Kenly, NC
Population 2,351 · North Carolina
About Kenly, NC
Kenly is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 2,351 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,229 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kenly features a median home value of $183,300, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Kenly in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $780, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 956 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (478 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (434 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kenly shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kenly have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.7% of Kenly residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kenly, NC
Compared to national averages, Kenly has a median household income of $46,229 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $183,300, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $780 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Kenly's income is 28% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 20% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Kenly, NC?
Kenly offers affordable housing with a median home value of $183,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $780/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,229) that falls below the national average. However, Kenly’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kenly has a population of 2,351 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Kenly with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Kenly
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connelly Springs | 2,342 | $66,643 | $178,800 | Compare |
| Four Oaks | 2,372 | $69,974 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 2,326 | $36,493 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Yanceyville | 2,376 | $28,662 | $132,900 | Compare |
| Kure Beach | 2,323 | $102,292 | $633,800 | Compare |
| Spruce Pine | 2,381 | $47,583 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Dudley | 2,320 | $46,389 | $100,700 | Compare |
| Taylorsville | 2,386 | $48,542 | $210,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Kenly With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kenly
What is the population of Kenly, NC?
The population of Kenly, NC is 2,351 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Kenly?
The median household income in Kenly, NC is $46,229 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kenly?
The median home value in Kenly, NC is $183,300, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kenly?
The median monthly rent in Kenly, NC is $780, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kenly?
The unemployment rate in Kenly, NC is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kenly, NC a good place to live?
Kenly offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,351 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kenly, NC?
7.7% of residents in Kenly aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Kenly?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kenly, NC: median home value is $183,300 (25% below national), median rent is $780/month, and median household income is $46,229. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Kenly?
The poverty rate in Kenly, NC is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Kenly, NC?
Kenly's population is 3.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 27.6% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.