Michigan / Kalamazoo County

Moving to Kalamazoo, MI

Thinking of making a move to Kalamazoo, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kalamazoo, MI

Considering a move to Kalamazoo, MI? This welcoming community of 73,598 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $162,000 and average rents near $1,030. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (47% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kalamazoo's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kalamazoo, MI

Kalamazoo has a population of 73,598 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 27 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 64% White, 21% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Kalamazoo is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.3. Median home values are around $162,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,030. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Kalamazoo is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,176 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 26. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 47% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
47%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $43,700 and a low poverty rate of 25.9%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 36% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Kalamazoo Central High School and Maple Street Magnet School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Kalamazoo residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Bronson Methodist Hospital and Ascension Borgess Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $162,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 48%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Kalamazoo offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Kalamazoo handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Kalamazoo. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Secretary of State
Address
3298 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Phone
1-888-767-6424

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.

FAQs About Moving to Kalamazoo, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kalamazoo, review the core fields on this page: population 73,598, median home value $162,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,030, commute time 18.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 47%.

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