Kent, Washington

This article is about the city. For the basketball player, see Kent Washington. For the neighborhood, see Kent (Washington, D.C.).

City in Washington, United States

Kent, Washington

City

Kent Station, Kent Regional Library (top right) and Kent Sounder Station in 2009

Logo

Location of Kent in King County, Washington

Coordinates: 47°22′58″N 122°13′37″W﻿ / ﻿47.38278°N 122.22694°W﻿ / 47.38278; -122.22694
Country| United States
State| Washington
County| King
Incorporated| May 28, 1890
Government

• Type| Mayor–council
• Mayor| Dana Ralph [1][2]
Area

[3]

• Total

| 34.41 sq mi (89.12 km2)
• Land| 33.83 sq mi (87.63 km2)
• Water| 0.58 sq mi (1.51 km2)
Elevation

[4]

| 394 ft (120 m)
Population

(2020)[5]

• Total

| 136,588

• Estimate

(2023)[6]

| 133,378
• Rank| US: 216th
WA: 6th
• Density| 3,970/sq mi (1,534/km2)
Time zone| UTC–8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)| UTC–7 (PDT)
ZIP Codes|

98030, 98031, 98032, 98035, 98042, 98064, 98089

Area code| 253
FIPS code| 53-35415
GNIS feature ID| 2410185[4]
Website| kentwa.gov

Kent is a city in King County, Washington, United States. It is part of the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue metropolitan area and had a population of 136,588 as of the 2020 census,[5] making it the 4th most populous municipality in greater Seattle and the 6th most populous in Washington state. The city is connected to Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma via State Route 167 and Interstate 5, Sounder commuter rail, and commuter buses.

Incorporated in 1890, Kent is the second-oldest incorporated city in the county, after the county seat of Seattle.[7] It is generally divided into three areas: West Hill (mixed residential and commercial along Interstate 5), Valley (primarily industrial and commercial with some medium-density residential; significant parkland along Green River), and East Hill (primarily residential with retail).

## History

[edit]

The Kent area was first permanently settled by European Americans in the 1850s along the banks of what was then the White River. The first settler was Samuel Russell, who sailed the White and Duwamish rivers until he claimed a plot of land southeast of modern-day downtown Kent in the spring of 1853. Russell was followed by several other settlers who quickly staked claims around the area.[8] The settlements were originally known as "White River" and later the town was called "Titusville" after an early settler by the name of James Henry Titus.[9] (There is still a "Titusville Station" sign on Gowe Street near First Avenue). In 1861 a post office was established under the name White River and was located at the farm of David and Irena Neely who settled in modern-day Kent in 1854. In 1855 their farm was attacked by Native Americans when David Neely served as a lieutenant in the Territorial Army. Another settler was Henry L. Yesler, who was the first sawmill operator in Seattle.[10] By 1870 the population was 277 and all of the quality bottom-land had been claimed.[11]

Throughout the 1860s and 70's, grain and forage crops such as wheat, barley, oats, hay, and timothy accounted for much of the annual return of farmers in the valley. During the late 1870s the town discovered hops production as a major source of income.[12] Due to an aphid invasion which affected hops crops in Europe,[13] hops from the Puget Sound area began to command high prices. Hops were shipped from Titusville either by the river or via rail. In 1889 the town was renamed for the County of Kent, the major hops-producing region in England. Ezra Meeker was asked by the Northern Pacific Railroad to name its station. Meeker suggested that it be known as Kent as it was "Hop Capitol of the West".[10] Hops production in the White River valley came to an end soon after its own invasion of aphids in 1891.[14]

Kent was officially incorporated on May 28, 1890, with a population of 793, the second city incorporated in King County (after Seattle).[15]

After the turn of the 20th century the area turned to dairy farming and was home to a Carnation condensed milk plant.[16][17] Flooding from both the Green and the White Rivers was a constant problem. In 1906, flooding changed the course of the White River, which reduced the flood hazard by half. The Green River continued to present problems until the creation of the Howard A. Hanson Dam at Eagle Gorge in 1962.[18][19]

During and after the Great Depression, Kent was known as the "Lettuce Capital of the World".[20] After WWII, Kent began to grow more rapidly. From 1953 to 1960 the city's size grew twelve-fold. In 1965 Boeing began building in Kent, followed a few years later by other aerospace and high-tech companies.[21]

In 1992, the Greater Kent Historical Society was formed to promote the discovery, preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the history of the greater Kent area.[22] In 1996, the City of Kent purchased the historic Bereiter house, the home of one of Kent's early mayors, for use as the Kent Historical Museum. The museum is operated by the Greater Kent Historical Society.[23]

## Geography

[edit]

Aerial view of Kent, looking west to east. All three main sections of the city are visible (West Hill, Valley and East Hill) with downtown near the center of the image.

