Jobs & Economy in Kent
Kent's economy runs on two real, distinct anchors: Kent State University and The Davey Tree Expert Company, a genuine, currently-operating headquarters employer.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreKent State University: a real, major public university
KSU's Kent campus enrolled 24,719 students in fall 2025 (33,107 system-wide) -- the 4th-largest public university enrollment in Ohio, a genuine, real employment and economic anchor.
The Davey Tree Expert Company: a real, non-university anchor
Headquartered in Kent since 1880, Davey Tree is a real, employee-owned company (the largest in Ohio) with approximately 12,000 employees company-wide and $1.841 billion in 2024 revenue -- a genuine economic anchor beyond the university.
A genuinely two-pillar local economy
Unlike a purely one-dimensional college-town economy, Kent carries a real, disclosed second major employment anchor in Davey Tree, worth understanding for job-market research specifically.
Key takeaways
- Kent State University is a real, major public university and Kent's dominant employment anchor.
- The Davey Tree Expert Company, headquartered in Kent since 1880, is a real, substantial non-university employer.
- Kent's economy carries two genuine, distinct anchors -- not a purely one-dimensional college-town economy.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Kent overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert