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Is Kingsport a Good Place to Live? Kingsport, Tennessee: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kingsport ranks #927 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #387 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.4, #14 of 524) and low rents ($907/mo, #14 of 524), and trails on low household income ($52,490, #494 of 524) and high poverty (20.7%, #467 of 524).
Kingsport by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kingsport's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Kingsport?
Kingsport's cost of living index is 86.4, 14% below the US level of 100 and #82 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $907/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $257,154, 23% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
| Measure | Kingsport | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 86.4#82 of 1,308 | 91.9 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $257,154#268 of 1,187 | $334,108 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,294/mo#159 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $234,100#341 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $907/mo#98 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.7%#534 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Kingsport housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Kingsport is in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA metro.
Tennessee housing market →Is Kingsport safe?
Kingsport recorded 572 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #896 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #394 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kingsport Police Department. Property crime runs 2,224 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kingsport | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 572#896 of 1,085 | 492 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,224#770 of 1,085 | 1,637 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Kingsport?
The median household in Kingsport earns $52,490, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kingsport | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $52,490#1194 of 1,312 | $71,997 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 20.7%#1136 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.6%#343 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kingsport?
The median resident of Kingsport is 43 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #732 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kingsport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 43 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 31.5%#732 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kingsport's schools and health?
Kingsport's 13 public schools graduate 94.6% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $11,967 spent per pupil. 38.6% of adults are obese and 16.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kingsport | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94.6%#109 of 1,063 | 90.4% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.2#323 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,967#964 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.6%#1047 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16.1%#1225 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.8%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.9%#864 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,431 students are enrolled in Kingsport's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kingsport?
The average commute in Kingsport is 19.1 minutes (Tennessee 26.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kingsport scores 9.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.1°F and winters 38.6°F, with 44 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kingsport | TennesseeTN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.1 min#272 of 1,312 | 26.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 7.7% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 78.3% | 75% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.1% | 12.7% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.6#729 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Tennessee is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.5 | 26.3 | 3.7 |
| Feb | 50.9 | 29.2 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 59.4 | 35.4 | 4 |
| Apr | 69.4 | 43.3 | 3.8 |
| May | 77.1 | 52.3 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 83.8 | 60.7 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 64.7 | 5 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 63.2 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 80.7 | 56.4 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 70.2 | 44.3 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 58.7 | 34.2 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 49.5 | 29.2 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bristol Airport.
| Measure | Kingsport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 56.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 74.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 38.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 44 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bristol Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kingsport?
Sullivan County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sullivan County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Kingsport | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#175 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Sullivan County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sullivan County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0084% | 76% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 23% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Kingsport compare with similar-size cities?
Kingsport is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #387 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,262.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #927 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 | 19.1 min |
| Coeur d'Alene, IDPop. 56,447 | #408 | 59.9 | $72,338 | $1,468/mo | 235 | 18.1 min |
| New Brunswick, NJPop. 56,345 | #914 | 51.5 | $65,810 | $1,814/mo | 504 | 23.3 min |
| Beaumont, CAPop. 56,266 | #585 | 56.9 | $107,118 | $1,681/mo | 216 | 35.7 min |
| Southaven, MSPop. 56,226 | #640 | 56.0 | $78,483 | $1,445/mo | 266 | 24 min |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #884 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 | 30.8 min |
| Bozeman, MTPop. 56,114 | #211 | 64.2 | $85,747 | $1,717/mo | 397 | 15.5 min |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #353 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 | 22.9 min |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Kingsport compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Kingsport ranks #16 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 51.3 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 27% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Tennessee home.
| City | Rank in TN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #1 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 |
| Brentwood, TNPop. 45,556 | #2 | 68.0 | $182,088 | $2,825/mo | 62 |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #3 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #4 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year |
| Hendersonville, TNPop. 63,091 | #5 | 61.5 | $97,200 | $1,653/mo | 140 |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #6 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #7 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 |
| Gallatin, TNPop. 48,532 | #8 | 58.9 | $77,518 | $1,395/mo | 180 |
| Smyrna, TNPop. 56,692 | #9 | 58.3 | $81,926 | $1,461/mo | 333 |
| Murfreesboro, TNPop. 161,445 | #10 | 57.1 | $80,108 | $1,481/mo | 404 |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #11 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #12 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 |
| Clarksville, TNPop. 176,456 | #13 | 53.4 | $69,303 | $1,307/mo | 366 |
| Knoxville, TNPop. 195,185 | #14 | 51.8 | $54,039 | $1,191/mo | 685 |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #15 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 |
| Kingsport, TNPop. 56,262 | #16 | 51.3 | $52,490 | $907/mo | 572 |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #17 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #18 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 |
| Jackson, TNPop. 68,435 | #19 | 44.4 | $53,032 | $1,145/mo | 727 |
| Memphis, TNPop. 618,980 | #20 | 37.4 | $51,736 | $1,181/mo | 1,853 |
All 20 Tennessee cities we track, by overall score. Tennessee statewide: median income $71,997, violent crime 492.3 per 100,000.
How is Kingsport's score calculated?
Kingsport scores 51.3 out of 100, #927 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Tennessee's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kingsport. Similar-size median 55.5.
44.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kingsport's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
54.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kingsport. Similar-size median 58.9.
33.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kingsport's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
64.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kingsport's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
84.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kingsport. Similar-size median 56.1.
24.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kingsport. Similar-size median 42.4.
47.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kingsport. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kingsport's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
45.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
74.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kingsport's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kingsport has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Kingsport
Is Kingsport, TN a good place to live?
Kingsport ranks #927 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #387 of 524 smaller cities and #16 of 20 in Tennessee. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (86.4, #14 of 524) and low rents ($907/mo, #14 of 524), and trails on low household income ($52,490, #494 of 524) and high poverty (20.7%, #467 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Kingsport?
Kingsport's cost of living index is 86.4, 14% below the US level of 100 and #82 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $907/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $257,154, 23% below the typical Tennessee home ($334,108).
What is the crime rate in Kingsport?
Kingsport recorded 572 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above Tennessee's 492. That ranks #896 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #394 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kingsport Police Department. Property crime runs 2,224 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kingsport?
The median household in Kingsport earns $52,490, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 27% below Tennessee ($71,997). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kingsport?
Median rent in Kingsport is $907/mo (Census), #98 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,294/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kingsport?
The typical home value in Kingsport is $257,154, down 0.9% in a year, against $334,108 for Tennessee and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $234,100.
How are the public schools in Kingsport?
Kingsport's 13 public schools graduate 94.6% of students in four years (Tennessee 90.4%), with 14.2 students per teacher and $11,967 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kingsport?
The average commute is 19.1 minutes, #272 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.5 minutes across Tennessee. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kingsport?
Kingsport averages 56.6°F over the year, 74.1°F in summer and 38.6°F in winter, with 44 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kingsport walkable?
Kingsport scores 9.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #729 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Kingsport at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sullivan County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kingsport?
Sullivan County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 82% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kingsport?
Kingsport has 56,262 residents. The median resident of Kingsport is 43 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #732 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kingsport compare with the rest of Tennessee?
Kingsport ranks #16 of the 20 Tennessee cities we track, with a score of 51.3 against Tennessee's statewide 57.1. Its households earn 27% below the Tennessee median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Tennessee home.
What cities are similar in size to Kingsport?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kingsport's population of 56,262 are Coeur d'Alene, ID (#408 overall), New Brunswick, NJ (#914 overall), Beaumont, CA (#585 overall), Southaven, MS (#640 overall), and DeSoto, TX (#884 overall). Kingsport is #927.