Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New Kensington, PA
Considering a move to New Kensington, PA? With a population just over 12,000, this riverside city offers affordable living, with median home prices at $80,500 and average rents around $770. Residents enjoy a modest cost of living, reasonable commute times (about 25 minutes), and access to local schools and Penn State’s campus. While crime rates are above national averages, the area features a close-knit community, convenient local healthcare, and four-season Pennsylvania weather with nearly half the days sunny.
Demographics - New Kensington, PA
Demographics - New Kensington, PA
New Kensington, PA is home to approximately 12,051 residents, with a population density of 3,000 people per square mile and a median age of 44.2 years. The community is predominantly White (85.8%) with a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a largely English-speaking environment. The area has a slightly higher female population and offers a stable, family-friendly atmosphere.
Population:
12,051
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.8%
Black:
8.7%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New Kensington, PA?
New Kensington offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $80,500 and average rent of $770 per month. The overall cost of living index is 78.5, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, while housing costs are particularly low in comparison to other areas.
Median House Value:
$80,500
Gross Rent:
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
42.0
Utilities:
102.7
Transportation:
97.0
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is New Kensington, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in New Kensington are above the national average, with about 320 violent crimes and 2,050 property crimes reported per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a property crime is roughly 1 in 49, while the risk of a violent crime is about 1 in 312. Potential residents should be aware of local safety concerns and take appropriate precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in New Kensington, PA year-round?
New Kensington experiences all four seasons, with winter lows averaging 23°F and summer highs reaching up to 84°F. The city receives about 38.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor enthusiasts. Spring and fall feature mild temperatures, making for comfortable transitions between the seasons.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents of New Kensington typically have a median household income of $47,800 and a family income of $61,100, with a poverty rate of 16.8%. The community boasts a high school graduation rate of 91.3% and an average commute time of 25 minutes. While unemployment is slightly above the national average, the area is known for its friendly, close-knit neighborhoods.
Median Income:
$27,600
Household Income:
$47,800
Family Income:
$61,100
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$34,200
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
16.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$770
Unemployment Rate:
6.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in New Kensington, PA?
New Kensington features a mix of public and private schools, including Valley High School and Martin Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Penn State New Kensington, providing higher education opportunities right in town. Educational attainment is strong, with over 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Valley High School
Street:
703 Stevenson Blvd
Phone:
724-337-4536
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Martin Elementary School
Street:
1800 Main St
Phone:
724-337-7523
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0
Private Schools
Name:
Mary Queen of Apostles School
Street:
110 Elmtree Rd
Phone:
724-339-4411
Students:
200
Colleges
Name:
Penn State New Kensington
City:
New Kensington
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
700
Name:
CCAC - Boyce Campus
City:
Monroeville
State:
PA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
New Kensington residents benefit from local access to Allegheny Valley Hospital, which provides general, surgical, and emergency services. The city has about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and a health insurance coverage rate of 92.1%. Healthcare services are readily available, supporting the well-being of the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Allegheny Valley Hospital
Address:
1301 Carlisle St, Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone:
(724) 224-5100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New Kensington, PA?
The housing market in New Kensington is affordable, with a median home price of $80,500 and strong owner-occupancy at 63.1%. Home appreciation rates are steady at 4.2% annually, while rental vacancies remain manageable at just over 7%. These factors create a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$80,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$770
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the New Kensington Driver License Center, managed by Pennsylvania’s PennDOT. The facility offers driver licensing and vehicle registration services conveniently within city limits. For more information, locals can visit the state DMV website or contact the center directly.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
New Kensington Driver License Center, 1600 Greensburg Rd, New Kensington, PA 15068
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
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.