What to know when moving to Kennesaw, GA
Kennesaw at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 44.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 38.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $84,628, providing a comfortable living standard.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0.5% of residents use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,745/month in rent when looking for a place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kennesaw presents a blend of education and affordability, with a median gross rent of $1,745 and a median owner-occupied home value of $310,400. The population of 58,389 enjoys a relatively low poverty rate of 11.6%, reflecting a stable community. The area is largely owner-occupied, with 61.5% of homes owned compared to 38.5% rented, which might appeal to those looking for a residential feel.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer areas with robust public transit options, as only 0.5% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,745, which may fit various budgets, especially compared to nearby urban areas.
- Median home value stands at $310,400, making homeownership attainable for many.
- Education level is high, with 44.8% holding a bachelor's degree, supporting a well-informed community.
- Poverty rate is at 11.6%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Georgia has notable crime rates, with a state annual rate of 5.6 homicides per 100,000 people, slightly above the national average of 4.3. The state has seen a 35.9% decrease in homicides from 2022 to 2025. Motor vehicle theft stands at 156.2 per 100,000, which is 20.8% lower than the national average of 197.3, showing improvement in automotive safety.
- Violent crime (homicide): 5.6 per 100k vs. national 4.3, with a downward trend of 35.9% since 2022.
- Property crime data is not available, but motor vehicle theft is at 156.2 per 100k, which is 20.8% lower than the national rate.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Georgia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kennesaw has access to a total of 8 postsecondary institutions, all located in Cobb County, which can offer various educational opportunities.
- Kennesaw State University
- Empire Beauty School-Kennesaw
- Chattahoochee Technical College (nearby in Marietta)
- Fortis College-Smyrna (nearby in Smyrna)
- Gwinnett College-Marietta Campus (nearby in Marietta)
- Life University (nearby in Marietta)
- Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta (nearby in Marietta)
- Strayer University-Cobb Campus (in Atlanta)
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While weather data is unavailable, there are several nearby parks and outdoor spots worth visiting to enjoy the natural beauty of Cobb County.
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park - 4.8 stars (7,009 reviews)
- Red Top Mountain State Park - 4.7 stars (6,326 reviews)
- Swift Cantrell Park - 4.8 stars (4,431 reviews)
- Cauble Park - 4.6 stars (3,010 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Cobb County, the unemployment rate is low at 3.1% as of December 2025, indicating a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.1% as of December 2025
- Employed: 411,879 individuals
- Labor force: 424,846 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.