Kent is located in southern King County and is part of Seattle's metropolitan area. The city is divided into three geographic sections: West Hill, the Kent Valley, and East Hill. Downtown Kent is located on the east side of the valley, about 16 miles from downtown Seattle and downtown Bellevue.[citation needed] Adjoining cities are Renton to the north, Covington to the east, Auburn to the south, Federal Way to the southwest, Des Moines to the west, SeaTac to the northwest, and Tukwila to the north.[24]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.41 square miles (89.12 km2), of which 33.83 square miles (87.62 km2) is land and 0.58 square miles (1.50 km2) is water.[3]

Major waterways include the Green River, which flows north through Kent on its way to Puget Sound. The largest lake is Lake Meridian on the city's East Hill. Clark Lake and Lake Fenwick are both surrounded by city parks. Mount Rainier is a prominent geographical landmark to the southeast.[citation needed]

### Transportation

[edit]

There are several major freeways and highways in or near Kent, including Interstate 5, State Route 167, and State Route 516. Kent is also served by King County Metro transit, with the Kent Station providing service to many destinations, including downtown Seattle by multiple commuter buses, the Sounder commuter rail system, and local buses. Heavy rail service includes two major north–south lines through the Kent Valley, with freight traffic operations by the BNSF and Union Pacific railroads.[25] The Link light rail system is scheduled to be extended to Federal Way in 2026,[26] with intermediate stops at Kent Des Moines station near Highline College and Star Lake station at South 272nd Street.[27]

### Parks

[edit]

Kent's park system includes 55 parks, miniparks, playfields, skateparks, greenbelts, and other related facilities. These parks range in size from as little as 4,300 square feet (400 m2) to over 310 acres (1.3 km2).[28]

### Climate

[edit]

Kent has a warm/cool-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb).

Climate data for Kent, Washington (1991–2020 normals,[29] extremes 1912–present)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Record high °F (°C)  | 70
(21)  | 71
(22)  | 81
(27)  | 89
(32)  | 95
(35)  | 106
(41)  | 104
(40)  | 99
(37)  | 96
(36)  | 87
(31)  | 78
(26)  | 69
(21)  | 106
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C)  | 57.9
(14.4)  | 61.0
(16.1)  | 68.4
(20.2)  | 75.4
(24.1)  | 82.1
(27.8)  | 85.2
(29.6)  | 90.3
(32.4)  | 88.8
(31.6)  | 83.5
(28.6)  | 73.1
(22.8)  | 63.0
(17.2)  | 57.4
(14.1)  | 93.0
(33.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C)  | 48.4
(9.1)  | 51.2
(10.7)  | 55.8
(13.2)  | 61.4
(16.3)  | 68.0
(20.0)  | 71.9
(22.2)  | 78.3
(25.7)  | 78.3
(25.7)  | 72.5
(22.5)  | 61.3
(16.3)  | 52.7
(11.5)  | 47.0
(8.3)  | 62.2
(16.8)
Daily mean °F (°C)  | 42.2
(5.7)  | 43.7
(6.5)  | 47.4
(8.6)  | 52.1
(11.2)  | 58.4
(14.7)  | 62.6
(17.0)  | 67.8
(19.9)  | 67.8
(19.9)  | 62.5
(16.9)  | 53.4
(11.9)  | 45.9
(7.7)  | 41.2
(5.1)  | 53.8
(12.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C)  | 36.1
(2.3)  | 36.2
(2.3)  | 39.0
(3.9)  | 42.8
(6.0)  | 48.7
(9.3)  | 53.3
(11.8)  | 57.3
(14.1)  | 57.3
(14.1)  | 52.4
(11.3)  | 45.6
(7.6)  | 39.1
(3.9)  | 35.4
(1.9)  | 45.3
(7.4)
Mean minimum °F (°C)  | 23.6
(−4.7)  | 25.2
(−3.8)  | 29.1
(−1.6)  | 33.8
(1.0)  | 40.1
(4.5)  | 46.7
(8.2)  | 51.1
(10.6)  | 50.7
(10.4)  | 43.4
(6.3)  | 33.8
(1.0)  | 25.6
(−3.6)  | 23.5
(−4.7)  | 19.4
(−7.0)
Record low °F (°C)  | −10
(−23)  | −5
(−21)  | 10
(−12)  | 23
(−5)  | 22
(−6)  | 33
(1)  | 34
(1)  | 34
(1)  | 26
(−3)  | 19
(−7)  | −1
(−18)  | 0
(−18)  | −10
(−23)
Average precipitation inches (mm)  | 5.77
(147)  | 3.99
(101)  | 4.36
(111)  | 3.06
(78)  | 2.10
(53)  | 1.68
(43)  | 0.67
(17)  | 0.92
(23)  | 1.49
(38)  | 4.07
(103)  | 6.23
(158)  | 5.75
(146)  | 40.09
(1,018)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 19.2  | 14.7  | 16.8  | 14.9  | 11.6  | 8.8  | 3.9  | 4.4  | 5.7  | 12.6  | 18.3  | 18.9  | 149.8
Source: NOAA[30][31]

### City landmarks

[edit]

Kent has designated the following landmarks:[32]

Name | Constructed | Designated

|
|

Lunar Roving Vehicles | 1970 | 2019[33]
Emil W. Bereiter House | 1907 | 2008
Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks | 1982 | 2008
Saar Pioneer Cemetery | 1873 | 2010

## Government

[edit]

Presidential Elections Results[34] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties

|
|
|

2020 | 32.32% 18,219 | 64.50% 36,359 | 3.18% 1,795
Kent City Hall (right) and the Centennial Center (left), 2008 Maleng Regional Justice Center Kent, Washington

The city is governed by a mayor–council government, with a directly elected mayor and a seven-member city council. Each is elected at-large (that is, by the entire voting population, rather than by districts) to four-year terms. The current mayor is Dana Ralph.[35] The city maintains its own municipal police department, unlike some neighboring municipalities who contract police service out to King County.

### Public education

[edit]

Public primary and secondary education in the vast majority of Kent and a number of neighboring cities and unincorporated areas is governed by the Kent School District.[36] The district includes four high schools, seven middle schools, twenty-eight elementary schools and two academies.[citation needed] The Kent School District also has an individualized graduation and degree program named iGrad that is aimed at dropouts aged 16–21 who are willing to get back to school.[37]

Federal Way Public Schools, which includes a portion of Kent,[36] also has several schools within the city limits. Residents of far east Kent are zoned in the Tahoma School district. A branch of Green River Community College opened in Kent Station in 2007.[38]

Other portions are in the Highline Public Schools and the Renton School District.[36]

### Fire protection

[edit]

The city is served by the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority with 7 of the department's 13 stations located within municipal boundaries.[39]

### Annexation

[edit]

In keeping with the King County Annexation Initiative, which seeks to annex large urban unincorporated areas into city limits or incorporate new cities out of those areas,[40] the Panther Lake area (known officially as the Kent Northeast Potential Annexation Area)[41] was proposed for annexation to the city of Kent. The annexation was voted on by residents of the potential annexation area on November 3, 2009; the area was officially annexed July 1, 2010.[42] The city grew in area by approximately 5 square miles (13 km2) and 24,000 residents.[42]

## Economy

[edit]

The economy of Kent consists of commuters traveling to the main urban centers of the Seattle metropolitan area (particularly downtown Seattle), extensive manufacturing and warehousing within the city, and retail/personal services catering to residents.[43] The manufacturing and distribution industry in Kent and the surrounding area ranks 4th among markets in the United States.[44]

Corporate headquarters in Kent include Oberto Sausage Company, Seattle Bicycle Supply, Omax Corporation and aerospace manufacturer Blue Origin. Amazon, Boeing, Whirlpool and General Electric operate sizable facilities in the city. Due to its central location within the metropolitan area, Kent is home to a large and growing warehouse district. To honor the 100th anniversary of Oberto Sausage Company's presence in the city, the city designated a section of South 238th Street as Oberto Drive in May 2018.[45]

### Boeing

[edit]

