Kent, WA

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):

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

Comparative Profile of Kent, WA

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

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Age of the Population
Female Share of the Population
Senior Citizens

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Housing Recently Built
People Living Alone
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Kent Almanac

Kent Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Kent Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Kent, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Starbucks in Kent

Kent High Schools (2004)

KENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
25800 164TH AVE SE
253-373-7680
Serves 1,621 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 23.2

KENTRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
12430 SE 208TH ST
253-373-7345
Serves 1,558 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 24.3

KENTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
21401 SE 300 ST
253-373-4900
Serves 1,337 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.7

KENT-MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL
10020 SE 256TH STREET
253-373-7402
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 1,326 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 22.1

REGIONAL JUSTICE
12033 SE 256TH ST
253-373-7454
A Non-traditional School
Serves 17 students.

NIGHT ACADEMY
10020 SE 256 ST
253-373-4075
A Non-traditional School
Serves 13 students.

CHILDREN'S THERAPY CENTER
10811 SE KENT KANLGEY RD
253-945-2084
A Special Education School
Serves 3 students.

Kent Colleges

(List of All Washington Colleges)

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