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US City Data

Kalamazoo, MI

Population 73,132 · Michigan

Population
73,132
Median Income
$48,965
Median Home Value
$164,500
Median Rent
$1,031/mo

About Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo is a mid-sized city in Michigan with a population of 73,132 residents. The median household income is $48,965 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Kalamazoo is 26.8 years.

Housing in Kalamazoo has a median home value of $164,500 and median monthly rent of $1,031. Of the 32,579 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 12,687 owner-occupied and 16,893 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Kalamazoo is 6.9% and the poverty rate is 27.0%. 37.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18 minutes.

How Kalamazoo Ranks in Michigan

Most Populated Cities
#16
of 50 cities · 73,132

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.

Income vs National
$48,965
National: $75,149
Michigan: $66,017
Home Value vs National
$164,500
National: $244,900
Michigan: $183,391
Rent vs National
$1,031
National: $1,163
Michigan: $921
Unemployment vs National
6.9%
National: 3.7%
Michigan: 6.2%

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.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Southfield76,025$65,848$226,900Compare
Rochester Hills76,086$119,054$377,400Compare
Wyoming76,865$72,163$203,900Compare
Novi66,224$110,938$399,100Compare
Flint80,835$36,194$47,600Compare
Farmington Hills83,316$101,863$333,200Compare
Taylor62,405$59,537$141,200Compare
Westland84,155$62,216$176,500Compare

Demographics

26.8
Median Age
35,450
Male
37,682
Female
8.1%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White6.1Hispanic/Latino1.6Black0.5Asian1.9Two or More21.4

Economy & Education

6.9%
Unemployment Rate
27%
Poverty Rate
37.1%
Bachelor's Degree+
18 min
Avg Commute

Housing

32,579
Total Housing Units
12,687
Owner Occupied
16,893
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Michigan

Lake Michigan BeachMichigan CenterAddisonAdrianAdvanceAhmeek

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Kalamazoo With Other Cities

Kalamazoo vs Lake Michigan BeachKalamazoo vs Michigan CenterKalamazoo vs AddisonKalamazoo vs Adrian

Frequently Asked Questions about Kalamazoo

What is the population of Kalamazoo, MI?

The population of Kalamazoo, MI is 73,132 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Kalamazoo?

The median household income in Kalamazoo, MI is $48,965 per year.

What is the median home value in Kalamazoo?

The median home value in Kalamazoo, MI is $164,500.

What is the average rent in Kalamazoo?

The median monthly rent in Kalamazoo, MI is $1,031.

What is the unemployment rate in Kalamazoo?

The unemployment rate in Kalamazoo, MI is 6.9%.

Explore More

Cost of Living in MichiganMost Populated Cities in MichiganCheapest Cities in MichiganHighest Income Cities in MichiganLowest Rent in MichiganBest Cities for FamiliesBest Cities for Young ProfessionalsBest Cities for RetireesGuide: Cost Of LivingGuide: Moving GuideKalamazoo vs AddisonKalamazoo vs AdrianKalamazoo vs Advance