Aerial view of the Kent Space Center

Boeing Kent Space Center was opened with a public dedication ceremony on October 24, 1964. Keynote speakers at the event were William "Bill" Allen, Chairman and CEO of The Boeing Company; future Washington Governor Dan Evans; and Alex Thorton, Mayor of the City of Kent. The event featured public tours of the labs and facilities that were used to build the Lunar Roving Vehicles used in the Apollo program.[46]

### Steel

[edit]

Kent is home to a large steel industry dating back to the early 20th century.[47][48] Steel and metal manufacturers include:

* Salmon Bay Steel Company: Operated in Kent for 50 years before closing down. Birmingham Steel purchased Salmon bay in 1991. Salmon bay went on to buy Bethlehem Steel (Seattle Steel) in West Seattle. Years after the purchase, complaints were made of pollution in the Green River valley about pollution from the Salmon Bay melting facility, and the facility was shut down.[49]
* Puget Sound Steel: Puget Sound Steel is an independently owned and operated-unique specialty fabricator of reinforcing steel and a supplier of related reinforcement products, since 1961. Puget Sound Steel has been the Northwest's select supplier of fabricated rebar and steel reinforcement to commercial, highway, industrial, and residential building contractors. Works include large scale projects including bridges and skyscrapers.[50][51]
* Pacific Metal Company: In 1947, started in Seattle and opened a 19,000 square foot plant. The business and facilities continued to grow for 30 years to meet local needs as well as the emerging markets of Alaska. Even the expanded 40,000 square foot warehouse and sales office was deemed insufficient, and in 1979, an 80,000 square foot facility was built south of the city of Seattle in the Kent Valley at Tukwila. In September 2010 PMC moved to a new location just 3 miles SE in the city of Kent, Washington. Pacific Metal Company is a stocking distributor of non-ferrous metals specializing in stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and brass products as well as ferrous products specializing in Cold Rolled, Coated (Zinc and Aluminum) and pre-painted coils and sheets.[52]
* TMX Aerospace: TMX Aerospace, a division of ThyssenKrupp Steel North America; provides materials including steel, brass, and copper as well as exclusive supply chain management support for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes group.[53][54]

### Employers

[edit]

#### Largest employers

[edit]

According to the city's 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,[55] the largest employers in the city are:

#  | Employer  | # of Employees

|
|

1 | Amazon.com LLC | 3,073
2 | Kent Public Schools | 2,970
3 | The Boeing Company | 2,522
4 | Blue Origin, LLC | 1,600
5 | Exotic Metals Forming Company | 1,047
6 | Taylor Farms NW | 850
7 | City of Kent | 719
8 | King County Maleng Regional Justice Center | 630
9 | Coho Distributing LLC | 628
10 | Carlisle Interconnect Industries | 615

#### Other notable companies headquartered in Kent

[edit]

* Diamondback Bicycles \- a major bicycle brand
* Door to Door Storage \- self-storage company; introduced portable, containerized storage to the industry
* Fenwick \- Pioneers in fiberglass and graphite fishing rods. Founded in 1952 and named after Fenwick Lake in Kent Washington. They have since been bought and moved to Columbia, South Carolina.
* Novara \- REI's brand of bicycles and cycling clothing
* Oberto Sausage Company \- family-owned; makes beef jerky, pepperoni and other snack sausages
* Omax Corporation \- second largest water jet manufacturer in the US
* Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Company \- manufactured and marketed food products, including Carnation evaporated milk, with its famous slogan that it came from "Contented Cows"
* Pay 'n Pak \- home improvement chain; operated 112 stores on the West Coast
* Powerlight Technologies (formerly LaserMotive) - engineering firm developing technologies for efficiently transmitting power via lasers, a form of wireless energy transfer commonly called "laser power beaming"
* Puget Sound Electric Railway \- interurban railway that ran between Tacoma and Seattle
* Puget Systems \- custom computer business operating primarily through their website; sells a mixture of custom and preconfigured computers including laptops, desktops, and servers
* Raleigh Bicycle Company USA \- US headquarters of one of the oldest manufacturers of bicycles, motorcycles, and three-wheel cars
* Redline bicycles \- manufacturer of BMX, freestyle, cyclocross, mountain, and road bicycles and components
* REI \- retail corporation organized as a consumers' cooperative, selling outdoor recreation gear, sporting goods, and clothing
* Seattle-Tacoma Box Company \- manufacturer of shipping containers, crates, boxes, and other wooden products
* Tazo Tea Company \- tea and tisane manufacturer specializing in New Age-style marketing and product labeling
* ThyssenKrupp Aerospace \- engineers and manufactures carbon fiber on a variety of Boeing products, including commercial aviation aircraft, military aircraft, and space and communications systems
* Torker \- brand of bicycles, unicycles, strollers, and trailers, as well as cycling clothing
* X10 Wireless Technology \- manufactures and markets wireless video cameras

