Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kent, OH
Considering a move to Kent, OH? With a youthful population of 28,215 and home to Kent State University, Kent offers affordable living—median home prices around $187,500 and average rents under $1,000. Residents enjoy a manageable 20-minute average commute, low violent crime, and strong educational resources. The city experiences four distinct seasons, great access to healthcare, and a vibrant college-town atmosphere perfect for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Kent, OH
Kent, Ohio has a population of 28,215, featuring a predominantly young community with a median age of 23.6, influenced by the presence of Kent State University. The city is primarily White (over 80%), with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diverse and energetic atmosphere makes Kent appealing for students and young professionals.
Population:
28,215
Density:
2,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.6
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
81.6%
Black:
9.1%
Asian:
3.6%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kent, OH?
Living in Kent is affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $187,500. The average rent remains under $1,000, and daily expenses like utilities, groceries, and transportation are budget-friendly. Low state taxes further enhance the city’s appeal for cost-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$187,500
Gross Rent:
$995
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$114
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,270
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
3.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.7
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
68.2
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
83.9
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
87.0
Crime
Is Kent, OH a safe place to live?
Kent experiences a relatively low violent crime rate, with the chance of such an incident at about 1 in 595, though property crime is more common. The overall crime index reflects a safe environment for most residents, especially compared to larger urban areas. The city balances its lively college-town energy with a reassuring sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
168
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,010
Crime Index:
2,178
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 595
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Kent, OH year-round?
Kent enjoys all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 20°F and warm summers reaching highs near 83°F. The city receives about 38 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine roughly 45% of the year. This climate provides residents with a true taste of seasonal change.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Kent’s residents benefit from moderate incomes, with a median household income of $42,600, but the area does have a higher poverty rate at 34.5%. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and about 38% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the city’s educational influence. Commute times are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, which adds to local convenience.
Median Income:
$21,800
Household Income:
$42,600
Family Income:
$60,600
Per Capita Income:
$21,800
Income Male:
$27,900
Income Female:
$21,400
Poverty Rate:
34.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$995
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
38.2%
Education
How are the schools in Kent, OH?
Kent is home to excellent educational opportunities, including public schools like Kent Roosevelt High School and Holden Elementary, as well as private options such as St. Patrick School. The city is anchored by Kent State University, which enrolls around 25,000 students and contributes to a vibrant academic community. Families and students alike benefit from a range of quality learning environments.

Public Schools
Name:
Kent Roosevelt High School
Street:
1400 N Mantua St
Phone:
330-676-8700
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Name:
Holden Elementary School
Street:
132 W School St
Phone:
330-676-8400
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4

Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick School
Street:
127 Portage St
Phone:
330-673-7232
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Kent State University
City:
Kent
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
25,000
Healthcare
Kent offers strong healthcare access, with major hospitals like UH Portage Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic Akron General nearby. The city has 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of people have health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services and emergency care within easy reach.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UH Portage Medical Center
Address:
6847 N Chestnut St, Ravenna, OH 44266
Phone:
(330) 297-2300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cleveland Clinic - Akron General
Address:
1 Akron General Ave, Akron, OH 44307
Phone:
(330) 344-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
75.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kent, OH?
The housing market in Kent is accessible, with median home prices around $187,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $995. Home appreciation has shown steady growth, and about 41% of homes are owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are moderate, making it feasible for both renters and buyers to find suitable options.
Median Home Price:
$187,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$995
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Kent residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, located in Columbus, with helpful resources available online and by phone. State DMV services are easily accessible for new arrivals. Ohio’s DMV offers efficient support for all driver and vehicle needs.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1970 W. Broad St, Columbus, OH 43223
Phone:
1-844-644-6268
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.