What to know when moving to Kent, OH
Kent at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 44.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 48.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $57,415, which supports a balanced lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Average gross rent is $989, reflecting a relatively affordable housing market.
- Commute:
- Only 2.2% use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $989 monthly when considering your move.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kent, OH, has a population of 37,889, with a strong educational presence as 44.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher. The community is nearly evenly split between renters and homeowners, with 48.1% renting. Although the poverty rate is 20.5%, the median household income of $57,415 helps maintain a decent standard of living.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking a robust public transit system, as only 2.2% of residents commute via public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $989, making it a reasonable option for many renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $216,000, which is appealing for potential buyers.
- With a 20.5% poverty rate, the income distribution shows some economic challenges within the community.
- Nearly half of the population, at 48.1%, are renters, indicating a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Kent is reflective of Ohio state-level statistics. The state has seen notable trends in crime rates, particularly in violent crimes and property crimes.
- Violent crime rate in Ohio is 283.3 per 100,000, which is 12.9% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime rate is 1461.8 per 100,000, also slightly below the national average of 1546.9.
- Notable trend: The violent crime rate has decreased by 11.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Ohio).
Schools & Higher Ed
Kent has access to several educational institutions, with a total of 5 nearby schools offering postsecondary education.
- Kent State University at Kent
- Northeast Ohio Medical University (Rootstown)
- University of Akron Main Campus (Akron)
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
The area offers several parks for outdoor activities, providing residents with ample opportunities to enjoy nature.
- Gorge Metro Park - 4.7 stars from 3173 reviews
- West Branch State Park - 4.6 stars from 2818 reviews
- Wingfoot Lake State Park - 4.7 stars from 2248 reviews
- Munroe Falls Metro Park - 4.6 stars from 1331 reviews
Source: Google Places API.