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1890| 853| | —
1900| 755| | −11.5%
1910| 1,908| | 152.7%
1920| 2,282| | 19.6%
1930| 2,320| | 1.7%
1940| 2,586| | 11.5%
1950| 3,278| | 26.8%
1960| 9,017| | 175.1%
1970| 17,711| | 96.4%
1980| 22,961| | 29.6%
1990| 37,960| | 65.3%
2000| 79,524| | 109.5%
2010| 92,411| | 16.2%
2020| 136,588| | 47.8%
2023 (est.)| 133,378| [6]| −2.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[56]
2020 Census[5]

### 2020 census

[edit]

Kent, Washington – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[57] | Pop 2010[58] | Pop 2020[59] | % 2000  | % 2010  | % 2020

|
|
|
|
|
|

White alone (NH)  | 53,964  | 45,969  | 51,132  | 67.86%  | 49.74%  | 37.44%
Black or African American alone (NH)  | 6,444  | 10,088  | 17,058  | 8.10%  | 10.92%  | 12.49%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)  | 682  | 677  | 673  | 0.86%  | 0.73%  | 0.49%
Asian alone (NH)  | 7,407  | 13,841  | 32,021  | 9.31%  | 14.98%  | 23.44%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)  | 587  | 1,731  | 3,534  | 0.74%  | 1.87%  | 2.59%
Other race alone (NH)  | 406  | 235  | 805  | 0.51%  | 0.25%  | 0.59%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH)  | 3,568  | 4,484  | 8,916  | 4.49%  | 4.85%  | 6.53%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)  | 6,466  | 15,386  | 22,449  | 8.13%  | 16.65%  | 16.44%
Total | 79,524 | 92,411 | 136,588 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00%

As of the 2020 census, there were 136,588 people, 47,058 households, and 31,887 families residing in the county.[60] The population density was 4,047.1 inhabitants per square mile (1,562.6/km2). There were 49,157 housing units. The racial makeup of the county was 39.7% White, 12.8% African American, 1.0% Native American, 23.6% Asian, 2.6% Pacific Islander, 9.7% from some other races and 10.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.4% of the population.[61] 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18, 6.4% were under 5 years of age, and 10.8% were 65 and older.

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 92,411 people, 34,044 households, and 21,816 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,228.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,246.5/km2). There were 36,424 housing units at an average density of 1,272.2 per square mile (491.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 55.5% White (49.7% Non-Hispanic White), 11.3% African American, 1.0% Native American, 15.2% Asian, 1.9% Pacific Islander, 8.5% from other races, and 6.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.6% of the population.

There were 34,044 households, of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.9% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.31.

The median age in the city was 33 years. 26.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.6% were from 25 to 44; 24.3% were from 45 to 64; and 8.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 census, there were 79,524 people, 31,113 households, and 19,601 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,836.7 people per square mile (1,095.4/km2). There were 32,488 housing units at an average density of 1,158.9 per square mile (447.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 70.81% White, 8.23% African American, 0.98% Native American, 9.42% Asian, 0.76% Pacific Islander, 4.7% from other races, and 5.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.13% of the population.

There were 32,998 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the city the population was 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,053, and the median income for a family was $61,016. Males had a median income of $43,136 versus $36,995 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,390. About 8.7% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.7% of those under the age of 18 and 9.3% of those 65 and older.

## Recreation and entertainment

[edit]

In 2003, Kent was named Sports Illustrated's Sportstown of the year for Washington. In January 2006, an entertainment center, known as Kent Station, opened in downtown Kent adjacent to the transit station of the same name.

