Kent has seen tremendous growth in recent years—its population grew nearly 44 percent between 2009 and 2012. The city’s low cost of living also contributes to its place on this list. The largest employer in Kent is Boeing, which once maintained its headquarters in the city and today operates a local plant.

Robert Sorbo/Reuters/Files
Invited guests for the world premiere of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are reflected in the fuselage of the aircraft at the 787 assembly plant in Everett, Washington, in this July 8, 2007 picture. Boeing is a major employer in Kent, Washington.