Is New Kensington Safe, Pros and cons of living in New Kensington
New Kensington, Pennsylvania, is a city with a rich industrial past, nestled along the Allegheny River. It is part of the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area and offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to urban amenities. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with its manufacturing heritage, particularly with the presence of early industrial giants like Alcoa.
Today, New Kensington continues to evolve, presenting a distinct character shaped by its economic and social landscape. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to this Westmoreland County community, covering essential aspects of life there.
Is it Safe to Live in New Kensington?
New Kensington’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with specific concerns regarding property crime. The city’s crime rate is 34.8% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes are also above the national average, reported at 27.1% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Your chance of being a victim of crime in New Kensington varies by neighborhood, with some areas being safer than others. While the southeast part of the city is considered the safest, the western neighborhoods experience a higher incidence of crime. Property crimes, including burglary and larceny, are a particular concern, with a rate of 24 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Crime Trends and Statistics
Over the past five years, New Kensington has recorded a significant number of both violent and property crimes. The city recorded 539 violent crimes and 1,066 property crimes between 2019 and 2023 (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
While the overall crime rate is higher than the national average, there are nuances within specific crime categories. For instance, motor vehicle theft rates are notably lower than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). However, burglary and larceny rates are higher than the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
Cost of Living in New Kensington
New Kensington offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living index is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
This affordability is largely driven by lower housing expenses. Housing costs in New Kensington are 27% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale) and 40% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home value is approximately $116,300 (as reported by Kurby AI), and the median rent is around $748 per month (as reported by Kurby AI).
Housing Costs
The housing market in New Kensington presents a significant advantage for potential residents. The median home value is considerably lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible. As of March 2026, the median list price for homes in New Kensington was $169,900 (as reported by Realtor.com).
Rental prices are also notably affordable. The average rent in New Kensington is approximately $733 per month, which is 55% lower than the national average (as reported by Rent.). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $733 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $892 per month (as reported by Rent.).
Utilities and Transportation
While housing is affordable, some other expenses can be higher than the national average. Utility prices in New Kensington are 22% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are also 11% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
The average commute time for residents is approximately 25.1 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA). Car ownership is also around the national average, with an average of two cars per household (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
New Kensington’s job market is influenced by its industrial history and its proximity to Pittsburgh. The most common employment sectors for residents include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance (as reported by Data USA).
The average annual salary in New Kensington is approximately $50,000, with an hourly rate of $24.04 (as reported by Zippia). The median household income was $65,257 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). However, some sources indicate a lower median income, with one report stating $32,050 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).
Major Employers
While specific major employers can fluctuate, historically, companies like Alcoa played a significant role in New Kensington’s economy. Today, various companies operate within the city and surrounding areas, including those in retail, manufacturing, and services. Some of the companies with a presence in New Kensington include McDonald’s, ALDI, UPS, and Dollar General (as reported by Indeed.com).
The manufacturing sector continues to be a notable employer, with companies like Re:Build Manufacturing and Accrotool, Inc. operating in the area (as reported by Indeed.com). Educational institutions and healthcare facilities also contribute to the local employment landscape.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania, as of March 2026, stood at 4.2 percent, unchanged from the previous month (as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry). This rate is slightly below the U.S. national unemployment rate of 4.3 percent for the same period (as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry).
The civilian labor force in Pennsylvania comprises an estimated number of residents working or looking for work. As of March 2026, this force was approximately 6,593,000 individuals (as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry).
Climate in New Kensington
New Kensington experiences a climate typical of the northeastern United States, with distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm, while winters are cold and snowy. The annual temperature range in New Kensington is from approximately 19°F in the winter to 84°F in the summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city receives an average of 44 inches of precipitation annually, with about 29 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity levels are comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.
Seasonal Temperatures and Precipitation
Throughout the year, temperatures typically vary from a low of 22°F in January to a high of 83°F in July (as reported by Weather Spark). The cold season lasts for about three months, from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 46°F.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with June typically being the wettest month, averaging around 3.4 inches of precipitation. January sees the least amount of rain, with an average of 1.5 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The city experiences an average of 177 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between May and September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in New Kensington
New Kensington is served by the New Kensington-Arnold School District, which provides educational services for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has a C overall Niche grade, with a rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche).
The district has approximately 1,991 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, about 16% of students are proficient in math and 30% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
School District Performance
While the New Kensington-Arnold School District serves the community, its performance is rated as average compared to other districts in Pennsylvania. Niche ranks it as #148 among Pennsylvania school districts (as reported by Niche).
Some of the schools within the district include Martin School for elementary grades and Valley Junior/Senior High School for older students. Reviews of the district suggest mixed experiences, with some praising specific programs and teachers while others highlight areas for improvement in academic achievement and school environment (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of New Kensington
New Kensington is home to a population of approximately 12,011 residents as of the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in the city is around 48.6 years, with a slightly older demographic compared to the national average (as reported by Data Commons and Kurby AI).
The racial makeup of New Kensington is predominantly White, accounting for about 83.5% of the population. African Americans make up about 9.3% of the residents, with smaller percentages identifying with other racial groups or two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes and AreaVibes).
Population and Age Distribution
The population of New Kensington has seen a slight decline in recent years. As of 2026, the estimated population is 11,741, reflecting a decrease of 3.36% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review).
The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the older age brackets. Around 22.4% of residents are 65 or older, and 30.8% are between 45 and 64 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). This contrasts with about 13.6% of the population being children under 15 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Income and Household Data
The median household income in New Kensington was reported as $49,063 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes and World Population Review). However, other sources cite different figures, with one indicating a median income of $32,050 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).
The poverty rate in New Kensington is around 16.04% (as reported by World Population Review). The average household size is two members, with about 50.1% of households being families and the remaining 49.9% consisting of individuals or non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in New Kensington
New Kensington offers a compelling mix of affordability and community appeal, balanced by certain challenges. The lower cost of living, particularly in housing, is a significant draw for many. The median home value and rent are substantially below national averages, making it an accessible place to settle down (as reported by Kurby AI, AreaVibes).
The city’s historical roots and its position within the Pittsburgh metropolitan area provide a unique character. Residents benefit from a sense of community while still having access to the amenities and opportunities of a larger urban center. However, the higher-than-average crime rates, particularly for property crimes, are a notable concern for potential residents (as reported by AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout).
Advantages of New Kensington
One of the primary advantages of living in New Kensington is its affordability. Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, allowing for greater financial flexibility. The median home value is approximately $116,300, and the median rent is around $748 per month (as reported by Kurby AI).
The community atmosphere, combined with the natural beauty of the Allegheny River, offers a pleasant living environment. Proximity to Pittsburgh also provides access to a wider range of employment, cultural, and recreational activities. Residents enjoy an average commute time of 25.1 minutes, with most driving to work (as reported by Data USA).
Disadvantages of New Kensington
Despite its affordability, New Kensington faces challenges related to safety and economic opportunity. The crime rate is higher than the national average, which can be a deterrent for some individuals and families (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the average salary is around $50,000, the median household income is lower than in many other areas, and the poverty rate is notable (as reported by Zippia, World Population Review). The educational system, while serving the community, has areas that require improvement, with the New Kensington-Arnold School District receiving an average rating (as reported by Niche).