The 2012 Skate America figure skating competition was held in Kent from October 19 to 21, 2012,[62][63] at ShoWare Center.[64]

In July 2015, Kent hosted the inaugural Junior Roller Derby World Cup.[65]

ShoWare Center, home of the Seattle Thunderbirds

Riverbend Golf Complex, featuring an 18-hole course which is one of the busiest in Washington state, is located in Kent. An adjacent par 3 course was actively used by locals for years before being shut down in 2017 to make room for a mixed used development.[66]

### Events

[edit]

* Canterbury Faire, an arts festival in mid-August every year at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks park, which stopped in 2006.
* Kent Cornucopia Days in July
* Kent Farmers Market
* Kent Saturday Market

### Entertainment

[edit]

The accesso ShoWare Center hosts two minor-league sports teams: the Seattle Thunderbirds play ice hockey in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League;[67] and the Tacoma Stars plays indoor soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League.

## Notable people

[edit]

* Ely Allen, soccer player[68]
* Earl Anthony, professional bowler
* Kelly Bachand, contestant of History Channel's Top Shot Season 1, raised in Kent
* Red Badgro, NFL and MLB player, inductee Pro Football Hall of Fame
* John Bastyr, influential advocate of naturopathic medicine, namesake of Bastyr University
* Joseph and Melissa Batten, Microsoft software developers in 2008 murder case
* Karl Best, former Major League Baseball relief pitcher for Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins
* Josie Bissett, actress, Melrose Place
* Betty Bowen, journalist and art promoter
* Demitrius Bronson, professional football player Miami Dolphins
* John Bronson, professional football tight end for Arizona Cardinals
* Conner Cappelletti, soccer player and coach who represented Guam[69]
* Ernie Conwell, NFL player
* Rebecca Corry, comedian/actress
* Billy Crook, Major League Soccer (MLS) defender
* Daphne Loves Derby, indie-pop rock band
* Michael Dickerson, professional basketball player, Houston Rockets and Vancouver/Memphis Grizzlies
* Jeff Dye, comedian and actor, was born and grew up in Kent[70]
* Robin Earl, NFL fullback and tight end
* Jason Ellis, professional basketball player
* Kai Ellis, CFL player
* Michelle Font, Miss Washington USA
* The Fung Brothers, comedians, rappers; raised in Kent
* Melissa Goad, actress and model
* Abdulameer Yousef Habeeb, Iraqi artist and calligrapher, lived in U.S. as refugee
* Matt Hague, first baseman for Toronto Blue Jays
* Benjamin Haggerty, rapper Macklemore[71]
* Marcus Hahnemann, professional soccer goalkeeper
* Al Hairston, professional basketball player for Seattle SuperSonics, head coach for Bowling Green University
* Peter Hallock, composer and organist
* Tess Henley, singer-songwriter and pianist
* Shannon Higgins-Cirovski, soccer player in Hall of Fame
* Jeff Jaeger, NFL kicker
* Billy Jones, college baseball player, coach of Appalachian State Mountaineers
* Reggie Jones, NFL cornerback
* Nicole Joraanstad, curler, 2009 Olympic gold medalist
* Mike Karney, college and professional football player
* Stefano Langone, American Idol contestant
* Danny Lorenz, professional hockey player for New York Islanders
* Ellen MacGregor, author
* William M. Marutani, judge[72]
* Kenny Mayne, ESPN analyst
* Victor Aloysius "Vic" Meyers, jazz bandleader and Democratic politician, "Clown Prince of Politics"
* PZ Myers, biology professor at University of Minnesota Morris and intelligent design critic
* Bob Nelson, screenwriter and Almost Live! cast member, Academy Award nominee for Nebraska
* Danny Pierce, painter, printmaker and sculptor
* Mark Prothero, attorney, defense co-counsel for Green River Killer
* Brenda Raganot, professional bodybuilder
* Simon Peter Randolph, pioneer steamboat captain
* Dave Reichert, U.S. Representative, Republican Party
* Gary Ridgway, "Green River Killer" (former resident)
* Mike Roberg, NFL tight end
* Jerry "The King" Ruth, professional drag racer
* Peter Schweizer, journalist
* Joshua Smith, Georgetown and UCLA basketball player
* Rick Sortun, former professional football offensive lineman for the St. Louis Cardinals
* Usaia Sotutu, runner who represented Fiji at 1972 Summer Olympics
* Rodney Stuckey, basketball player for Detroit Pistons
* Alameda Ta'amu, NFL player for Kansas City Chiefs
* Harvey Thomas, luthier, built distinctive guitars in 1960s
* Courtney Thompson, UW and US national team volleyball player, set NCAA assist record
* Mason Tobin, professional baseball player
* Kyle Townsend, record producer, composer and musician
* Toussaint Tyler, NFL running back
* Brian Tyms, professional football player, New England Patriots
* Courtney Vandersloot, basketball player and 2021 WNBA Finals Champion for Chicago Sky
* Dave Wainhouse, professional basketball and Major League Baseball player
* Cam Weaver, professional soccer player, Seattle Sounders FC
* Olivia Van der Jagt, professional soccer player, Seattle Reign FC

