported by Indeed.com).
Employment Sectors
The primary employment sectors in Kennett are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade. These sectors collectively employ a substantial portion of the local workforce. In the Health Care & Social Assistance sector, approximately 1,950 people are employed (as reported by Data USA). The Manufacturing sector employs around 1,793 individuals, while the Retail Trade sector provides employment for approximately 1,435 residents (as reported by Data USA).
Other significant employment areas include Production Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations. These job groups represent a substantial part of the employment landscape, offering various opportunities within the Kennett community.
Major Employers
Key companies operating in Kennett contribute significantly to the local job market. In the manufacturing sector, Parker Hannifin, a global leader in motion and control technologies, has a presence (as reported by Indeed.com). The Greenbrier Companies, a supplier of transportation equipment, is another notable employer (as reported by Indeed.com).
Retail giants like Walmart and McDonald’s also play a crucial role in employment within Kennett (as reported by Indeed.com). Furthermore, Cim-Tek Filtration has recently expanded its operations in Kennett, adding to the manufacturing base and creating new job opportunities (as reported by Dunklin County Economic Development).
Climate in Kennett
Kennett experiences a climate with distinct seasonal variations, including long, hot, and humid summers, and cold, wet, and windy winters. The temperature throughout the year typically ranges from 31°F to 90°F, rarely dropping below 16°F or exceeding 96°F (as reported by Time and Date). The city is characterized by partly cloudy weather year-round.
The region receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, with April being the wettest month, averaging 4.6 inches of rain. August typically sees the least amount of rainfall, with an average of 2.3 inches (as reported by Time and Date). The average annual rainfall for Kennett is approximately 49 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Temperatures
The hot season in Kennett typically lasts from late May to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 81°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 89°F and lows of 72°F (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 54°F.
January is the coldest month, experiencing average lows of 31°F and highs of 46°F (as reported by Time and Date). The average annual temperature in Kennett is around 59°F, with average highs of 90°F and average lows of 27°F (as reported by Time and Date).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Kennett experiences considerable seasonal variation in monthly rainfall. The wettest month is April, with an average rainfall of 4.6 inches, while August is the driest, with an average of 2.3 inches (as reported by Time and Date). The average annual precipitation is approximately 4.08 inches (as reported by Time and Date). Snowfall is minimal, with an average annual snowfall of about 7 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
The city’s weather patterns are influenced by its location in the Bootheel of Missouri. The average annual rainfall is about 49 inches (as reported by Livability.com), and the monthly averages show significant fluctuations throughout the year. For instance, March sees an average of 4.64 inches of rain, while September averages 3.41 inches (as reported by Time and Date).
Education in Kennett
The Kennett 39 School District serves the city, encompassing several schools from elementary to high school levels. While the district as a whole faces challenges, including lower academic performance and high poverty rates, there are specific schools that show potential (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
The district’s overall performance is rated as a C+ by Niche, with a rating of 3.75 out of 5 stars. The district serves PK-12 students and has a student enrollment of 1,858 across 7 schools (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
School Performance
Academic performance within the Kennett 39 School District generally falls below state averages in key subjects like math, science, and English language arts. However, South Elementary is noted as a higher-performing school within the district, demonstrating better proficiency rates in these areas compared to district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This school also holds the highest rating among Kennett schools on SchoolDigger, with a 2 out of 5 stars rating.
In contrast, Kennett High School, while having a lower statewide ranking and a 1-star rating, boasts a strong four-year graduation rate of 92.7%, which is higher than both district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This highlights a mixed performance across the district’s educational institutions.
Demographics and Diversity
Kennett’s population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, and other racial or ethnic groups. As of the most recent data, White residents constitute about 76.7% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 11.1%, and those of Two or More races at 9.5% (as reported by Point2Homes and Kennett Demographics). Hispanic or Latino individuals make up a smaller portion of the population.
The city has a population of approximately 10,196 residents, with a slight annual decline rate (as reported by Point2Homes and Kennett Demographics). The median age in Kennett is around 41.4 years (as reported by Kennett Demographics). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a high naturalization rate (as reported by Data USA).