Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kentwood, MI
Considering a move to Kentwood, MI? This vibrant city of 54,403 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $242,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $1,240. Residents enjoy short commute times (about 20 minutes), a diverse community, and access to solid local schools. Kentwood features a moderate cost of living, crime rates near national averages, and convenient proximity to Grand Rapids' amenities and healthcare. With four distinct seasons and plenty of nearby educational opportunities, Kentwood is a practical and welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Kentwood, MI
Demographics - Kentwood, MI
Kentwood is home to about 54,400 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of 34.5 and a balanced gender ratio. The population includes a mix of White (57%), Black (18%), and Asian (8%) residents, and nearly one in five speaks a language other than English at home, fostering a multicultural environment.
Population:
54,403
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.5
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
57.1%
Black:
17.8%
Asian:
8.2%
Others:
16.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kentwood, MI?
Kentwood offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value around $242,000 and average rents at $1,240 for a two-bedroom. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive choice for families and professionals seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.
Median House Value:
$242,000
Gross Rent:
$1,240
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
77.2
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
95.2
Miscellaneous:
91.8
Crime
Is Kentwood, MI a safe place to live?
Kentwood’s crime rates are close to national averages, with a chance of experiencing violent crime at about 1 in 308 and property crime at 1 in 50. Residents enjoy a generally safe community, though it’s wise to stay aware and use standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
325
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,010
Crime Index:
2,335
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 308
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Kentwood, MI year-round?
Kentwood experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 37 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 48% of the year, making for a varied but pleasant climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Kentwood’s neighborhoods reflect a median household income of $65,400 and a family income near $79,000, with 89% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Commute times are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, and the area supports a modest unemployment rate of 4.2%.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$65,400
Family Income:
$78,900
Per Capita Income:
$32,400
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$1,240
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
27.8%
Education
How are the schools in Kentwood, MI?
Kentwood boasts solid educational options, including public schools like East Kentwood High and Valleywood Middle, as well as private choices such as South Christian High School. Higher education is easily accessible, with Grand Rapids Community College and Calvin University located within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
East Kentwood High School
Street:
6230 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Phone:
616-698-6700
Students:
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.5
Name:
Valleywood Middle School
Street:
1110 50th St SE
Phone:
616-538-7670
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.0
Private Schools
Name:
South Christian High School
Street:
7979 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Phone:
616-455-3210
Students:
750
Colleges
Name:
Grand Rapids Community College
City:
Grand Rapids
State:
MI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
Calvin University
City:
Grand Rapids
State:
MI
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Mercy Health Saint Mary's and Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in nearby Grand Rapids. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, quality healthcare is readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Health Saint Mary's
Address:
200 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone:
(616) 685-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital
Address:
1840 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone:
(616) 774-7444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kentwood, MI?
The housing market in Kentwood is stable and growing, with a median home price of $242,000 and a 7.2% appreciation rate over the past year. More than half of residents own their homes, and rental options remain accessible with a 6.8% vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$242,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,240
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Kentwood residents can handle vehicle and licensing needs at the Michigan Secretary of State office located on 28th Street. The office provides full DMV services, and additional resources are available through the official state website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
Kentwood Office, 3601 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
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.