Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kalamazoo, MI
Thinking of moving to Kalamazoo, MI? With a population of 73,598 and a youthful median age, Kalamazoo offers affordable living—median home prices are around $162,000 and average rent is $1,030. Commute times are short (about 18 minutes), and the city features strong local colleges and a diverse community. While crime rates are higher than the national average, residents enjoy vibrant education options and all four seasons, making Kalamazoo a lively and budget-friendly place to call home.
Demographics - Kalamazoo, MI
Demographics - Kalamazoo, MI
Kalamazoo is home to approximately 73,600 residents, with a notably young median age of 26.7 and a diverse population that includes significant White and Black communities. The city’s moderate population density and the presence of non-English speakers contribute to a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere, making it an appealing option for newcomers seeking diversity.
Population:
73,598
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
64.2%
Black:
21.3%
Asian:
2.3%
Others:
12.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kalamazoo, MI?
Kalamazoo offers affordable living, with a median home value of $162,000 and average rent at $1,030, contributing to a cost of living index well below the national average. Utilities and transportation costs are reasonable, and relatively low state income tax rates further benefit residents.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$1,030
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.3
Grocery:
90.4
Housing:
62.7
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
84.5
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Kalamazoo, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Kalamazoo are higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,176 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,879 per 100,000. While this means safety is a consideration, many residents find community engagement and local resources help foster a neighborhood watch culture.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,176
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,879
Crime Index:
5,055
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 85
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 26
Weather
What is the weather like in Kalamazoo, MI year-round?
Kalamazoo experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 19°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area gets about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Kalamazoo’s neighborhoods are marked by a median household income of $43,700 and a relatively high poverty rate of 25.9%. Residents benefit from a short average commute of just over 18 minutes and a strong educational foundation, with nearly 90% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$43,700
Family Income:
$56,500
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$32,100
Income Female:
$26,400
Poverty Rate:
25.9%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$1,030
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.4%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
36.2%
Education
How are the schools in Kalamazoo, MI?
Kalamazoo features a range of public and private school options, including Kalamazoo Central High and Kalamazoo Christian High, as well as higher education institutions like Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College. The city’s strong educational offerings and diverse student population make it appealing for families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Kalamazoo Central High School
Street:
2432 N. Drake Rd
Phone:
269-337-0300
Students:
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.0
Name:
Maple Street Magnet School
Street:
922 W. Maple St
Phone:
269-337-0730
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Private Schools
Name:
Kalamazoo Christian High School
Street:
2121 Stadium Dr
Phone:
269-381-1570
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Western Michigan University
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
Kalamazoo College
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals like Bronson Methodist and Ascension Borgess, both offering comprehensive emergency and surgical care. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, Kalamazoo provides solid healthcare support for its community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bronson Methodist Hospital
Address:
601 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone:
(269) 341-7654
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension Borgess Hospital
Address:
1521 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone:
(269) 226-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kalamazoo, MI?
The housing market in Kalamazoo is accessible, with a median home price of $162,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $1,030. Nearly half of homes are owner-occupied, and the market shows modest appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,030
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Kalamazoo residents can access Michigan Secretary of State services locally at the Stadium Drive branch, offering standard DMV services such as licensing and registration. Additional information and online services are available through the state website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
3298 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.