Town in Karnes County

Living in Kenedy, TX

B-

308th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 58 of 100

Kenedy gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 308th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on home ownership and internet access. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Errands close by
  • Short commutes
  • Education levels scores low (11 of 100)
  • Health scores low (12 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Kenedy isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthKenedy
Where Kenedy is in Texas.
Population
3,305-5.4% since 2020
Median rent
$1,09922% lower than Texas
Median home value
$140,30051% lower than Texas
Household income
$61,167Median
Average commute
17 minOne way
Violent crime
209Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Kenedy

Kenedy is a town in Karnes County. 3,305 people lived here in 2025, down 5.4% from 2020. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Escondido Creek Parkway, Kenedy City Park and Joe Gulley Park.

The median age is 36.9, 29% of households have children, 40% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $61,167 a year (22% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Kenedy

  • Low violent crime. 209 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 46% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,099, 22% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.3 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 17 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 4 grocery stores, 27 restaurants and 4 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Kenedy

  • Many adults uninsured. 30% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.
  • Long, hot summers. Expect about 123 days a year at 90°F or hotter.
  • Spotty home internet. Only 73% of homes have a broadband plan.

Who Kenedy suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 46% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 22% lower than the Texas median, with 27 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 96% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 30% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 46% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 50% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 73% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,099 is 22% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 38% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,099 is 22% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 70% for people on a budget.

Kenedy report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Kenedy with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B

    Median rent $1,099, homes cost 2.3x income.

    70 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C+

    Median household income $61,167, 0.4% unemployed.

    54 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade C-

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    37 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade D+

    209 violent crimes per 100k, 2,834 property crimes per 100k.

    24 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A

    4 grocery stores, 27 restaurants, 4 parks mapped in town.

    91 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A+

    Average commute 17 min, 3.9% work from home.

    96 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D-

    11% have a bachelor’s degree.

    11 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    30% of adults uninsured.

    12 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade F

    40% of homes owner-occupied.

    1 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade F

    73% of homes have broadband.

    4 of 100 vs US towns

Where Kenedy stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 37%15 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Average commute: 17 min37% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Home value to income: 2.3x37% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 11%23 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 40%23 points lower than Texas (63%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 73%19 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Kenedy

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Kenedy is $1,099 a month, 22% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $44,000 a year. Right now 37% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $872 for a one-bedroom, $1,143 for a two-bedroom and $1,393 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $140,300, 51% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $768 before tax, or $852 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Kenedy pays $1,007 a year, 76% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in KenedyStudio$8191 bedroom$8722 bedrooms$1,1433 bedrooms$1,3934 bedrooms$1,683
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Karnes County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent22% lower than Texas$1,099$1,403$1,413
Median home value51% lower than Texas$140,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to income37% lower than Texas2.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent15 points lower than Texas37%52%51%
Median property tax per year76% lower than Texas$1,007$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them23 points lower than Texas40%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$852
Mortgage payment
$768
Property tax
$84
Median rent, for comparison
$1,099

Based on a $140,300 home in Kenedy, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Kenedy safe?

In 2025, Kenedy Police Department reported 7 violent crimes and 95 property crimes. That works out to 209 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 46% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,834 property crimes per 100,000, 36% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 45% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Kenedy by yearTexas20920212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
209
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,834
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Kenedy by yearTexas2,83420212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Kenedy Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Kenedy

Kenedy has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Kenedy ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
37
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
78
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BKenedy ElementaryElementary, Kenedy ISD81 of 100
  • BKenedy High SchoolHigh, Kenedy ISD81 of 100
  • CKenedy MiddleMiddle, Kenedy ISD71 of 100

Daily life in Kenedy

Everyday places mapped inside Kenedy, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Escondido Creek Parkway, Kenedy City Park, Joe Gulley Park.

The average one-way commute is 17 minutes, 37% shorter than the Texas average. 4% of workers work from home. 11% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $61,167, income per person is $27,240, unemployment is 0.4% and 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
4
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
27
Cafes
1
Bars
2
Parks
4
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
1
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income22% lower than Texas$61,167$78,476$80,734
Income per person33% lower than Texas$27,240$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas0.4%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas16%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points lower than Texas11%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher2 points lower than Texas84%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance10 points higher than Texas30%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet19 points lower than Texas73%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute37% lower than Texas17 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home11 points lower than Texas3.9%14%15%
Workers who work from home3.9%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk11%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Kenedy

Under 1824%
18 to 3418%
35 to 6441%
65 and over16%

Median age 36.9 years. 29% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White13%
Hispanic or Latino76%
Black11%
Asian0.0%
Other or more than one race0.1%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Kenedy

Kenedy has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 44°F. There are about 123 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 32 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Kenedy40°60°80°100°66J69F75M81A87M92J94J96A90S84O75N67DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Beeville 5 Ne, 26 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingVery high
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesVery high
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsHigh
  • Strong windVery high

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Kenedy

Nearby, Karnes City gets a B, Runge gets a D- and Poth gets an A. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. BKarnes CityTown, 3,605 people6 mi
  2. D-RungeTown, 1,108 people10 mi
  3. APothTown, 1,532 people23 mi
  4. CYorktownTown, 1,720 people24 mi
  5. CBeevilleSmall city, 13,412 people28 mi
  6. D-GoliadTown, 1,651 people29 mi

Living in Kenedy: common questions

Is Kenedy, TX a good place to live?

Kenedy gets an overall grade of B- and ranks 308th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and errands and things to do, and trails on home ownership and internet access. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

How much does it cost to live in Kenedy?

Median rent in Kenedy is $1,099 a month, 22% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $140,300, 51% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.3x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $852, including property tax.

Is Kenedy safe?

In 2025, Kenedy Police Department reported 209 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 46% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,834 per 100,000, 36% higher than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Kenedy?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Kenedy. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 37 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Kenedy flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Kenedy as very high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Kenedy?

Summers in Kenedy peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 44°F. Expect around 123 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 32 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Kenedy?

The average one-way commute is 17 min, 37% lower than the Texas average. About 3.9% of workers work from home.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.