Is Kingsport Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kingsport

Kingsport, Tennessee, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a growing community. This city provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, balancing a connection to the outdoors with the amenities of a mid-sized urban center. Its location along the Holston River and proximity to the Tri-Cities region contribute to its appeal for those seeking both a peaceful environment and access to broader economic and cultural opportunities.

The city’s history is rooted in industry and innovation, with a legacy that continues to shape its present. As Kingsport evolves, it remains a place where community values and a forward-looking perspective intersect. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for anyone considering making Kingsport their home.

Is it Safe to Live in Kingsport?

Kingsport’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a rate of 43.75 per 1,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Kingsport is approximately 1 in 29 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to other communities of similar population size, Kingsport’s crime rate for both violent and property crimes is notably above average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Violent crime in Kingsport occurs at a rate of 4 per 1,000 inhabitants, with your chance of being a victim of violent crime being 1 in 227 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also a concern, with a chance of victimization at 1 in 34 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, Kingsport has a high rate of motor vehicle theft, with a chance of your car being stolen at 1 in 330 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

However, local sentiment suggests that some areas are perceived as safer than others. Residents generally consider the southern part of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime varying by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 21 in the northeast to 1 in 32 in the south (as reported by AreaVibes). While the overall crime rate is a concern, understanding these neighborhood variations can be crucial for potential residents.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Kingsport presents a mixed picture for potential buyers and renters. The median listing price for a home in Kingsport was $274,999 as of March 2026 (according to Realtor.com®). In March 2026, Kingsport home prices saw an increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year, with homes selling for a median price of $315,000 (as reported by Redfin).

For renters, the average rent in Kingsport hovers around $1,350 per month (as reported by Zillow). RentCafe indicates the average monthly rent is $1,243, with prices for apartments ranging from $650 for a studio to over $1,417 for a three-bedroom rental (as reported by RentCafe). Apartments.com suggests that rent in Kingsport falls between $945 and $1,417, depending on the number of bedrooms.

The homeownership rate in Kingsport is 60.1%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Property values have seen an increase, with the median property value in Kingsport reaching $234,100 in 2024, a 15.3% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes selling after an average of 94 days on the market in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Cost of Living

Kingsport offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many. The overall cost of living in Kingsport is approximately 9% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by Apartments.com and Redfin). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, utilities, and groceries.

Housing expenses are notably lower in Kingsport, being about 16% cheaper than the U.S. average (as reported by Apartments.com). Utilities are also more affordable, costing around 14% less than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Groceries and clothing also tend to be more budget-friendly, with groceries being about 3% cheaper and clothing around 4% less expensive than the national average (as reported by RentCafe).

For a single adult without dependents, an estimated salary of $62,000 before taxes is recommended to live comfortably in Kingsport (as reported by Apartments.com). The median household income in Kingsport is reported at $50,436 (as reported by RentCafe), though other sources indicate a median individual income of $31,301 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).

Job Market and Major Employers

Kingsport’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers, with Eastman Chemical Company being a dominant force. Eastman Chemical Company is the largest employer in Kingsport, employing 6,500 workers (as reported by Kingsport Times News). This global specialty chemicals company produces advanced materials, chemicals, and fibers used in everyday products (as reported by Zippia).

Other significant employers in the region include Domtar, Mountain States Health Alliance, Wellmont, and various school districts such as Kingsport City Schools and Sullivan County Schools (as reported by Livability.com). The healthcare sector is also a key contributor, with Ballad Health being a major employer in the broader Tri-Cities area, encompassing numerous facilities and employing around 13,000 individuals (as reported by YouTube).

The job market shows signs of growth, with employment in Kingsport increasing by 1.67% between 2023 and 2024, leading to approximately 24,100 employed individuals (as reported by Data USA). The most common occupations are in office and administrative support, sales and related fields, and management (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Kingsport was 4.1% as of February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons).

Climate and Weather

Kingsport experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with average temperatures ranging from 27°F to 87°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city has an average annual precipitation of 46 inches, with about 6 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Kingsport are typically long, warm, and humid, with July being the hottest month, featuring average highs of 87°F and lows of 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The air can feel uncomfortably humid during July and August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are shorter and colder, with January seeing the lowest temperatures, averaging a high of 46°F and a low of 27°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with July being the wettest month, receiving an average of 5 inches of precipitation. October is the driest month, with an average of 2.3 inches of rain (as reported by Weather & Climate). The city experiences approximately 158 days per year with comfortable weather, with the best times to visit being from April to June and again from September to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Kingsport is served by Kingsport City Schools, which consistently receives strong ratings and recognition. The district has a rating of 4.38 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche). Kingsport City Schools has also been ranked as the “#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee” (as reported by U.S. News & World Report and Niche).

Several schools within the district have been recognized for their academic excellence. Dobyns-Bennett High School is noted as a top-performing high school, ranking among the best in Tennessee (as reported by SchoolDigger and U.S. News & World Report). Elementary schools like John Adams Elementary and George Washington Elementary, and middle schools such as Ross N. Robinson Middle School, have also received high rankings and accolades for their performance (as reported by SchoolDigger and U.S. News & World Report).

The Kingsport City School District comprises 13 schools, serving over 7,400 students, and has achieved a Level 5 composite score in the Tennessee Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS) for eight consecutive years (as reported by U.S. News & World Report). This indicates a high level of academic growth across the district.

Demographics and Population

Kingsport has an estimated population of 56,262 residents as of the most recent data (as reported by Census Dots and Point2Homes), showing a slight increase from the 55,442 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by Wikipedia). The population is predominantly White, making up approximately 89.2% of residents (as reported by Census Dots).

The racial composition also includes smaller percentages of Hispanic (3.7%), Multiracial (3.2%), Black or African American (2.7%), and Asian (1.0%) populations (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic makeup is less diverse than the state of Tennessee overall, with a significantly higher share of White residents (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Kingsport is around 43 years (as reported by Data Commons and Point2Homes). The population distribution shows about 16.4% are children under 15, with 23.3% being 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). Gender-wise, 46.3% of Kingsport locals are male, and 53.7% are female (as reported by Point2Homes).