Median Income
$40,278
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$64,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
94/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$629
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Kensett Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population241
Median Age56.9 yrs
Density239/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,278
Per Capita$29,627
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$485M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$64,000
Rent$629
Ownership79.7%
Zillow$187,989
Housing Units168
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent94/100K
Property3,414/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.6%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,219 ft (372 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband84.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Kensett a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kensett receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Kensett has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kensett is $40,278, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kensett is $64,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $629 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Kensett is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Kensett has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 40.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Kensett has a population of 241 with a density of 239 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 56.9 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.9yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Kensett is $40,278, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,627 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 233 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 11.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,278 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,627 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,143 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 233 |
| County GDP | $485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,689 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.6% |
The median home value in Kensett is $64,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,989, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $629 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 168 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,689 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $64,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $187,989 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $629 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.3% |
| Housing Units | 168 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,689 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.20% |
In Kensett, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,385. The dentist ratio is 1:7,319. 58.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kensett vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,385 |
| Dentists | 1:7,319 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,737/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Kensett has a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kensett receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kensett vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 94.1/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,414.4/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kensett has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 40.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,219 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,219 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 239/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3534°N, 93.2108°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Worth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
607 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 53 fatalities, 1,020 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
93 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
65 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
71 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
30 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
56 km |
6 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Kensett has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Kensett. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $681 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kensett
What is the population of Kensett?
Kensett has a population of 241 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 239 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Kensett expensive to live in?
Kensett is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,278, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $629 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kensett safe?
Kensett is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kensett receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kensett?
Kensett has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 40.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Kensett?
The job market in Kensett is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 233 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 11.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kensett?
The median home value in Kensett is $64,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,989. For renters, the median monthly rent is $629. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,689.
How are the schools in Kensett?
Schools in Kensett score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.8% of adults in Kensett hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kensett?
The obesity rate in Kensett is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 58.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,385.
What is transportation like in Kensett?
The average commute in Kensett is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kensett?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kensett is 94.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 25.8% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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