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Is Kalamazoo a Good Place to Live? Kalamazoo, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kalamazoo ranks #1266 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #511 of 524 smaller cities and #21 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($179,000, #52 of 524) and short commutes (18.5 min, #61 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,084 per 100,000, #436 of 444) and high poverty (24.9%, #497 of 524).
Kalamazoo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kalamazoo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo's cost of living index is 94.8, 5% below the US level of 100 and #434 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,078/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $243,052, 9% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Kalamazoo | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 94.8#434 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $243,052#225 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,230/mo#117 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $179,000#168 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,078/mo#298 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.7%#971 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Kalamazoo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Kalamazoo is in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Kalamazoo safe?
Kalamazoo recorded 1,084 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1047 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #436 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kalamazoo Police Department. Property crime runs 2,948 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Kalamazoo | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 1,084#1047 of 1,085 | 416 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,948#945 of 1,085 | 1,259 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Kalamazoo?
The median household in Kalamazoo earns $52,272, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 24.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Kalamazoo | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $52,272#1197 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.7%#957 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 24.9%#1235 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.2%#794 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Kalamazoo?
The median resident of Kalamazoo is 26.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #508 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kalamazoo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 26.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 38.5%#508 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 42.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Kalamazoo's schools and health?
Kalamazoo's 22 public schools graduate 75.4% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $16,498 spent per pupil. 41.8% of adults are obese and 10.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kalamazoo | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 75.4%#982 of 1,063 | 81% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 17.5#791 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $16,498#446 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41.8%#1202 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.3%#460 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 23%#1299 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,736 students are enrolled in Kalamazoo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Kalamazoo?
The average commute in Kalamazoo is 18.5 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 2.3% of workers take transit and 9.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kalamazoo scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.7°F and winters 27.4°F, with 33.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kalamazoo | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.5 min#222 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.2% | 75.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 7.3% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.8% | 11.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.5 | 18.1 | 1.7 |
| Feb | 34.7 | 19.5 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 45.9 | 27.3 | 2 |
| Apr | 59.3 | 37.7 | 3.1 |
| May | 70.3 | 48.7 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 79.5 | 58.1 | 3.2 |
| Jul | 83.1 | 62 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 81.1 | 60.4 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 74.1 | 52.5 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 61.3 | 41.9 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 47.6 | 32.5 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 36.5 | 24.2 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport.
| Measure | Kalamazoo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 33.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kalamazoo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Kalamazoo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 7#789 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#123 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kalamazoo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kalamazoo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.011% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 67% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0035% | 65% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0013% | 33% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.05% | 11% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Kalamazoo compare with similar-size cities?
Kalamazoo is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #511 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 73,076.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #1266 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 | 18.5 min |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #142 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 | 26.6 min |
| Rocklin, CAPop. 73,327 | #188 | 64.8 | $124,168 | $2,258/mo | 122 | 26.1 min |
| Tamarac, FLPop. 73,019 | #1096 | 47.9 | $61,718 | $1,895/mo | part year | 31.4 min |
| Gulfport, MSPop. 73,003 | #1133 | 47.2 | $49,919 | $1,086/mo | 569 | 21.9 min |
| Marysville, WAPop. 73,002 | #456 | 58.8 | $103,974 | $1,997/mo | 168 | 31.5 min |
| Rogers, ARPop. 72,981 | #324 | 61.5 | $86,728 | $1,270/mo | 273 | 18.2 min |
| Greenville, SCPop. 72,935 | #658 | 55.7 | $71,472 | $1,312/mo | 466 | 19 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #81 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Kalamazoo compare with the rest of Michigan?
Kalamazoo ranks #21 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 40.7 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 28% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Michigan home.
| City | Rank in MI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #1 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #2 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #3 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #4 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #5 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #6 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #7 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 |
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #8 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #9 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #10 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #11 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #12 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #13 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #14 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #15 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #16 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #17 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 |
| Taylor, MIPop. 62,081 | #18 | 45.3 | $61,081 | $1,101/mo | 749 |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #19 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #20 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #21 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #22 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #23 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #24 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 |
All 24 Michigan cities we track, by overall score. Michigan statewide: median income $72,389, violent crime 416.2 per 100,000.
How is Kalamazoo's score calculated?
Kalamazoo scores 40.7 out of 100, #1266 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Michigan's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kalamazoo. Similar-size median 55.5.
32.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kalamazoo's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
22.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kalamazoo. Similar-size median 58.9.
34.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Kalamazoo's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
45.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Kalamazoo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kalamazoo. Similar-size median 56.1.
17.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kalamazoo. Similar-size median 42.4.
33.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kalamazoo. Similar-size median 50.0.
56.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kalamazoo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
73.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kalamazoo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Kalamazoo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Kalamazoo
Is Kalamazoo, MI a good place to live?
Kalamazoo ranks #1266 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #511 of 524 smaller cities and #21 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($179,000, #52 of 524) and short commutes (18.5 min, #61 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,084 per 100,000, #436 of 444) and high poverty (24.9%, #497 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo's cost of living index is 94.8, 5% below the US level of 100 and #434 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,078/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $243,052, 9% below the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo recorded 1,084 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.3 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1047 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #436 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kalamazoo Police Department. Property crime runs 2,948 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Kalamazoo?
The median household in Kalamazoo earns $52,272, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.7% (US 4.3%). 24.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Kalamazoo?
Median rent in Kalamazoo is $1,078/mo (Census), #298 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,230/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kalamazoo?
The typical home value in Kalamazoo is $243,052, up 4.1% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $179,000.
How are the public schools in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo's 22 public schools graduate 75.4% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 17.5 students per teacher and $16,498 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Kalamazoo?
The average commute is 18.5 minutes, #222 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo averages 49.5°F over the year, 70.7°F in summer and 27.4°F in winter, with 33.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kalamazoo walkable?
Kalamazoo scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Kalamazoo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kalamazoo County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 7 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo has 73,076 residents. The median resident of Kalamazoo is 26.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 38.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #508 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kalamazoo compare with the rest of Michigan?
Kalamazoo ranks #21 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 40.7 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 28% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Kalamazoo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kalamazoo's population of 73,076 are Noblesville, IN (#142 overall), Rocklin, CA (#188 overall), Tamarac, FL (#1096 overall), Gulfport, MS (#1133 overall), and Marysville, WA (#456 overall). Kalamazoo is #1266.