Kentwood, MI
Population 54,114 · Michigan
About Kentwood, MI
Kentwood is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 54,114 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,647 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 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 Kentwood features a median home value of $249,000, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kentwood in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,205, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,450 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (13,055 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (8,565 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kentwood shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kentwood have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.1% of Kentwood 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 7.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 18.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kentwood Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Kentwood, MI
Compared to national averages, Kentwood has a median household income of $73,647 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $249,000, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,205 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Kentwood's income is 12% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 36% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Kentwood, MI?
Kentwood offers a well-educated community where 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,647) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Kentwood provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Kentwood has a population of 54,114 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare Kentwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Kentwood
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Creek | 52,392 | $51,699 | $127,600 | Compare |
| Royal Oak | 57,880 | $95,182 | $305,900 | Compare |
| St. Clair Shores | 58,287 | $72,693 | $196,400 | Compare |
| Portage | 49,015 | $79,529 | $243,400 | Compare |
| Roseville | 47,240 | $61,222 | $142,700 | Compare |
| Pontiac | 61,914 | $42,791 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Dearborn Heights | 62,099 | $61,035 | $174,900 | Compare |
| Taylor | 62,405 | $59,537 | $141,200 | 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 Kentwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kentwood
What is the population of Kentwood, MI?
The population of Kentwood, MI is 54,114 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 Kentwood?
The median household income in Kentwood, MI is $73,647 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kentwood?
The median home value in Kentwood, MI is $249,000, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kentwood?
The median monthly rent in Kentwood, MI is $1,205, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kentwood?
The unemployment rate in Kentwood, MI is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kentwood, MI a good place to live?
Kentwood offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 54,114 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Kentwood, MI?
35.1% of residents in Kentwood 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 Kentwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kentwood, MI: median home value is $249,000 (2% above national), median rent is $1,205/month, and median household income is $73,647. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kentwood?
The poverty rate in Kentwood, MI is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kentwood, MI?
Kentwood's population is 7.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 19.3% two or more races. 18.3% of residents are foreign-born.