The city of Kent is located in King County Washington about 16 miles south of downtown Seattle. With a population of over 130,000 residents, Kent is the 6th largest city in Washington state. Known for its diversity, affordability and central location within the Seattle metropolitan area, Kent has developed into a thriving suburban city with a unique identity.
A Brief History
The Kent area was first settled in the 1850s along the White River. The city was originally known as Titusville after an early settler named James Henry Titus. In 1890 the town was incorporated and renamed Kent after the major hop-growing region in England.
For decades, Kent was the “Lettuce Capital of the World” and later became a hub for dairy farming and steel manufacturing. After World War II, the city experienced rapid population growth. The opening of Boeing’s Kent Space Center in 1964 and other aerospace companies cemented Kent’s transition to a more suburban, technologically focused economy.
Today, Kent retains traces of its agricultural past through city events like the annual Kent Cornucopia Days Festival. The city celebrates its history at the Kent Historical Museum, located in the historic Bereiter House.
Key Geographic Features
Kent spans over 34 square miles in the Green River Valley. On the west, the city is next to Lake Washington, and on the east, it is near the foothills of the Cascade
One of the most important rivers is the Green River, which flows north through Kent and into Puget Sound. Clark Lake, Lake Meridian and Lake Fenwick provide recreation opportunities within the city.
Kent’s topography consists of three distinct areas – the valley, East Hill and West Hill. Downtown Kent sits in the center of the valley, while residential neighborhoods occupy the surrounding hill areas.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Kent enjoys excellent transportation infrastructure and connections. Interstate 5 and State Routes 167 and 516 run through the city. The South 228th Street interchange with I-5 sees over 150,000 vehicles daily, making it one of the busiest highway access points in Washington.
For public transit, Kent Station serves as a major hub. Commuter trains on the Sounder line provide service north to Seattle and south to Tacoma. Express commuter buses offer direct connections to downtown Seattle, Bellevue, Renton and other cities. Kent is also served by King County Metro buses, including RapidRide lines.
Besides that, the Link light rail system should reach Kent in 2024. New stations will provide fast access to Seattle and the airport.
The city contains over 70 public parks, miles of trails and athletic fields to serve its active population. The 62-acre Lake Meridian Park is a particular highlight with swimming, boating and fishing.
Economy and Major Employers
Kent has the 4th largest manufacturing and distribution hub in the U.S. Top employers include Amazon, Boeing, Blue Origin, REI, Oberto and Safeway.
The city provides an advantageous location for warehouses and industry with its proximity to transportation networks. Kent’s business parks offer millions of square feet of warehouse, manufacturing, office and retail space.
At the same time, Kent has a thriving service economy catering to its residential population. The city contains major shopping centers like Kent Station, The Landing and Fineway Road. Downtown Kent also offers a vibrant dining and entertainment scene.
While industries like aerospace and manufacturing remain important, Kent has focused on diversifying its job base in fields like health care, technology, green industry and education.
Demographics
Kent is the 6th largest city in Washington with a population of over 130,000 as of 2020.
- 37% white
- 12% black
- 23% Asian
- 3% Pacific Islander
- 17% Hispanic/Latino
Kent has a relatively young population, with a median age of 34. Over 30% of residents are under the age of 25.
The city is also one of the most diverse in Washington. Over 65 languages are spoken in Kent School District. Nearly one quarter of Kent residents are foreign born.
Kent prides itself on being an inclusive, welcoming community. In 2013, Kent became the first city in the state to elect an Indian American woman as mayor.
Parks, Recreation and Arts
Kent contains over 40 parks, including larger parks like Lake Meridian Park and sites along the Green River Trail. This impressive park system provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and community events.
The Kent Commons project transformed a former parking lot into a vibrant public space in downtown Kent. The Commons hosts concerts, movies and festivals throughout the warmer months.
For indoor recreation, the Kent Community Center provides pools, ice rinks, sports courts, climbing walls and more. Cultural opportunities are available through the Kent Arts Commission and organizations like the Kent Street Art Festival.
Between its parks, pathways, sports facilities and arts scene, Kent offers a wealth of recreation options for its residents.
Education
The Kent School District serves most of the city and is the 4th largest in the state with over 27,000 students. Kent contains 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools and 4 comprehensive high schools.
Kent is also home to satellite campuses of Green River Community College and the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.
Within Kent School District, students speak over 100 languages at home. The district provides strong English language learner and STEM programs. Local schools have received national recognition for excellence.
Local Government
Kent has a mayor-council form of government. The city council consists of seven at-large elected members.
Current Mayor Dana Ralph, elected in 2017, is the third woman and first Indian American mayor in Kent’s history. The city employs over 700 staff across departments like economic & community development, parks, police and transportation.
Kent takes pride in transparent, accessible local governance. Residents can get involved by volunteering, attending council meetings or participating in community events like Cleanup Kent.
With its diversity, economic opportunities and ideally central location, Kent has developed into the 6th largest city in Washington state. While the city has evolved considerably over the past century, Kent retains its sense of community and agricultural roots. Looking ahead, Kent is poised for continued growth with several major construction projects underway, expanding public transit and a vibrant local economy.
Welcome To Kent, Washington
FAQ
What county is Kent, Washington in?
What is Kent, WA famous for?
Is Kent the lettuce capital of the world?
What is Kent, Ohio known for?
Does the city of Kent offer water & sewer services?
The City of Kent operates water, sewer and storm drainage utilities. However, not all properties are served by the City. Below, you will find utility payment options, utility rates, how to set up service, the rate reduction program, making payment arrangements and automatic utility payments, and applying for a water leak adjustment.
Does Kent have a building code?
The City of Kent does not have its own building code. The City has adopted the 2018 International Building Code, the 2018 International Residential Code and the Washington State Amendments. 7. What are the permit fees for the City of Kent? Permit fees are charges based on the work proposed according to adopted fee schedules.
Where can I watch Kent City Council meetings?
Yes, Kent City Council meetings are streamed live on YouTube at YouTube.com/KentTV21. The meetings are also recorded and posted to our website the day following the meeting. You can access past meetings online here. 3. Where can I access the meeting agenda and agenda packet? Those documents are accessible here . 4.
Where is Kent State located?
Kent State operates Centennial Research Park, along Ohio State Route 59 in Kent’s Joint Economic Development District with Franklin Township, which houses two high tech start-up companies in the liquid crystal industry. Kent has an additional Joint Economic Development District with Brimfield Township.