Kentwood is a city in Kent County, Michigan, in the western part of the state. It is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and has developed from an agricultural community into a suburban city with more than 54,000 residents.
Kentwood is known for its residential neighborhoods, diverse population, shopping and dining areas, parks, schools, and convenient access to the wider Grand Rapids region.
Quick Facts
- Official name: City of Kentwood
- State: Michigan
- County: Kent County
- Region: West Michigan
- Population: 54,776 (2025 estimate)
- 2020 Census population: 54,304
- Area: About 20.92 square miles of land
- Time zone: Eastern Time
- ZIP codes: 49508, 49512, 49546, 49548
- Nearest major city: Grand Rapids
- Airport: Gerald R. Ford International Airport
- Government: Mayor-council form of government
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Kentwood’s population at 54,776 as of July 1, 2025. The city had 54,304 residents in the 2020 Census and 48,707 in 2010.
Where Is Kentwood, Michigan?
Kentwood is located in Kent County in West Michigan, immediately southeast of Grand Rapids.
Its location places it within the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and provides access to major roads, public transportation, commercial districts and regional employment centers.
The city covers about 20.92 square miles of land, with a 2020 population density of approximately 2,596 people per square mile.
Kentwood is also close to Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which provides air connections for the Grand Rapids area.
History of Kentwood
Kentwood developed from a rural agricultural community in what was historically Paris Township.
The area gradually changed as farms and rural settlements were replaced by residential neighborhoods, businesses and transportation infrastructure.
Kentwood was incorporated as a city in 1967. Its growth was closely connected with the expansion of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and the development of suburban communities in Kent County.
Today, Kentwood combines older neighborhoods with newer residential, commercial and industrial areas.
Population and People
Kentwood had 54,304 residents in the 2020 Census and an estimated 54,776 residents in 2025.
The city has a diverse population. Census estimates for 2020–2024 indicate that 19.2% of residents were foreign-born, while 24.8% of residents age five and older spoke a language other than English at home.
The Census Bureau reports the following racial and ethnic composition for Kentwood:
- White alone: 53.8%
- Black or African American alone: 22.5%
- Asian alone: 10.0%
- Two or more races: 10.5%
- Hispanic or Latino: 10.3%
These categories are reported separately by the Census Bureau and can overlap where Hispanic or Latino ethnicity is concerned.
Geography and Climate
Kentwood has a landscape typical of the Grand Rapids area, with relatively level and gently rolling terrain, residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and developed green spaces.
The city experiences a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons.
Summers
Summers are generally warm and can be humid, with periods of rainfall and thunderstorms.
Winters
Winters are cold, with snowfall influenced by weather systems moving across the Great Lakes region.
Spring and Fall
Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and changing weather conditions. Autumn is notable for changing foliage throughout West Michigan.
Government and Administration
Kentwood is an incorporated city in Kent County, Michigan.
The city government provides services including public safety, parks and recreation, planning, infrastructure and community administration.
Kentwood City Hall is located on Breton Avenue SE.
The city’s local government works with Kent County and regional organizations on services and issues affecting the wider Grand Rapids metropolitan area.
Economy
Kentwood has a diverse suburban economy that includes retail, health care, transportation, hospitality, professional services and other businesses.
The city describes itself as a regional destination for shopping, dining, lodging and recreation and reports more than 1,300 businesses.
Census data also shows substantial economic activity in several sectors. In 2022, Kentwood recorded approximately:
- $2.03 billion in retail sales
- $706.7 million in health care and social assistance receipts or revenue
- $367.3 million in transportation and warehousing receipts
- $163.8 million in accommodation and food services sales
Kentwood’s location within the Grand Rapids metropolitan area is an important factor in its commercial and employment activity.
Shopping and Business
Kentwood contains numerous shopping centers, restaurants, hotels and service businesses.
Commercial development is concentrated along major roads and transportation corridors.
The city’s proximity to Grand Rapids and Gerald R. Ford International Airport also contributes to its role as a regional business and service center.
Parks and Recreation
Kentwood maintains parks, recreation facilities, trails and community spaces for residents.
The city’s Parks and Recreation department operates facilities and programs serving residents of different ages.
Outdoor activities in Kentwood include:
- Walking and hiking
- Sports
- Playgrounds
- Community recreation
- Picnicking
- Seasonal outdoor activities
- Parks and open spaces
Kentwood’s location within West Michigan also places residents within easy reach of the larger recreational network of the Grand Rapids region.
Education
Kentwood is served by several public school systems, including:
- Kentwood Public Schools
- Forest Hills Public Schools
- Kelloggsville Public Schools
The city also has access to charter, private and faith-based schools.
For higher education, Kentwood residents are part of the wider Grand Rapids educational environment, which includes colleges, universities and satellite campuses throughout the metropolitan area.
Census data shows that 89.4% of Kentwood residents age 25 and older had graduated from high school or higher, while 36.7% had a bachelor’s degree or higher during 2020–2024.
Transportation
Kentwood is connected to the Grand Rapids metropolitan area through major roads, public transportation and regional transportation facilities.
The city is served by major highways and bus routes, while freight and passenger rail connections operate within the wider region.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is located in the Kentwood area and provides commercial air service for West Michigan.
The airport is an important transportation connection for residents, businesses and visitors.
The city also identifies highways, passenger and freight rail and bus routes as important parts of its regional transportation network.
Housing and Cost of Living
Kentwood contains a mix of single-family homes, apartments, townhomes and other residential properties.
According to the Census Bureau, the median value of owner-occupied housing units was $268,200 during 2020–2024, while median gross rent was $1,260.
The owner-occupied housing rate was 61.3% during the same period.
Kentwood’s housing market reflects its position within the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and includes both established neighborhoods and newer residential development.
Culture and Community
Kentwood is culturally diverse, with residents representing different backgrounds, languages and traditions.
The city’s foreign-born population and the number of languages spoken at home contribute to its multicultural character.
Community events, recreation programs, local organizations, restaurants and cultural activities contribute to life in the city.
Landmarks and Places to Visit
Kentwood is primarily a residential and suburban city, but it has several places and destinations of interest.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The airport is one of the most recognizable regional facilities in the Kentwood area and provides air connections throughout the United States.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
Kentwood’s parks and recreation facilities provide opportunities for sports, outdoor activities and community programs.
Commercial Districts
The city’s major commercial areas include shopping, dining, hotels and other services that attract both local residents and visitors from surrounding communities.
Grand Rapids Area Attractions
Kentwood’s location provides convenient access to the larger collection of museums, cultural institutions, entertainment venues and attractions in nearby Grand Rapids.
Demographics and Households
Kentwood had approximately 21,245 households during 2020–2024, with an average of 2.53 people per household.
The median household income was $74,373 in 2024 dollars during the 2020–2024 period.
The city’s population includes families, young adults, older residents and international communities.
Kentwood Today
Kentwood is a growing suburban city within the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.
Its population increased from 48,707 in 2010 to 54,304 in 2020, and the Census Bureau estimated 54,776 residents in 2025.
Today, Kentwood combines residential neighborhoods with retail, health care, transportation, hospitality and other economic activities.
Its access to Gerald R. Ford International Airport, major highways and the wider Grand Rapids region makes it an important part of West Michigan’s urban area.
With more than 54,000 residents, a diverse population and a broad local economy, Kentwood continues to be an established city within the Grand Rapids metropolitan region.