## Sister cities

[edit]

Kent has the following sister cities:[73][74]

* Sunnfjord, Norway
* Tamba, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
* Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China

A sister city relationship with Kherson, Ukraine, was formed in the 1990s and later dissolved. As of 2022[update], Kent is exploring a sister city relationship with Lutsk, Ukraine.[75]

## See also

[edit]

* Companies portal

* List of companies based in Kent, Washington

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Kent Mayor Dana Ralph". City of Kent, Washington. May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
2. ^ Hunter, Steve (January 3, 2018). "Kent's new Mayor Ralph predicts 'great things' ahead". Kent Reporter. Retrieved June 15, 2019.
3. ^ a b "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
4. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Kent, Washington
5. ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
6. ^ a b "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau. May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
7. ^ "Kent is incorporated on May 28, 1890". historylink.org. History Ink. Retrieved July 29, 2015.
8. ^ Johnson, Florence K. Lentz; pictorial research by Linda Van Nest; "Partners in progress" by Lynn (1990). Kent—valley of opportunity : an illustrated history (1st ed.). Chatsworth, Calif.: Windsor Publications. p. 14\. ISBN 0-89781-356-1.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
9. ^ "Kent and the White River Valley Area". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
10. ^ a b "Kent and the White River Valley Area". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
11. ^ Johnson, Florence K. Lentz; pictorial research by Linda Van Nest; "Partners in progress" by Lynn (1990). Kent—valley of opportunity : an illustrated history (1st ed.). Chatsworth, California: Windsor Publications. pp. 12, 17. ISBN 0-89781-356-1.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
12. ^ Johnson, Florence K. Lentz; pictorial research by Linda Van Nest; "Partners in progress" by Lynn (1990). Kent—valley of opportunity : an illustrated history (1st ed.). Chatsworth, California: Windsor Publications. p. 20\. ISBN 0-89781-356-1.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
13. ^ "Herefordshire Through Time - Welcome". Government of the United Kingdom. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
14. ^ Stein, Alan J. (September 24, 2001). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
15. ^ Wilma, David (September 14, 1999). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
16. ^ Lange, Greg (May 9, 1999). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
17. ^ Long, Priscilla (August 6, 1999). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
18. ^ "The History of Kent, Washington". Archived from the original on September 23, 2006. Retrieved January 27, 2009.
19. ^ "Welcome to our Home Page". White River Valley Museum. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
20. ^ "History of Kent". kentwa.gov. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
21. ^ Long, Priscilla (September 4, 2006). "the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History". HistoryLink.org. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
22. ^ "About | Greater Kent Historical Society Museum". Kent Historical Museum. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
23. ^ "History | Greater Kent Historical Society Museum". Kent Historical Museum. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
24. ^ "Maps of King County". King County. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
25. ^ Hunter, Steve (June 5, 2019). "City of Kent targets railroad quiet zone in 2022". Kent Reporter. Sound Publishing. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
26. ^ Everly-Lang, Keelin (September 13, 2024). "Sound Transit leader gives updates on Federal Way's future light rail". Federal Way Mirror. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
27. ^ "Federal Way Link Extension". Sound Transit. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
28. ^ "Parks, Trails & Open Space". Kent Washington Official Website. City of Kent, Washington. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
29. ^ Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
30. ^ "NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
31. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Kent, WA". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
32. ^ King County and Local Landmarks List, King County Preservation Program, Department of Natural Resources and Parks, August 2012, archived from the original on January 27, 2013, retrieved October 9, 2012
33. ^ Boyle, Alan (July 26, 2019). "Aerospace and Science Editor". GeekWire. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
34. ^ King County Elections
35. ^ "Kent Mayor Dana Ralph | City of Kent". www.kentwa.gov. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved April 7, 2019.
36. ^ a b c 2020 Census – School District Reference Map: King County, WA (PDF) (Map). United States Census Bureau. pp. 1, 3 (PDF pp. 2, 4/5). Retrieved August 3, 2022.
37. ^ "Our School / Our School". kent.k12.wa.us. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
