City Town Info

Kent, WA


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Kent, Washington

Introduction to Kent, Washington

Kent is located in the Green River Valley in King County and is recognized as an outlying suburb of the city of Seattle. Kent includes three distinctive areas, the East Hill, the Valley and the West Hill. A Boeing facility and the headquarters of REI and Oberto Sausage are situated in the city along with a large number of warehouses. Whirlpool and General Electric Appliances have distribution facilities in Kent.

In 2003 the city was recognized by Sports Illustrated as "Sportstown of the year" for the state of Washington. The impressive Mt. Ranier along with the Cascade and Olympic Mountains can be seen from the city. The Green River runs through the municipality and Lake Meridian is situated on the East Hill. The average annual rainfall is 39 inches.

History

Kent was incorporated in 1890 and was earlier known as Titusville. In 1906 the "Great Flood" temporarily changed the valley into an enormous lake. The Howard Hanson Dam was constructed at Eagle Gorge to prevent serious flooding in the future. The dam allowed extensive commercial development to take place in the valley which led to Kent becoming a primary distribution center. Before the extensive development took place in the 1960's and 1970's, the city was renowned for its fertile soil and was formerly known as the "Lettuce Capital of the World." Hops were also a major crop.

Attractions

  • Kent Station is a huge entertainment center which also includes retail businesses, and numerous restaurants.
  • Kent Cornucopia Days.
  • Kent Farmers Market.
  • Greater Kent Historical Society Museum is an attractive three-story building and includes a large number of artifacts.
  • Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum showcases a large number of vintage hydroplanes.
  • Pacific Raceways International features drag races, motorcycle racing events, vintage car races and other motor sports events.
  • The Museum of Flight.
  • Earthworks.

Transportation

The city is served by the Sea-Tac International Airport. King County Metro provides local transportation. The Kent station offers bus and rail service to downtown Seattle and other locations.

Higher Education

The Green River Community College is located in the area.

High Points

Kent strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Washington):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 7%Kent Racial Diversity
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 8%Kent Public Transportation Use
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. State)
Top 15%Kent Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)
Top 17%Kent Well-Paid Single Women

Comparative Profile of Kent, WA

Comparing Kent to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Washington (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old98
Male Share of the Population97
Well-Paid Single Men79
Well-Paid Single Women79
Racial Diversity610
Age of the Population33
Female Share of the Population34
Senior Citizens22

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size56
Portion of People Married43

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults58
Median Family Income58
People in Middle Class or Better57
People Above Poverty56

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Public Transportation Use910
Working at Home85
Walking and Biking to Work55
Short Commute Times32

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals910
Housing Recently Built99
People Living Alone66
Seasonal and Vacation Housing53
Affordability of Rents42
Affordability of Property Taxes42

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime42
Low Property Crime24

Detailed pages on related topics: Kent travelKent mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

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Kent hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Kent MortgageKent Mortgage
Kent property, mortgage, and real estate.

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