Town in Tarrant County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro
Living in Kennedale, TX
420th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 43 of 100
113th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
Kennedale earns a grade of C on our index, 420th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and schools.
- Fast-growing
- Getting around scores low (10 of 100)
- Tornado risk is very high
- Population
- 10,626+24.9% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,55411% higher than Texas
- Median home value
- $380,10034% higher than Texas
- Household income
- $118,794Median
- Average commute
- 32 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 166Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Kennedale
Kennedale sits about 28 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 10,626 people lived here in 2025, up 24.9% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.
Local spots people know include Sonora Park, Kennedale Towne Center Park and Rodgers Farm Park.
The median age is 38.6, 31% of households have children, 71% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $118,794 a year (51% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Kennedale
- Low violent crime. 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 57% lower than the Texas rate.
- High incomes. The median household earns $118,794, 51% higher than the Texas median.
- Growing fast. The population grew 25% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
Cons of living in Kennedale
- Weaker school ratings. Only 25% of the 4 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 32 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.
Who Kennedale suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 25% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 57% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 33% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 51% higher than the Texas median, with 23 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 58% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 13% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 57% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 44% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 95% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,554 is 11% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 73% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,554 is 11% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for people on a budget.
Kennedale report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Kennedale 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 D+
Median rent $1,554, homes cost 3.2x income.
26 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade B+
Median household income $118,794, 2.4% unemployed.
77 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade D
4 rated campuses, 25% rated A or B.
24 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade C
166 violent crimes per 100k, 875 property crimes per 100k.
43 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade B-
4 grocery stores, 23 restaurants, 4 parks mapped in town.
62 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade D-
Average commute 32 min, 10% work from home.
10 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade C-
27% have a bachelor’s degree.
39 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade C-
13% of adults uninsured.
40 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C+
71% of homes owner-occupied.
54 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade B+
95% of homes have broadband.
78 of 100 vs US towns
Where Kennedale stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median household income: $118,79451% higher than Texas ($78,476)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 71%9 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 13%6 points lower than Texas (20%)
Worse than Texas
- Average commute: 32 min22% higher than Texas (27 min)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 27%7 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median rent: $1,55411% higher than Texas ($1,403)
Cost of living in Kennedale
Kennedale renters pay a median of $1,554 a month, 11% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $62,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 52% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,481 for a one-bedroom, $1,745 for a two-bedroom and $2,284 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 $380,100, 34% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,081 before tax, or $2,589 with property tax. That is $1,035 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Kennedale pays $6,098 a year, 44% higher 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
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent11% higher than Texas | $1,554 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value34% higher than Texas | $380,100 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income12% lower than Texas | 3.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas | 52% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year44% higher than Texas | $6,098 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them9 points higher than Texas | 71% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1996 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $2,081
- Property tax
- $508
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,554
Based on a $380,100 home in Kennedale, 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 Kennedale safe?
In 2025, Kennedale Police Department reported 19 violent crimes and 100 property crimes. That works out to 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 875 property crimes per 100,000, 58% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.
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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Kennedale Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Kennedale
Kennedale has 4 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 25% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Kennedale 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.
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
- BKennedale High SchoolHigh, Kennedale ISD83 of 100
- CJames A Arthur Early Childhood CenterElementary, Kennedale ISD77 of 100
- CKennedale Junior HighMiddle, Kennedale ISD77 of 100
- DJames F Delaney ElementaryElementary, Kennedale ISD63 of 100
Daily life in Kennedale
Everyday places mapped inside Kennedale, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Sonora Park, Kennedale Towne Center Park, Rodgers Farm Park.
The average one-way commute is 32 minutes, 22% longer than the Texas average. 10% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Dallas is about 28 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Kennedale work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $118,794, income per person is $49,602, unemployment is 2.4% and 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income51% higher than Texas | $118,794 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person22% higher than Texas | $49,602 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate3 points lower than Texas | 2.4% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line2 points lower than Texas | 11% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher7 points lower than Texas | 27% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points lower than Texas | 85% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance6 points lower than Texas | 13% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet4 points higher than Texas | 95% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute22% higher than Texas | 32 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas | 10% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Kennedale
Median age 38.6 years. 31% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Kennedale
Kennedale has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 37°F. There are about 106 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 36 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Arlington Muni Ap, 7 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is moderate, 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 floodingHigh
- HurricanesModerate
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windVery low
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 Kennedale
Nearby, Forest Hill gets a D, Rendon gets a C and Everman gets a D-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- DForest HillSmall city, 14,062 people3 mi
- CRendonSmall city, 14,632 people4 mi
- D-EvermanTown, 6,106 people4 mi
- A-Dalworthington GardensTown, 2,180 people5 mi
- D+PantegoTown, 2,337 people6 mi
- DArlingtonCity, 397,742 people7 mi
Kennedale in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.
- 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
- 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
- 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
- 110CReno3,272 people48 mito downtown
- 111CMabank5,187 people48 mito downtown
- 112CNewark1,177 people44 mito downtown
- 113CKennedale9,439 people28 mito downtown
- 114CCleburne34,344 people48 mito downtown
- 115CJosephine5,842 people32 mito downtown
- 116CBear Creek Ranch1,604 people16 mito downtown
Living in Kennedale: common questions
Is Kennedale, TX a good place to live?
Kennedale earns a grade of C on our index, 420th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and schools.
How much does it cost to live in Kennedale?
Renters in Kennedale pay a median of $1,554 a month, 11% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $380,100, 34% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.2x 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 $2,589, including property tax.
Is Kennedale safe?
In 2025, Kennedale Police Department reported 166 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 57% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 875 per 100,000, 58% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Kennedale?
We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Kennedale. 25% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 24 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Kennedale flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Kennedale as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Kennedale?
Summers in Kennedale peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 37°F. Expect around 106 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 36 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Kennedale?
The average one-way commute is 32 min, 22% higher than the Texas average. About 10% of workers work from home. It is about 28 miles from downtown Dallas.
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.