Kent, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
135,603
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,302/yr
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
49,652
1.5% year-over-year change

Kent population

How many people live in Kent

Kent is home to 135,603 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51% of Kent locals are male, and 49% are female.

Total population
135,603
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51%
69,185
Female
49%
66,418
Value Percent YoY change
Male 69,185 51% 0.9%
Female 66,418 49% -0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Kent is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.4% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.6% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.4%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
30.6%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 27,598 20.4% -1.3%
15 to 24 16,711 12.3% 0.9%
25 to 44 41,448 30.6% -1.3%
45 to 64 33,708 24.9% 1.4%
Over 65 16,138 11.9% 5.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Kent, 64.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 18% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 17.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 38.1% of locals are Caucasian, 13.1% are African American and 23% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 3% are Pacific Islanders, while 9.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 12.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
64.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
18%
Non-citizens
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 88,019 64.9% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 24,359 18% 2.6%
Non-citizens 23,225 17.1% 2.9%
Racial breakdown
White
38.1%
Black or African American
13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
23%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
3%
Two or more races
12.3%
Other
9.9%
Value Percent
White 51,669 38.1%
Black or African American 17,820 13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 716 0.5%
Asian 31,263 23%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4,107 3%
Two or more races 16,646 12.3%
Other 13,382 9.9%

Households in Kent

A peek inside Kent households

Kent has 47,156 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.5% are families, while the remaining 32.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
47,156
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
15,325
Family households
31,831
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 15,325 32.5% 1.3%
Family households 31,831 67.5% 0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Kent

The housing landscape of Kent

Kent's housing consists of 49,652 units, with 52% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
49,652
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 25,845 52%
1 unit, attached 3,069 6.2%
2 units 357 0.7%
3 or 4 units 2,036 4.1%
5 to 9 units 3,979 8%
10 to 19 units 5,990 12.1%
20 to 49 units 2,306 4.6%
50 or more units 4,566 9.2%
Mobile home 1,458 2.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 46 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
527
51.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Kent

In Kent, the median construction year is 1985. About 2.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,070 2.2% 14.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 632 1.3% -4.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,257 4.6% 6.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,865 13.8% 0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,305 16.7% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,619 21.4% -0.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9,049 18.2% 2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,970 12% -0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,358 8.8% 6.0%
Built in 2020 or later 527 1.1% 51.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Kent occupancy rates

Out of the 47,156 occupied housing units in Kent, 57.2% are owner-occupied, while 42.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
47,156
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,195
Owner occupied
26,961
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,195 42.8% 0.3%
Owner occupied 26,961 57.2% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
5.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Kent housing costs

Housing costs in Kent come to a median of $1,967 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,909.

Median housing costs per month
$1,967/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Kent
$1,909/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Kent

Kent education at a glance

About 32.5% of the population in Kent went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 10.8% earned an associate degree and 19.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,136 6.9% 1.9%
High school diploma 33,630 32.5% 0.5%
College diploma 23,094 22.3% -1.2%
Associate degree 11,163 10.8% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 20,553 19.9% 1.2%
Graduate degree 7,869 7.6% 4.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Kent

How much people earn in Kent

The average annual household income in Kent was $118,856 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,302, reflecting a +2.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Kent
$118,856/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Kent
$92,302/year
2.1% year-over-year change

Kent income by age

In Kent, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,218. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $110,241 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,374, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,314 in earnings. Overall, 89.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,374 4.5%
25 - 44 $97,218 2.7%
45 - 64 $110,241 0.3%
Over 65 $68,314 4.9%
Above poverty level
118,373
Below poverty level
14,313
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 118,373 89.2% 0.2%
Below poverty level 14,313 10.8% 2.8%

Average renter income in Kent

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Kent, their median household income was $63,499 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$63,499
Rent-to-income ratio
36.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Kent

Workforce and job types in Kent

The job market in Kent is powered by 68,041 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 69% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
68,041
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
49,442
Blue collar
18,599
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 49,442 72.7% -0.0%
Blue collar 18,599 27.3% -1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
69%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,790 10% -6.2%
Private companies 46,946 69% -0.8%
Governmental workers 8,583 12.6% 7.6%
Not for profit companies 5,722 8.4% -2.5%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
-4.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Kent stands at 7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Kent

How people get around in Kent

In Kent, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 79.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
1.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 51,975 79.1% -3.0%
Taxicab 254 0.4% 16.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,836 2.8% -9.5%
Subway or elevated 17 0% N/A
Railroad 648 1% -31.5%
Motorcycle 9 0% -50.0%
Bicycle 20 0% -69.2%
Walk 1,034 1.6% 12.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Kent by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98030 38,523 13,113 $91,761 $108,365
98031 40,094 14,011 $105,965 $128,468
98032 40,862 14,675 $82,636 $112,358
98042 50,216 17,144 $127,552 $152,534

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FAQs about Kent demographics 

What is the total population of Kent?

Kent has a total population of 135,603 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Kent?

The gender ratio in Kent is as follows:
  • 51% males (69,185 residents)
  • 49% females (66,418 residents)

What is the median age in Kent?

The median age in Kent is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Kent?

The age distribution in Kent is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.4% (27,598 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (16,711 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.6% (41,448 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (33,708 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.9% (16,138 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Kent?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Kent is as follows:
  • White: 38.1% (51,669 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.1% (17,820 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (716 residents)
  • Asian: 23% (31,263 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 3% (4,107 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.3% (16,646 residents)
  • Other: 9.9% (13,382 residents)

What percentage of the population in Kent are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 64.9% of the population in Kent.

How many housing units are there in Kent?

There are 49,652 housing units in Kent, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Kent and what is the average household size?

Kent has a total of 47,156 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Kent?

Kent has a median household income of $92,302, representing a +2.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Kent?

The employment rate is 93% in Kent, with a workforce of 68,041 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.7% (49,442 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.3% (18,599 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (6,790 residents)
  • Private companies: 69% (46,946 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (8,583 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (5,722 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025