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Is Kentwood a Good Place to Live? Kentwood, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Kentwood ranks #772 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (19.7 min, #89 of 524) and low living costs (95.5, #119 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (583 per 100,000, #395 of 442) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
Kentwood by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Kentwood'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 Kentwood?
Kentwood's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,260/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,412, 26% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Kentwood | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 94 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $334,412#480 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,592/mo#414 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $268,200#443 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,260/mo#494 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.3%#487 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.
Kentwood 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. Kentwood is in the Grand Rapids-Kentwood, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Kentwood safe?
Kentwood recorded 583 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% above the US rate of 373 and 36% above Michigan's 430. That ranks #901 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #395 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kentwood Police Department. Property crime runs 1,845 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Kentwood | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 583#901 of 1,083 | 430 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,845#643 of 1,083 | 1,541 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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 Kentwood?
The median household in Kentwood earns $74,373, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 9% above Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Kentwood | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $74,373#722 of 1,312 | $68,505 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 4.9% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.4%#536 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
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 Kentwood?
The median resident of Kentwood is 35.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Kentwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 36.7%#556 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 61.3% | 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 Kentwood's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Kentwood to describe its public schools. 34.9% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Kentwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.9%#764 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.2%#400 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Kentwood?
The average commute in Kentwood is 19.7 minutes (Michigan 22); 1.6% of workers take transit and 12% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Kentwood scores 10.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #665 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.9°F and winters 27.3°F, with 39.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Kentwood | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.7 min#320 of 1,312 | 22 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 6.2% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.1% | 77.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.9% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12% | 10.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.3#665 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 | 18.6 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 33.7 | 19.5 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 44.5 | 26.9 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 57.8 | 37.3 | 4 |
| May | 69.8 | 48.6 | 4 |
| Jun | 79.4 | 58.3 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 83.1 | 62.5 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 80.9 | 61.2 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 73.9 | 53.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 60.7 | 42.2 | 4 |
| Nov | 47.2 | 32.8 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 36.1 | 24.7 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grand Rapids.
| Measure | Kentwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.4 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 Grand Rapids.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Kentwood?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 42% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Kentwood | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#125 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 Kent County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kent County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0029% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% 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 Kentwood compare with similar-size cities?
Kentwood is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #329 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 54,296.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #772 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 | 19.7 min |
| Little Elm, TXPop. 54,820 | #601 | 56.7 | $119,219 | $1,953/mo | part year | 34.6 min |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #321 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 | 25.8 min |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #19 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 | 25.1 min |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #1216 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 | 20.6 min |
| Hacienda Heights, CAPop. 54,291 | #754 | 54.1 | $109,193 | $2,300/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #691 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data | 17.3 min |
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #627 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 | 15.7 min |
| Pensacola, FLPop. 54,036 | #835 | 52.7 | $74,212 | $1,322/mo | part year | 22 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 Kentwood compare with the rest of Michigan?
Kentwood ranks #13 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 9% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above 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 $68,505, violent crime 430 per 100,000.
How is Kentwood's score calculated?
Kentwood scores 53.8 out of 100, #772 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Kentwood. Similar-size median 55.5.
45.9 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Kentwood's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
56.6 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Kentwood. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Kentwood's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Kentwood. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.4 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Kentwood. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.3 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Kentwood. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Kentwood's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
48.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
64.2 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Kentwood.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Kentwood'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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood
Is Kentwood, MI a good place to live?
Kentwood ranks #772 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #329 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (19.7 min, #89 of 524) and low living costs (95.5, #119 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (583 per 100,000, #395 of 442) and high unemployment (5.1%, #372 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Kentwood?
Kentwood's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,260/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $334,412, 26% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Kentwood?
Kentwood recorded 583 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 56% above the US rate of 373 and 36% above Michigan's 430. That ranks #901 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #395 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Kentwood Police Department. Property crime runs 1,845 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Kentwood?
The median household in Kentwood earns $74,373, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 9% above Michigan ($68,505). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Kentwood?
Median rent in Kentwood is $1,260/mo (Census), #494 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,592/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Kentwood?
Zillow's typical home value in Kentwood is $334,412, up 4% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $268,200.
How are the public schools in Kentwood?
We have too few school records for Kentwood to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Kentwood?
The average commute is 19.7 minutes, #320 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22 minutes across Michigan. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Kentwood?
Kentwood averages 49.3°F over the year, 70.9°F in summer and 27.3°F in winter, with 39.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Kentwood walkable?
Kentwood scores 10.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #665 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 Kentwood at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Kentwood?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 42% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Kentwood?
Kentwood has 54,296 residents. The median resident of Kentwood is 35.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #556 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Kentwood compare with the rest of Michigan?
Kentwood ranks #13 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Michigan's statewide 47.7. Its households earn 9% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Kentwood?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Kentwood's population of 54,296 are Little Elm, TX (#601 overall), Peabody, MA (#321 overall), Westfield, IN (#19 overall), Rocky Mount, NC (#1216 overall), and Hacienda Heights, CA (#754 overall). Kentwood is #772.