Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kenly, NC
Considering a move to Kenly, NC? This welcoming small town of 1,491 boasts affordable living, with median home prices around $153,000 and average rents at $860. Residents enjoy mild Southern weather with 61% sunny days, quick commute times under 24 minutes, and easy access to local healthcare. While crime rates are a bit higher than average, Kenly’s friendly community, low cost of living, and proximity to schools and amenities make it a great option for those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Demographics - Kenly, NC
Kenly is a small town of about 1,491 residents, with a median age of 41, offering a balanced mix of White, Black, and Hispanic populations. The community is close-knit with a moderate population density and a slight female majority. Non-English speakers make up around 6.5%, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
1,491
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
63.5%
Black:
26.1%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kenly, NC?
Kenly offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values at $153,000 and typical rents around $860. The overall cost of living index is well below the U.S. average, making it attractive for budget-conscious families. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, helping residents stretch their dollars further.
Median House Value:
$153,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,030
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.2
Housing:
54.8
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
89.1
Health Care:
92.7
Miscellaneous:
95.4
Crime
Is Kenly, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Kenly are somewhat higher than national averages, with a property crime rate of 2,180 per 100,000 and a violent crime risk of about 1 in 325. While most residents feel safe, it's wise to take standard precautions, especially regarding property security. The town maintains a strong community spirit despite these statistics.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
308
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,488
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 325
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Kenly, NC year-round?
Kenly experiences mild Southern weather, with winters rarely dipping below freezing and warm, humid summers reaching up to 90°F. The town enjoys about 61% sunny days annually and receives around 46 inches of rainfall, making for pleasant outdoor living most of the year.

Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
52°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Residents in Kenly have a median household income of about $40,250, with a poverty rate of 22.8%. The community values education, with over three-quarters holding at least a high school diploma, and enjoys short average commute times of around 24 minutes. Public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting the town's small-town character.
Median Income:
$29,700
Household Income:
$40,250
Family Income:
$49,800
Per Capita Income:
$18,350
Income Male:
$33,500
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
22.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
78.2%
Bachelors or More:
11.6%
Education
How are the schools in Kenly, NC?
Kenly offers public education through Glendale-Kenly Elementary, featuring a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15:1. While private schools are not present in town, higher education is accessible at Johnston Community College, located just 13 miles away. Families benefit from local schooling options and nearby college programs.

Public Schools
Name:
Glendale-Kenly Elementary School
Street:
2001 Bay Valley Rd
Phone:
919-284-2821
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1

Colleges
Name:
Johnston Community College
City:
Smithfield
State:
NC
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kenly is supported by facilities like Johnston Health Smithfield, just a short drive away, offering general and emergency care. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are well met locally. The healthcare index suggests services are accessible and reasonably priced.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Johnston Health Smithfield
Address:
509 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone:
(919) 934-8171
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.1%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kenly, NC?
Kenly's housing market is accessible, with median home prices at $153,000 and 58% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are affordable, with average two-bedroom rents at $860 and a vacancy rate under 8%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, signaling a stable investment for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$153,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Kenly residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Smithfield, offering convenient access for licensing and vehicle services. The DMV is located at 3140 US-301 S, and more information is available online or by phone. This proximity makes handling driving and registration needs straightforward for locals.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3140 US-301 S, Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone:
919-965-4823
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.