Kent, Washington

Kent is a city located in King County, Washington. As of 2005, the population was 84,560. Kent has the third-largest industrial area in the United States. Kent is the second largest city in south King County and the ninth largest in the state of Washington.

History

Kent was officially incorporated on May 28, 1890 with a population of 793, the second city incorporated in King County after Seattle. It was once the "Lettuce Capital of the World". Kent was formerly known as Titusville, as evidenced by a Titusville Station sign on Gowe St.

The land on which Kent sits is actually some of the most fertile farmland in the entire world, all completely paved over and built on with one-story sprawling industrial buildings with miles and miles of roads between them. Up until the 1960s and 70s, Kent was known for its beautiful pastures and green grass no matter what time of year.

Geography

Kent is located at 47°22'58" North, 122°13'37" West (47.382689, -122.227021).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 73.2 km² (28.3 mi²). 72.6 km² (28.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.85% water.

Transportation

Kent has many large roads nearby I-5, SR-167, SR-18 and has a much greater population during rush hour due to its central location.

Kent is also central to the local King County Metro transit, with the Kent Station providing service to many destinations, including downtown Seattle by multiple commuter buses, the Sounder Commuter Rail and local bus service every 30 minutes daily.

Economy

Kent has many warehouses in its once fertile farm land. In addition to R.E.I. being headquartered in Kent, Boeing operates a plant there. The downtown area of Kent is now being revitalized with the construction of Kent Station.

People

Demographics

In 2003, the State Office of Financial Management recorded a population of 84,210. As of the census of 2000, there were 79,524 people, 31,113 households, and 19,601 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,095.4/km² (2,836.7/mi²). There are 32,488 housing units at an average density of 447.5/km² (1,158.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 70.81% White, 8.23% African American, 0.98% Native American, 9.42% Asian, 0.76% Pacific Islander, 4.43% from other races, and 5.37% from two or more races. 8.13% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 31,113 households out of which 35.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% are married couples living together, 12.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% are non-families. 28.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.15.

In the city the population is spread out with 27.7% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 35.0% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $46,046, and the median income for a family is $52,274. Males have a median income of $40,286 versus $30,704 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,390. 11.6% of the population and 8.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.7% of those under the age of 18 and 9.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

In 1992 the city's population was 40,300, whereas in 2003 it was 84,210: the population more than doubled in ten years^*, which is primarily due to annexation of parcels adjacent to the city's limits.

Education

Kent, and a number of neighboring cities, are serviced by the Kent School District. The district includes four high schools, seven middle schools, twenty-eight elementary schools and one academy.

Recreation and Entertainment

In 2005, Kent was named Sports Illustrated's Sportstown Washington. In January of 2006, a major new entertainment center, known as "Kent Station," opened in Downtown Kent. It includes a large movie theater, restaurants such as the Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Johnny Rockets and Pizzeria Fondi, and many shops and other forms of entertainment. There are plans to add to The Station over the next few years.

Events

Canterbury Faire, an arts festival in mid-August every year at Earthworks Park.
Kent Cornucopia Days in July.
Kent Farmers Market
Kent Saturday Market
NHRA Nationals at Pacific Raceways

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