Kent is located in King County, Washington, approximately 19 miles south of downtown Seattle and 19 miles northeast of downtown Tacoma. It occupies a crucial geographic position in the Green River Valley, acting as a bridge between the Puget Sound's major urban centers.
The city's physical geography is defined by the Green River, which meanders northward through the center of the city on its way to the Duwamish River and Elliott Bay. The valley floor is relatively flat and dominated by commercial, industrial, and retail development. Flanking the valley to the east and west are two prominent ridges—East Hill and West Hill—where the majority of the city's residential neighborhoods are located. On clear days, the city offers commanding views of Mount Rainier to the southeast.