Kalkaska, MI
Population 2,370 · Michigan
About Kalkaska, MI
Kalkaska is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 2,370 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,955 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kalkaska features a median home value of $121,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kalkaska one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $644, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,103 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (621 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (413 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kalkaska shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kalkaska have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.5% of Kalkaska residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kalkaska, MI
Compared to national averages, Kalkaska has a median household income of $42,955 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,300, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $644 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Kalkaska's income is 35% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 34% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Kalkaska, MI?
Kalkaska offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $644/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,955) that falls below the national average. However, Kalkaska’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kalkaska has a population of 2,370 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Kalkaska with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Kalkaska
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edgemont Park | 2,367 | $62,120 | $161,800 | Compare |
| Manchester | 2,375 | $81,393 | $222,700 | Compare |
| Argentine | 2,357 | $100,733 | $309,600 | Compare |
| Bridgman | 2,383 | $71,435 | $228,800 | Compare |
| Hudson | 2,385 | $57,500 | $103,100 | Compare |
| Spring Arbor | 2,385 | $77,721 | $213,100 | Compare |
| St. Ignace | 2,409 | $60,735 | $127,800 | Compare |
| Chesaning | 2,411 | $57,426 | $123,900 | 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 Kalkaska With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalkaska
What is the population of Kalkaska, MI?
The population of Kalkaska, MI is 2,370 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Kalkaska?
The median household income in Kalkaska, MI is $42,955 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kalkaska?
The median home value in Kalkaska, MI is $121,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kalkaska?
The median monthly rent in Kalkaska, MI is $644, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kalkaska?
The unemployment rate in Kalkaska, MI is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kalkaska, MI a good place to live?
Kalkaska offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,370 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kalkaska, MI?
18.5% of residents in Kalkaska aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Kalkaska?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kalkaska, MI: median home value is $121,300 (50% below national), median rent is $644/month, and median household income is $42,955. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kalkaska?
The poverty rate in Kalkaska, MI is 20.2%, 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 Kalkaska, MI?
Kalkaska's population is 0.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.