Washington / King County

Moving to Kent, WA

Thinking of making a move to Kent, WA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Kent and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Kent before you move.

Moving Help for Your Kent, WA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Kent move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Kent, WA Piano Movers Kent, WA Cheap Movers Kent, WA Small Movers Kent, WA Apartment Movers Kent, WA Long Distance Movers Kent, WA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kent, WA

Considering a move to Kent, WA? This welcoming community of 136,588 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $575,000 and average rents near $1,980. Commute times average 32 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (47% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kent's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kent, WA

Kent has a population of 136,588 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 44% White, 11% Black, and 17% Asian residents, and over 35% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
136,588
Density
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age
35.4
Gender Ratio
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
34.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
44.0%
Black
11.4%
Asian
17.2%
Others
27.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kent, WA?

The cost of living in Kent is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 144.5. Median home values are around $575,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,980. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$575,000
Gross Rent
$1,980
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
144.5
Grocery
104.8
Housing
173.5
Utilities
96.8
Transportation
132.4
Health Care
113.2
Miscellaneous
103.9

Crime

Is Kent, WA a safe place to live?

Kent is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 364 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 38. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
364
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,650
Crime Index
3,014
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 275
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 38

Weather

What is the weather like in Kent, WA year-round?

Kent experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 79°F and cold winters dipping to 36°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 47% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
36°F
Max
46°F

Summer

Min
55°F
Max
79°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
47%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $94,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 32 minutes, and almost 14% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,800
Household Income
$94,500
Family Income
$104,300
Per Capita Income
$34,900
Income Male
$53,800
Income Female
$45,900
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
41.5%
Rent
$1,980
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Public Transport Usage
13.6%
Commute Time
31.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.1%
Bachelors or More
28.7%

Education

How are the schools in Kent, WA?

Kent offers quality education options, with public schools like Kent-Meridian High School and Northwood Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Green River College and Highline College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kent-Meridian High School
Street
10020 SE 256th St
Phone
253-373-7400
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
21.0
Name
Northwood Middle School
Street
16600 SE 264th St
Phone
253-373-7660
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
18.5

Private Schools

Name
Kent Valley Adventist School
Street
106 W James St
Phone
253-854-2915
Students
180
Name
Bible Baptist Christian School
Street
1212 Central Ave S
Phone
253-859-0498
Students
120

Colleges

Name
Green River College
City
Auburn
State
WA
Distance
6 miles
Students
7,500
Name
Highline College
City
Des Moines
State
WA
Distance
11 miles
Students
16,000

Healthcare

Kent residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Valley Medical Center and MultiCare Kent Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Valley Medical Center
Address
400 S 43rd St, Renton, WA 98055
Phone
(425) 228-3440
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MultiCare Kent Hospital
Address
21720 72nd Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
Phone
(253) 372-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
76.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kent, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $575,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Kent offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$575,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,980
Owner Occupied Rate
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Kent handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
405 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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.

FAQs About Moving to Kent, WA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kent, review the core fields on this page: population 136,588, median home value $575,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,980, commute time 31.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 47%.

Ready to Move to Kent, WA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes