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Kokomo is a city in Howard County, Indiana, United States. Kokomo has a population of around 57,000 residents, making it one of the larger cities in Indiana. Known as the "City of Firsts," Kokomo has been home to many innovative developments over the years.

History

Founded in 1844, Kokomo got its start as a small trading village at the intersection of the Wildcat and Maquoketa Creeks. The name "Kokomo" comes from a Native American Ma-Ko-Ko-Mo who was called "Chief Kokomo."

Throughout its history, Kokomo has been known for its innovative spirit and many "firsts." Some of Kokomo's claims to fame include:

• First pneumatic rubber tire - Developed by Elwood Haynes in Kokomo in 1891 [1]
• First carburetor - Created by the Elwood Haynes in 1893
• First Model T to drive overland across the Continental Divide - Driven by factory worker Roscoe Turner in 1916
• First commercial FM radio station - WFET began broadcasting in 1943

In addition to these technological firsts, Kokomo served as an early hub for the auto industry with the establishment of several auto parts manufacturers in the early 1900s. Major employers such as Delco Electronics, Continental Steel, and Haynes International were founded in Kokomo during this time.

Today, Kokomo continues to embrace innovation and change while honoring its rich history as the "City of Firsts." The Kokomo Automotive Museum [2] celebrates the city's auto heritage, while new development in downtown Kokomo points to an exciting future.

Population and Demographics

As of 2020, Kokomo had an estimated population of 57,282 residents [3]. This makes it the 13th largest city in Indiana. The racial makeup of Kokomo is approximately:

• 77% White
• 15% Black or African American
• 2% Asian
• 4% Two or more races
• 2% Other races

The median age is 38.3 years old. 24% of the population is under 18 years old and 14% is over 65 years old.

The median household income in Kokomo is $41,279 with a poverty rate of 18.4% [3]. The unemployment rate is currently 4.2%.

Economy and Major Employers

Historically, the economy of Kokomo was based on the auto industry. While that is still a major component today, the economy has diversified over the years.

Major employers in Kokomo include [4]:

• Stellantis (formerly Chrysler): 3,400 employees
• Kokomo Transmission Plant: 2,800 employees
• Kokomo Casting Plant: 800 employees
• Haynes International: 500 employees
• Delphi Technologies: 250 employees
• Sage Software: 200 employees

Other major industries include healthcare, education, manufacturing, technology, and retail. Top employers include Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo hospital, the Kokomo-Center Township Consolidated School Corporation, and General Motors which has an aluminum casting plant [5].

With a diversified economy and major investments in downtown revitalization, Kokomo is poised for economic growth in the coming years.

Attractions and Landmarks

As the "City of Firsts," Kokomo has a wide variety of unique attractions and landmarks that celebrate its heritage of innovation.

Kokomo Automotive Museum

The Kokomo Automotive Museum [2] has an extensive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and auto memorabilia related to Kokomo's rich history as an automotive hub. Located downtown at 1500 N Reed Rd. [6]

Elwood Haynes Museum

Located in Highland Park near downtown, the Elwood Haynes Museum [7] celebrates one of Kokomo's most famous residents. Haynes was an inventor, metallurgist, and automobile pioneer who created some of Kokomo's first "firsts." The museum is located at 1915 S Webster St. [8]

Foster Park

Foster Park is the largest municipal park in Kokomo with hundreds of acres of trails, gardens, and recreational facilities. Some highlights include the Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center, the Kokomo Skate Park, and the Kokomo Arts Pavilion hosting free summer concerts. Foster Park is located downtown at 1200 W Superior St. [9]

Seiberling Mansion

Built in 1917, the Seiberling Mansion [10] is a historic home originally owned by Monroe Seiberling, founder of the Seiberling Tire and Rubber Company. The mansion was donated to the Howard County Historical Society in 1975 and now serves as a museum. It is located at 1200 W Sycamore St. [11]

Public Transportation

The main public transportation system in Kokomo is the Kokomo Transit System, operated by the Kokomo Parking Authority. The transit system offers fixed routes as well as on-demand services for disabled residents. More information can be found on their website [12] or by calling 765-456-7433.

Library

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library has four branch locations throughout Kokomo and Howard County. The main library is located downtown at 220 N Union St [13]. In addition to books, the library offers free WiFi, public computers, story times for children, and community meeting spaces. Learn more at their website [14] or by calling 765-453-4150.

Sports Teams

Kokomo is home to the Kokomo Jackrabbits baseball team, part of the summer collegiate Northwoods League. They play at Kokomo Municipal Stadium downtown. Learn more on the team's website [15].

Kokomo High School's sports teams, known as the Kokomo Wildkats, compete in the North Central Conference. The football team plays at Memorial Stadium [16].

Facebook

You can follow news and events in Kokomo by liking the City of Kokomo Facebook page [17].

County and Regional Information

Kokomo is located in Howard County in north-central Indiana. The Howard County government website [18] has more information about the county and regional resources.

The address for the Howard County Courthouse is:

Howard County Courthouse
104 N Buckeye St
Kokomo, IN 46901

Phone: 765-456-2234

School Districts

Public schools in Kokomo belong to the Kokomo-Center Township Consolidated School Corporation. The district website [19] has more information about the 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 high schools, and adult education program that serve the city of Kokomo.

Some other school districts serve portions of Howard County outside of Kokomo city limits, including:

• Eastern Howard School Corporation [20]
• Taylor Community School Corporation [21]
• Western School Corporation [22]

Additional Local Resources

Here are some other useful resources to help you learn more about Kokomo, Indiana:

• [23] - Kokomo/Howard County Convention and Visitors Bureau
• [24] - Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance
• [25]
• [26] - Kokomo Perspective News and Information
• [27] - City of Kokomo city services
• [28] - Kokomo events calendar
• [29] - Indiana University Kokomo
• [30] - Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo

We hope this gives you a great overview of Kokomo, Indiana! Let us know if you need any other information about visiting, living in, or moving to this city with such a rich history and bright future.