Kentwood, Michigan
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Kentwood is a city in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 45,255.
The city was originally formed as Paris Township in 1839. It incorporated as a city in 1967 to prevent further annexation of land from the cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming.
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Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 54.5 km² (21.0 mi²). 54.5 km² (21.0 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water. The city is bordered by Wyoming to the west, Grand Rapids to the north, Cascade Township to the east, and Gaines Township to the south.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 45,255 people, 18,477 households, and 11,529 families residing in the city. The population density is 830.5/km² (2,150.6/mi²). There are 19,507 housing units at an average density of 358.0/km² (927.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 80.87% White, 9.09% African American, 0.46% Native American, 5.63% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.42% from other races, and 2.48% from two or more races. 3.88% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 18,477 households out of which 33.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% are married couples living together, 10.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% are non-families. 30.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.43 and the average family size is 3.10.
In the city the population is spread out with 26.6% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $45,812, and the median income for a family is $55,615. Males have a median income of $40,544 versus $27,632 for females. The per capita income for the city is $22,463. 6.3% of the population and 5.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.4% of those under the age of 18 and 6.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Government
Voters in Kentwood elect a mayor, city clerk, and city treasurer to four year terms. The next election for these offices will be held on November 8, 2005. The current mayor is Richard Root.
The legislative body of Kentwood is called the city commission. Voters elect six city commissioners to four-year terms. On November 8, 2005, voters in each of the city's two wards will elect one commissioner, while another city commissioner will be elected by the city at-large. This will also be done on November 6, 2007. The mayor presides over City Commission meetings.
External links
Kentwood website (http://www.ci.kentwood.mi.us/)