38. ^ "Convenience: a great selling point for GRCC". The Seattle Times.
39. ^ "Fire Station Locations | Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority". pugetsoundfire.org. December 27, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
40. ^ "King County Annexation Initiative". Archived from the original on April 13, 2009.
41. ^ Kent Northeast annexation information – King County Official site
42. ^ a b "Annexation Frequently Asked Questions". City of Kent, Washington. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
43. ^ "CITY OF KENT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN". City of Kent. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
44. ^ Garnick, Coral (June 3, 2016). "Kent Valley: The next South Lake Union". Puget Sound Business Journal. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
45. ^ Hunter, Steve (May 17, 2018). "Kent street gets new name of Oberto Drive". Kent Reporter.
46. ^ "Lunar Roving Vehicle". Boeing.
47. ^ "Facility Directory Listing". Mountain Hawk Corporation.
48. ^ "Kent Industrial Materials: Metals". Dex. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
49. ^ "Salmon Bay Steel Corporation Factory, Kent, WA". University of Washington.
50. ^ "Welcome to Puget Sound Steel". Puget Sound Steel Co Inc.
51. ^ "Featured Project". Puget Sound Steel Co Inc.
52. ^ "Seattle". PACIFIC METAL COMPANY/Reliance Steel.
53. ^ "TMX Aerospace". ThyssenKrupp Materials NA, Inc.
54. ^ "About ThyssenKrupp Aerospace". ThyssenKrupp Aerospace.
55. ^ "2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021 - City of Kent, Washington" (PDF). City of Kent: Finance Department - Financial Reports. December 15, 2022. p. 221 (241st page of PDF). Retrieved September 6, 2023.
56. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
57. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Kent city, Washington". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
58. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Kent city, Washington". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
59. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Kent city, Washington". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
60. ^ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
61. ^ "How many people live in Kent city, Washington". USA Today. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
62. ^ "La tenue vestimentaire idéale pour faire du skate". 2012skateamerica.com. Archived from the original on July 21, 2013. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
63. ^ "Home – ISU". www2.isu.org. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
64. ^ "La tenue vestimentaire idéale pour faire du skate". 2012skateamerica.com. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
65. ^ "Junior Roller Derby World Cup - Home". Archived from the original on July 22, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
66. ^ "Gone forever: Golfers lament removal of Kent's Riverbend par 3 course – Kent Reporter". kentreporter.com. September 28, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2018.
67. ^ "Seattle Thunderbirds". seattlesouthside.com.
68. ^ "Player Bio: Ely Allen". Washington Huskies men's soccer. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
69. ^ Heintschel, Nathan (February 1, 2023). "Conner Cappelletti Joins Kickers' Technical Staff As An Assistant Coach". Richmond Kickers. Retrieved March 10, 2025.
70. ^ "A moment with ... Jeff Dye, comedian". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. July 30, 2008. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
71. ^ "Macklemore not at fault in collision, but was driving on suspended license for unpaid tickets, police say". The Seattle Times. August 2, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
72. ^ "Guide to the William M. Marutani Papers". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
73. ^ "Sister Cities, States, Counties & Ports". Archived from the original on September 29, 2006. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
74. ^ "Sister Cities – City of Kent, Washington". kentwa.gov. Archived from the original on May 20, 2014. Retrieved May 19, 2014.
75. ^ Hunter, Steve (June 20, 2022). "Kent prepares to form sister city relationship with Lutsk, Ukraine". Kent Reporter. Retrieved May 11, 2025.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kent, Washington.

* City of Kent Government

* v
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Places adjacent to Kent, Washington

| Tukwila | Renton | East Renton Highlands

|
|

|  |
Des Moines |

Kent

| Maple Valley
|  |
Federal Way | Auburn |

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Municipalities and communities of King County, Washington, United States

County seat: Seattle

Cities|

* Algona
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King County map

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* Beaux Arts Village
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CDPs|

* Ames Lake
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Indian reservation|

* Muckleshoot Reservation‡

Ghost towns|

* Alpine
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‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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