Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Schools
Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.
Kinston is a medium-sized city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 20,173 people. According to Census, the majority (68%) of Kinston residents identify as Black or African American followed by 26% White and 1% Asian. Kinston is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 45% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Kinston is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Kinston can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the area. Having said that, in the state of North Carolina, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Kinston and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.
Kinston, NC receives 55 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #617 in North Carolina and #22,252 in the USA. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Kinston may not be a pleasant experience. Kinston does not rank well for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Kinston real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Kinston. Median real estate prices in Kinston come in at $98,200, which is 37.5% lower than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Kinston, the home price to income ratio is 3.1, which is 6.1% lower than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Kinston | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.1% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.0% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.0% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.4% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
Check out the 10 safest cities in North Carolina
Top 10 best public schools in Kinston
These are the 10 most affordable cities in North Carolina