Kent

Kent is the largest city in Portage County, and according to the 2010 census, the population is 28,904. Kent is a college town best known as the home of the main campus of Kent State University, founded in 1910. Historically a manufacturing center, education is the city's largest economic sector with Kent State University the city's, and one of the region's, largest employers. Many of Kent's demographic elements are influenced by the presence of the university.

Kent has nearly 20 parks and preserves and hosts a number of annual festivals including ones related to Earth Day, folk music, and the U.S. Independence Day. In addition to the Kent State athletic teams, the city also hosts a number of amateur and local sporting events at various times during the year. Kent is part of the Cleveland-Akron media market and is the city of license for three local radio stations and three television stations and includes the regional affiliates for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Although most residents commute to work in private vehicles, alternate transportation includes a public bus service (PARTA) and hike-and-bike trails. As the home of the Davey Tree Expert Company, Kent is known as "The Tree City" while residents are referred to as "Kentites." The city has produced a number of notable individuals, particularly in politics, athletics, and the entertainment industry.