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Living in Kokomo, IN

Welcome to Kokomo, Indiana, the 13th largest city in Indiana and the county seat of Howard County. According to the 2006 Census, the population was 48,070. Kokomo is situated approximately 50 miles north of Indianapolis, the State Capital, and centrally located between Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH. Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and Ball State University in Muncie, IN are each located approximately one hour from Kokomo.

The name of the city is derived from the name of a Miami Indian Chief, which translated becomes ‘Black Walnut.’ Kokomo is referred to as the ‘City of Firsts’ for the many accomplishments of its residents. Some of those achievements include the following: Elwood Haynes was an automobile pioneer, having test drove the first internal combustion engine automobile in July of 1894. He was also known as the inventor of stainless steel in 1912. Walter Kemp developed the first canned tomato juice in1928, while John Powell was known for inventing the first mechanical corn picker. A few other inventions include the first pneumatic rubber tire in 1894, Dirilyte tableware in 1926, the first push-button radio created by Delco Electronics in 1938 the first transistor car radio in 1957 and many more.

Howard County is known primarily as an agricultural, automotive and industrial area of Indiana. Some of the largest employers include Chrysler-Fiat,LLC, Delphi Electronics, Haynes International, and Syndicate Sales. Howard County is also home to five public high schools, a few non-public schools, The Kokomo Library and several colleges and universities including Indiana-Purdue University at Kokomo, Ivy-Tech State College and Indiana Wesleyan University. Inventrek offers a place for newly developed technology and incubator companies to thrive. Two hospitals and a large number of medical clinics and offices serve the community and provide ample employment for residents in the medical field. The climate offers residents and tourists four distinct seasons and a variety of outdoor activities year round. Kokomo/Howard County offers 13 excellent parks ideal for summer and winter sports activities, wonderful hiking trails and picnic areas. Other attractions include visiting Old Ben, a once ‘acclaimed largest steer in the world,’ the Vermont Covered Bridge, Seiberling Mansion and Elliott House, Kokomo Beach with water park, Elwood Haynes Museum and City of Firsts Automotive Heritage Museum.
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