Kingsport

Kingsport, Tennessee Overview

Kingsport faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (45.4/100) and ranking #17 of 20 cities in Tennessee. Even so, the city scores 85/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 13/100.

Income & Employment in Kingsport

Kingsport’s median income of $50,436 is 21% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.6% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%.

Safety in Kingsport

Kingsport reports 658.2 violent crimes per 100,000, roughly in line with the statewide rate of 592 per 100,000. The property crime rate is 3621.6 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Kingsport

With a cost of living index of 85.4, Kingsport is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $203,000. Median monthly rent is $843. Renters spend 20.1% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Kingsport

The adult obesity rate in Kingsport is 38.6%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 16.1%. Residents report an average of 19.8 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Tennessee ranks #43 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Kingsport

Kingsport’s high school graduation rate of 94.6% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio is 14.2:1. Per-pupil spending is $11,892. The city has 17 public schools serving 9,915 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Kingsport

Kingsport enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 62°F. Summers average 76.8°F. Winters average 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 51.7 inches. The average commute of 17 minutes is notably short.

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