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.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
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 mid-sized city located in the state of North Carolina. The city has a population of 20,770 residents. In Kinston, the most common ethnic group is Black or African American with a total of 68%. This is followed by 26% White and 1% Asian ethnic groups. In Kinston, only 45% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. 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.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Kinston, North Carolina could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Kinston and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Kinston to North Carolina and the national average.
The livability score in Kinston is 58 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 31st percentile of all cities across America. 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. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Kinston scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (B) There are some categories that Kinston ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Kinston market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Kinston meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Kinston. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Kinston are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Kinston come in at $179,166, which is 38.1% 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 3.7, which is 9.8% lower than the North Carolina average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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% |
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