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Kentwood, MI

Frequently asked questions

Kentwood, MI

Kentwood is a city in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 54,304 as of the 2020 census. The city is bordered on the northwest by Grand Rapids and is the third most-populated municipality in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

The city was incorporated in 1967 from what remained of Paris Township to prevent further annexation of land from the adjacent cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming. The city is located in Kent County, which was named after jurist James Kent. The City of Kentwood was incorporated on its third try to avoid losing land to the nearby City of Grand Rapids which had annexed several key properties before then. After considering several options, the City of Kentwood was given that name because the driving force behind incorporation, first Mayor Peter M. Lamberts, decided to name it after the largest public school system in the area, the Kentwood Public Schools. 

Other names under consideration were Plaster Creek, for the largest river/creek that flowed through the area, and Paris, as the city was incorporated from Paris Township, but there was another Paris, Michigan, an unincorporated community in the center of the state, and that name was nixed to avoid confusion. The city's first mayor was Peter M. Lamberts, who served in that post for its first 12 years, from 1967 until 1979. Subsequent mayors have included Marvin Hoeflinger (1979–1981), Gerald DeRuiter (1981–1992), Bill Hardiman (1992–2002), Richard Root (2002–2012), Richard Clanton (2012–2013), and Stephen Kepley (2013–present).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.95 square miles (54.26 km2), of which, 20.90 square miles (54.13 km2) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) is water. The city is bordered by Wyoming to the west, Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township to the north, Cascade Township to the east, and Gaines Township to the south. 

Kentwood, MI offers a variety of spas, gyms, and health and wellness activities to cater to the health and fitness needs of its residents. MVP Athletic Club provides extensive fitness facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, group exercise classes, and personal training services. The Studio Yoga hosts yoga and Pilates classes, focusing on improving core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Chiropractic Unlimited emphasizes spinal health and pain relief through comprehensive chiropractic services. Planet Fitness promotes a judgment-free environment with a wide array of exercise equipment and group fitness classes. The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department offers outdoor activities, walking trails, and community sports programs, encouraging active living. EcoTrek Fitness offers outdoor fitness classes, perfect for nature enthusiasts. For martial arts enthusiasts, Premier Martial Arts offers comprehensive training.

The top sites in Kentwood, MI are Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and John Ball Zoo.
 

Population: 54,304 (2020). ZIP Codes: 49508, 49512, 49548, 49546. Area code: 616. Elevation: 738 ft (225 m). Area: 20.96 sq mi (54.30 km2).

FAQs

What are the demographics of Kentwood, MI?

Kentwood is a city located in Kent County Michigan. Kentwood has a 2024 population of 53,890. Kentwood is currently declining at a rate of -0.18% annually and its population has decreased by -0.71% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 54,277 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Kentwood was White: 60.86%, Black or African American: 19.11%, Asian: 9.42%, Two or more races: 7.59%, Other race: 2.58%, Native American: 0.35%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.09%.

What is Kentwood, MI is known for?

Kentwood is known for its welcoming residential community, featuring diverse housing options such as single-family homes and neighborhoods. The city’s suburban ambiance is friendly, attracting residents seeking a tranquil and inclusive place to live. Kentwood’s commitment to community engagement and well-maintained neighborhoods contributes to its reputation as an ideal location for a close-knit residential setting.

What is the history of Kentwood, MI?

The city was incorporated in 1967 from what remained of Paris Township to prevent further annexation of land from the adjacent cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming. The city is located in Kent County, which was named after jurist James Kent. The City of Kentwood was incorporated on its third try to avoid losing land to the nearby City of Grand Rapids which had annexed several key properties before then. After considering several options, the City of Kentwood was given that name because the driving force behind incorporation, first Mayor Peter M. Lamberts, decided to name it after the largest public school system in the area, the Kentwood Public Schools. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kentwood

Redfin

World Population Review

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Grand Rapids Public Museum

John Ball Zoo

MVP Athletic Club

The Studio Yoga

Chiropractic Unlimited

Planet Fitness

Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department

EcoTrek Fitness

Premier Martial Arts

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