WashingtonPop. 135,603Mid-size cities
Is Kent a Good Place to Live? Kent, Washington: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kent ranks #590 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (30.4 min, #211 of 256) and high living costs (111.1, #208 of 256).
Kent by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kent's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Kent?
Kent's cost of living index is 111.1, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,909/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $635,965, 7% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
| Measure | Kent | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 111.1#1132 of 1,308 | 107 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $635,965#969 of 1,187 | $591,879 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,973/mo#695 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $587,800#1064 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,909/mo#1047 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.8%#980 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Kent housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Kent is in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro.
Washington housing market →Is Kent safe?
Kent recorded 283 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% below the US rate of 328 and in line with Washington's 284. That ranks #528 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #92 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kent Police Department. Property crime runs 2,129 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kent | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 283#528 of 1,085 | 284 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,129#743 of 1,085 | 1,975 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Kent?
The median household in Kent earns $92,302, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kent | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $92,302#433 of 1,312 | $99,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10.8%#562 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kent?
The median resident of Kent is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #802 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kent | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 29.8%#802 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 57.2% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kent's schools and health?
Kent's 26 public schools graduate 81.9% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $19,054 spent per pupil. 25.7% of adults are obese and 9.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Kent | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81.9%#835 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.8#712 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,054#259 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 25.7%#166 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.3%#265 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.6%#729 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 15,080 students are enrolled in Kent's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kent?
The average commute in Kent is 30.4 minutes (Washington 27.2); 4.3% of workers take transit and 13.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kent scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.5°F and winters 42.9°F, with 39.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kent | WashingtonWA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.4 min#1130 of 1,312 | 27.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 12.4%#1162 of 1,312 | 9.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67.9% | 65.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.3% | 4.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.6% | 3.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.7% | 16.4% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.7#374 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Washington is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48 | 37.7 | 5.8 |
| Feb | 50.3 | 37.7 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 54.2 | 39.9 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 59.3 | 43.3 | 3.2 |
| May | 66.3 | 48.7 | 1.9 |
| Jun | 71.1 | 53 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 77.4 | 56.8 | 0.6 |
| Aug | 77.6 | 57.2 | 1 |
| Sep | 71.6 | 53.6 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 60.5 | 47 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 52.1 | 40.9 | 6.3 |
| Dec | 47 | 37.1 | 5.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Seattle Tacoma Airport.
| Measure | Kent | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 53.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 65.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 39.3 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Seattle Tacoma Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kent?
King County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts King County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 83% of US counties.
| Measure | Kent | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.25%#1053 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for King County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, King County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.14% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 47% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Kent compare with similar-size cities?
Kent is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #90 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 135,603.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #590 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 | 30.4 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #579 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 | 20.1 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | #509 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 | 29.9 min |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #833 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 | 21.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Kent compare with the rest of Washington?
Kent ranks #12 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 7% below the Washington median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Washington home.
| City | Rank in WA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #1 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 |
| Kirkland, WAPop. 92,621 | #2 | 70.3 | $150,414 | $2,401/mo | 67 |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #3 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 |
| Shoreline, WAPop. 61,431 | #4 | 64.9 | $112,751 | $1,985/mo | 138 |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #5 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #6 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #7 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 |
| Renton, WAPop. 105,317 | #8 | 59.1 | $100,432 | $1,998/mo | 258 |
| Lacey, WAPop. 57,737 | #9 | 59.0 | $90,625 | $1,870/mo | 220 |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #10 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #11 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #12 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 |
| Auburn, WAPop. 85,676 | #13 | 56.7 | $97,884 | $1,786/mo | 300 |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #14 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 |
| Spokane Valley, WAPop. 106,365 | #15 | 56.4 | $74,042 | $1,353/mo | 233 |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #16 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 |
The top 10 of the 26 and the cities ranked either side of Kent among the Washington cities we track, by overall score. Washington statewide: median income $99,389, violent crime 283.9 per 100,000.
How is Kent's score calculated?
Kent scores 56.8 out of 100, #590 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Washington's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kent. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kent's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
73.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kent. Similar-size median 53.8.
69.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kent's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
58.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kent's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
43.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kent. Similar-size median 51.2.
60.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kent. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kent. Similar-size median 50.1.
45.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kent's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
35.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kent's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kent has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Kent
Is Kent, WA a good place to live?
Kent ranks #590 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #90 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 26 in Washington. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (30.4 min, #211 of 256) and high living costs (111.1, #208 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Kent?
Kent's cost of living index is 111.1, 11% above the US level of 100 and #1132 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,909/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $635,965, 7% above the typical Washington home ($591,879).
What is the crime rate in Kent?
Kent recorded 283 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% below the US rate of 328 and in line with Washington's 284. That ranks #528 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #92 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kent Police Department. Property crime runs 2,129 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kent?
The median household in Kent earns $92,302, 11% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Washington ($99,389). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kent?
Median rent in Kent is $1,909/mo (Census), #1047 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,973/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kent?
The typical home value in Kent is $635,965, down 1.1% in a year, against $591,879 for Washington and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $587,800.
How are the public schools in Kent?
Kent's 26 public schools graduate 81.9% of students in four years (Washington 83.6%), with 16.8 students per teacher and $19,054 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kent?
The average commute is 30.4 minutes, #1130 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.2 minutes across Washington. 12.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kent?
Kent averages 53.7°F over the year, 65.5°F in summer and 42.9°F in winter, with 39.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kent walkable?
Kent scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Kent at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts King County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 83% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kent?
King County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kent?
Kent has 135,603 residents. The median resident of Kent is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #802 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kent compare with the rest of Washington?
Kent ranks #12 of the 26 Washington cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Washington's statewide 61.8. Its households earn 7% below the Washington median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Washington home.
What cities are similar in size to Kent?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kent's population of 135,603 are Hampton, VA (#694 overall), Elizabeth, NJ (#858 overall), Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall), Pasadena, CA (#783 overall), and Midland, TX (#579 overall). Kent is #590.