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Kent, OH

Frequently asked questions

Kent, OH

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 and in gratitude for 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 several 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 several amateur and local sporting events at various times during the year. Kent is part of the Cleveland–Akron media market and is the city of license for three local radio stations and three television stations and includes the regional affiliates 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 several notable individuals, particularly in politics, athletics, and the entertainment industry.

Kent is located in west-central Portage County in Northeast Ohio approximately 10 miles (20 km) northeast of Akron and 30 miles (50 km) southeast of Cleveland. It is bordered by Franklin Township on the north and east, the unincorporated community of Brady Lake on the east, Brimfield Township on the south, and Stow on the west. Other nearby communities include Ravenna to the east and Sugar Bush Knolls and Streetsboro to the north. It is included in the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area and the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton Combined Statistical Area.

Located on the western end of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau, the topography of Kent includes rolling hills and varied terrain. The Cuyahoga River passes through the city, cutting a gorge with a drop of nearly 40 feet (10 m) adjacent to the downtown area. The United States Geological Survey lists the city's elevation at 1,056 feet (322 m) above sea level at a point near Kent's geographic center. Elevations vary slightly within the city limits with several buildings on the Kent State University campus at altitudes in excess of 1,160 feet (350 m) and points as high as 1,200 feet (370 m). According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2010, the city has a total area of 9.28 square miles (24.04 km²), of which 9.17 square miles (23.75 km²) is land and 0.11 square miles (0.28 km²) is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Kent, with numerous facilities and initiatives dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. The University Hospitals Portage Medical Center stands as a cornerstone of healthcare in the city, providing comprehensive medical services to residents. 

Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Kent Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness, Opti Fitness, and Snap Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Kent, such as the Ernest B. Miller Trail and Artemis Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Kent, OH are Kent Historical Society & Museum, Kent State University Museum, and Fred Fuller Park.

Population: 27,720 (2024). ZIP codes: 44240, 44242, 44243. Area codes: 330, 234. Elevation: 1,056 ft (322 m). Area: 9.33 sq mi (24.17 km²).

FAQs

What is Kent, OH famous for?

In 1864 the town was renamed Kent in honor of and in gratitude for 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.

Is Kent, OH expensive to live in?

Kent, Ohio's cost of living is 8% lower than the national average. Kent's housing expenses are 5% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 18% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 1% higher than the national average.

What's the crime rate in Kent, OH?

The crime rate in Kent is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 14 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Kent is 1 in 70. Based on FBI crime data, Kent is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Ohio, Kent has a crime rate that is higher than 76% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kent

University Hospitals Portage Medical Center 

Kent Parks and Recreation Department 

Planet Fitness

Opti Fitness 

Snap Fitness

Ernest B. Miller Trail 

Artemis Park

Kent Historical Society & Museum

Kent State University Museum

Fred Fuller Park

Payscale

Neighborhoodscout

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