California / Alameda County

Moving to Kensington, CA

Thinking of making a move to Kensington, CA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kensington, CA

Considering a move to Kensington, CA? This welcoming community of 5,100 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $1,350,000 and average rents near $2,300. Commute times average 29 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (67% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kensington's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kensington, CA

Kensington has a population of 5,100 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 46 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 73% White, 7% Black, and 13% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
5,100
Density
6,900 per sq mi
Median Age
45.8
Gender Ratio
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
73.0%
Black
7.0%
Asian
12.5%
Others
7.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kensington, CA?

The cost of living in Kensington is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 205.0. Median home values are around $1,350,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,300. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$1,350,000
Gross Rent
$2,300
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$5,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 1.0%| High: 13.3%
Cost Of Living Index
205.0
Grocery
125.0
Housing
320.0
Utilities
116.0
Transportation
148.0
Health Care
112.0
Miscellaneous
129.0

Crime

Is Kensington, CA a safe place to live?

Kensington is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 61. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in California.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
220
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,650
Crime Index
1,870
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 61

Weather

What is the weather like in Kensington, CA year-round?

Kensington experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 76°F and cold winters dipping to 42°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 67% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
42°F
Max
58°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
76°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
24.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
67%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $182,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.8%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 68% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 29 minutes, and almost 20% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$145,000
Household Income
$182,000
Family Income
$210,000
Per Capita Income
$72,500
Income Male
$86,000
Income Female
$74,000
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Non English Speakers
22.0%
Rent
$2,300
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
19.5%
Commute Time
29.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
97.0%
Bachelors or More
68.0%

Education

How are the schools in Kensington, CA?

Kensington offers quality education options, with public schools like Kensington Elementary School and El Cerrito High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of California, Berkeley and Contra Costa College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kensington Elementary School
Street
90 14th St
Phone
510-231-1412
Students
320
Student Teacher Ratio
13.0
Name
El Cerrito High School
Street
540 Ashbury Ave
Phone
510-231-1442
Students
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio
22.0

Private Schools

Name
St. Jerome School
Street
10859 San Pablo Ave
Phone
510-233-4160
Students
280

Colleges

Name
University of California, Berkeley
City
Berkeley
State
CA
Distance
4 miles
Students
45,000
Name
Contra Costa College
City
San Pablo
State
CA
Distance
6 miles
Students
9,000

Healthcare

Kensington residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people and 95.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Address
2450 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone
(510) 204-4444
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center
Address
901 Nevin Ave, Richmond, CA 94801
Phone
(510) 307-1500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage
95.0%
Health Care Index
78.5

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kensington, CA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $1,350,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 66%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Kensington offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$1,350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,300
Owner Occupied Rate
66.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Kensington handle vehicle services through the California Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Sacramento. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
California
Department
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone
1-800-777-0133

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.

FAQs About Moving to Kensington, CA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kensington, review the core fields on this page: population 5,100, median home value $1,350,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,300, commute time 29.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 67%.

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