Kent 89 Exceptional
Kent Livability #13 ranked city in Ohio#148 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Kent

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Employment Employment

    The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.

What's it like Living in Kent?

Located in the state of Ohio, Kent is a moderately-sized city with a population of 30,369 residents. Kent has a population density of 3,309 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. According to the most recent Census, 79% of Kent residents are White, 10% Black and 5% Asian. Kent tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 24 is far below the national average. Kent is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 34%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Kent is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Ohio, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Kent and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, commute, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.

Kent, OH receives 88 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #12 in Ohio and #128 in the USA. This is a terrific score, as Kent ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Kent ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Kent ranks well for crime (A), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (B+). Regrettably for Kent, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: employment (F).

Kent has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Kent has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Kent are: Kent State University Museum, Porthouse Theatre, and The Kent Stage.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Kent has a violent crime rate of 127 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Kent, the average school test scores reached an impressive 70%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Kent an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Kent market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Kent is real estate affordability. The median home price for Kent homes is $273,513, which is 16.5% higher than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Kent, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 61.3% higher than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Kent

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      Kent transportation information

      Statistic Kent Ohio National
      Average one way commute22min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.5%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.2%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.5%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home11.8%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Kent, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.