Kalamazoo, MI
Population 73,132 · Michigan
About Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 73,132 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,965 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kalamazoo features a median home value of $164,500, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Kalamazoo in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,031, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,579 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (12,687 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (16,893 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kalamazoo shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kalamazoo have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.1% of Kalamazoo residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 8.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kalamazoo Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Kalamazoo, MI
Compared to national averages, Kalamazoo has a median household income of $48,965 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $164,500, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,031 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Kalamazoo's income is 26% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 10% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Kalamazoo, MI?
Kalamazoo offers affordable housing with a median home value of $164,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,031/month, and a well-educated community where 37.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,965) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Kalamazoo provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Kalamazoo has a population of 73,132 with a median age of 26.8 years. Compare Kalamazoo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Kalamazoo
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southfield | 76,025 | $65,848 | $226,900 | Compare |
| Rochester Hills | 76,086 | $119,054 | $377,400 | Compare |
| Wyoming | 76,865 | $72,163 | $203,900 | Compare |
| Novi | 66,224 | $110,938 | $399,100 | Compare |
| Flint | 80,835 | $36,194 | $47,600 | Compare |
| Farmington Hills | 83,316 | $101,863 | $333,200 | Compare |
| Taylor | 62,405 | $59,537 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Westland | 84,155 | $62,216 | $176,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Kalamazoo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalamazoo
What is the population of Kalamazoo, MI?
The population of Kalamazoo, MI is 73,132 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Kalamazoo?
The median household income in Kalamazoo, MI is $48,965 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kalamazoo?
The median home value in Kalamazoo, MI is $164,500, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Kalamazoo?
The median monthly rent in Kalamazoo, MI is $1,031, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kalamazoo?
The unemployment rate in Kalamazoo, MI is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kalamazoo, MI a good place to live?
Kalamazoo offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 73,132 and a median age of 26.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kalamazoo, MI?
37.1% of residents in Kalamazoo aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Kalamazoo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kalamazoo, MI: median home value is $164,500 (33% below national), median rent is $1,031/month, and median household income is $48,965. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kalamazoo?
The poverty rate in Kalamazoo, MI is 27.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Kalamazoo, MI?
Kalamazoo's population is 6.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 21.4% two or more races. 8.1% of residents are foreign-born.