Kent

About Kent

Kent is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the largest city in Portage County. It is located along the Cuyahoga River in Northeast Ohio on the western edge of the county. The population was 28,215 at the 2020 census. The city is counted as part of the Akron metropolitan area and the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton combined statistical area.

Part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Kent was settled in 1805 and was known for many years as Franklin Mills. Settlers were attracted to the area due to its location along the Cuyahoga River as a place for water-powered mills. Later development came in the 1830s and 1840s as a result of the settlement's position along the route of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal. Leading up to the American Civil War, Franklin Mills was noted for its activity in the Underground Railroad. With the decline of the canal and the emergence of the railroad, the town became the home of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad maintenance shops through the influence of Marvin Kent. In 1864 the town was renamed Kent in honor of Marvin Kent's efforts. It was incorporated as a village in 1867 and became a city after the 1920 Census. Today Kent is a college town best known as the home of the main campus of Kent State University, founded in 1910, and as the site of the May 4, 1970 Kent State shootings.

Historically a manufacturing center, education is the city's largest economic sector with Kent State University being the city's, and one of the region's, largest employers. The Kent City School District and the Kent Free Library provide additional education opportunities and resources. Many of Kent's demographic elements are influenced by the presence of the university, particularly the median age, median income, and those living below the poverty level. The city is governed by a council-manager system with a city manager, a nine-member city council, and a mayor. Kent has nearly 20 parks and preserves and hosts a number of annual festivals including ones related to Earth Day, folk music, and the U.S. Independence Day. In addition to the Kent State athletic teams, the city also hosts a number of amateur and local sporting events. Kent is part of the Cleveland–Akron media market and is the city of license for three local radio stations and two television stations and includes the regional member stations for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Local transportation infrastructure includes a public bus service and hike-and-bike trails. As the home of the Davey Tree Expert Company, Kent is known as "The Tree City" while residents are referred to as "Kentites". The city has produced a number of notable individuals, particularly in politics, athletics, and the entertainment industry.

Text: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Kent weather: 7-day forecast

Source: National Weather Service (NOAA).

Live webcams in Kent

Webcams: Windy.com

Living in Kent

Median household income

$42,964

Median home value

$219,900

Median rent

$991/mo

Median age

23.8

Map of Kent

Tap any street on the map to see it in Street View below. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Kent Street View

Drag the image to look around and tap the arrows on the ground to move. If it says there is no imagery, tap a nearby street on the map above.

Kent, OH population

Kent had 28,215 residents in the 2020 Census.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census.

Kent at a glance

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Gazetteer, ZCTA), USGS GNIS, Wikidata.

Towns near Kent

• Brady Lake2.7 mi NE
• Brimfield3.5 mi S
• Munroe Falls3.8 mi W
• Sugar Bush Knolls4.0 mi N
• Tallmadge4.2 mi SW
• Stow4.3 mi NW
• Silver Lake4.8 mi W
• Ravenna6.5 mi E
• Streetsboro6.6 mi N
• Mogadore6.8 mi S
• Hudson7.6 mi NW
• Sawyerwood8.7 mi SW

Straight-line distance between town centers.

Frequently asked questions about Kent