Kenner, LA: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

1. Kenner: The Data Profile (2026)

Kenner presents a distinct economic paradox for the 2026 remote worker. The city supports a population of 63,339, characterized by a median income of $68,166. This figure sits 8.6% below the national median of $74,580, yet the cost of living indices suggest this deficit is statistically offset by significant regional savings. The educational attainment rate is 25.0%, notably lower than the US average of 33.1%, which correlates with the specific industrial makeup of the region.

Target Demographic: The statistical target is the "Cost-Optimization Remote Worker." This profile includes professionals earning at or above the national median who can leverage Kenner’s 79.7 housing index to maximize disposable income, accepting a trade-off in regional educational metrics and specific health risk factors.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The financial profile of Kenner is defined by aggressive deflation in essential sectors. While the median income is lower, the purchasing power parity is high.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $68,166 (approx. $4,500 monthly take-home) retains approximately $2,270 in disposable income after the single-person budget outlined above. This is 35% higher than the national average disposable rate. For families, the 22.8% savings on healthcare and restaurants are the primary drivers of financial viability.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

Kenner’s real estate market is significantly undervalued relative to the US average, particularly in entry-level ownership and rental metrics.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The 44.0% discount on median home prices makes buying the statistically superior financial move for anyone planning a stay longer than 24 months. The spread between the median mortgage payment and the $950 1BR rent is narrow enough that equity accumulation favors ownership immediately. Given the -20.3% housing index variance, the rent-to-income ratio is exceptionally favorable.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In the post-remote landscape of 2026, Kenner’s economic stability is anchored in logistics and regional commerce rather than tech sector volatility.

• Unemployment Rate: 4.3% (US Avg: 4.0%). This is statistically average, indicating a stable but not booming labor market. The 0.3% variance is negligible for remote workers.
• RTO & Commute: Proximity to New Orleans (approx. 15 miles) offers a strategic buffer. While local office inventory is low, Kenner serves as a bedroom community. For hybrid workers, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway commute is a critical variable, though local intra-city traffic is manageable.
• Industry Stability: The area is insulated by the Port of New Orleans and the energy sector. This provides a floor for local spending power, sustaining the 77.2 restaurant and services index.

5. Quality of Life Audit

While financially attractive, Kenner presents specific health and environmental challenges that must be weighed against the cost savings.

Safety Analysis:

• Violent Crime: 4.2 per 1,000 residents (approx. 420 per 100k). This is 8% above the national average.
• Property Crime: 21.5 per 1,000 residents (approx. 2,150 per 100k). This is 15% above the national average.

Health & Environment:
The most significant data point is the 41.1% obesity rate, which is 9.2 percentage points higher than the US average. This correlates with the high 16.0% diabetes rate. Air quality is a moderate concern, with AQI averaging 55 and PM2.5 levels at 8.5 µg/m³, driven by regional industrial activity and humidity.

Schools & Weather:
School quality in Jefferson Parish generally averages a 5/10 rating, a factor driving the lower college-educated demographic stat (25.0%). Weather is subtropical; the current 66.0°F is a seasonal average, but summers bring high humidity and hurricane risk.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A 44.0% discount on home prices compared to the national average is the defining financial advantage.
• Utility Efficiency: Electricity costs are 27.8% lower than the US average (11.73¢ vs 16.0¢), a massive factor in 2026 energy economics.
• Healthcare Savings: A 22.8% index reduction in healthcare costs provides a safety net for families.

Cons:

• Health Risks: The environment is obesogenic, with an obesity rate of 41.1%. This is the primary lifestyle detractor.
• Safety: Crime rates are elevated, requiring diligence in neighborhood selection.
• Income Ceiling: Local median income is $6,414 below the national average, limiting local career mobility for non-remote workers.

Recommendation:
Relocate if you are a disciplined remote worker prioritizing asset accumulation. Kenner is a "wealth accelerator" location. The $235,000 median home price allows for rapid equity building. However, the move requires a proactive approach to health to mitigate the regional 41.1% obesity risk and a strict budgeting strategy to ensure the local income deficit does not impact long-term savings.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Kenner?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable standard of living, resulting in approximately $1,200 monthly disposable income after taxes and the $2,230 monthly budget. For a family, $90,000 is recommended to maintain savings rates.

2. How does the value compare to other Gulf Coast cities?
Kenner offers 15-20% better housing value than Gulfport, MS, and 40% better value than Mobile, AL, primarily due to the 79.7 housing index.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate for the whole city?
Yes. The 4.2 per 1,000 violent crime rate is a city-wide average. Gated communities and specific suburbs (e.g., Old Metairie border) see rates 50% lower than the city average.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
Q3 (July-September) is optimal for housing inventory, but weather is extreme. Q4 (October-December) offers the best weather (66°F averages) but lower inventory. Avoid hurricane season (June-November) for logistics.