Greater Kalamazoo, Southwest Michigan, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
196,408
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,430/yr
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
84,684
0.3% year-over-year change

Greater Kalamazoo population

How many people live in Greater Kalamazoo

Greater Kalamazoo is home to 196,408 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Greater Kalamazoo locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
196,408
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
96,511
Female
50.9%
99,897
Value Percent YoY change
Male 96,511 49.1% 0.7%
Female 99,897 50.9% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Greater Kalamazoo is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.2% are children under 15, then 16.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.9% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.2%
15 to 24
16.8%
25 to 44
25.9%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 35,667 18.2% -0.4%
15 to 24 33,009 16.8% 1.0%
25 to 44 50,870 25.9% 1.6%
45 to 64 43,084 21.9% -1.4%
Over 65 33,778 17.2% 2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Greater Kalamazoo, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.3% of locals are Caucasian, 8% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
2.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 184,047 93.7% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,254 3.7% 5.4%
Non-citizens 5,107 2.6% -7.6%
Racial breakdown
White
79.3%
Black or African American
8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
1.5%
Value Percent
White 155,766 79.3%
Black or African American 15,693 8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 589 0.3%
Asian 5,837 3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 33 0%
Two or more races 15,563 7.9%
Other 2,927 1.5%

Households in Greater Kalamazoo

A peek inside Greater Kalamazoo households

Greater Kalamazoo has 79,753 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.2% are families, while the remaining 38.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
79,753
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
30,929
Family households
48,824
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 30,929 38.8% 3.6%
Family households 48,824 61.2% -0.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Greater Kalamazoo

The housing landscape of Greater Kalamazoo

Greater Kalamazoo's housing consists of 84,684 units, with 66.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
84,684
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 56,411 66.6%
1 unit, attached 3,066 3.6%
2 units 1,359 1.6%
3 or 4 units 2,509 3%
5 to 9 units 5,473 6.5%
10 to 19 units 6,205 7.3%
20 to 49 units 3,752 4.4%
50 or more units 2,612 3.1%
Mobile home 3,297 3.9%
Homes built since 2020
1,179
120.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater Kalamazoo

In Greater Kalamazoo, the median construction year is 1975. About 8.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 7,048 8.3% -0.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,417 4% -1.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9,755 11.5% 2.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10,040 11.9% 2.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 13,157 15.5% -4.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,280 11% -3.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12,363 14.6% 2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 12,091 14.3% -2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,353 7.5% -0.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1,179 1.4% 120.4%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Greater Kalamazoo occupancy rates

Out of the 79,753 occupied housing units in Greater Kalamazoo, 68.7% are owner-occupied, while 31.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
79,753
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
24,948
Owner occupied
54,805
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 24,948 31.3% -1.9%
Owner occupied 54,805 68.7% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
5.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Greater Kalamazoo housing costs

Housing costs in Greater Kalamazoo come to a median of $1,116 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,007.

Median housing costs per month
$1,116/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Greater Kalamazoo
$1,007/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Greater Kalamazoo

Greater Kalamazoo education at a glance

About 27.7% of the population in Greater Kalamazoo went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 23% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,406 0.9% -22.2%
High school diploma 42,429 27.7% -0.1%
College diploma 38,109 24.9% 0.6%
Associate degree 14,868 9.7% 7.7%
Bachelor's degree 35,153 23% 0.1%
Graduate degree 21,114 13.8% 0.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Greater Kalamazoo

How much people earn in Greater Kalamazoo

The average annual household income in Greater Kalamazoo was $108,670 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,430, reflecting a -2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater Kalamazoo
$108,670/year
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater Kalamazoo
$77,430/year
-2.3% year-over-year change

Greater Kalamazoo income by age

In Greater Kalamazoo, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $100,266. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $111,616 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,007, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,445 in earnings. Overall, 89.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,007 -9.2%
25 - 44 $100,266 1.0%
45 - 64 $111,616 4.3%
Over 65 $58,445 -4.5%
Above poverty level
171,043
Below poverty level
20,250
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 171,043 89.4% 1.1%
Below poverty level 20,250 10.6% -2.9%

Employment in Greater Kalamazoo

Workforce and job types in Greater Kalamazoo

79.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 69.7% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
77,647
Blue collar
20,244
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 77,647 79.3% -1.2%
Blue collar 20,244 20.7% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
69.7%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,560 7.7% -4.7%
Private companies 68,202 69.7% 0.2%
Governmental workers 10,715 11% -3.1%
Not for profit companies 11,415 11.7% 2.3%

Transportation in Greater Kalamazoo

How people get around in Greater Kalamazoo

In Greater Kalamazoo, the average commute time is 108 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
108 min
-13.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 81,275 97.1% -1.7%
Taxicab 90 0.1% -2.2%
Bus or trolleybus 747 0.9% 6.9%
Motorcycle 35 0% 84.2%
Bicycle 140 0.2% 6.1%
Walk 1,380 1.6% 4.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Greater Kalamazoo by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49002 19,737 8,465 $73,647 $103,017
49004 17,815 7,305 $73,453 $90,106
49006 26,507 11,114 $43,639 $70,723
49009 47,971 19,244 $80,930 $120,580
49012 3,219 1,231 $73,125 $109,093
49024 30,823 12,784 $91,105 $113,536
49034 1,938 784 $73,929 $92,105
49048 22,791 9,493 $60,454 $75,726
49052 1,234 414 $63,889 $78,279
49053 7,805 2,926 $85,909 $105,087

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FAQs about Greater Kalamazoo demographics 

What is the total population of Greater Kalamazoo?

Greater Kalamazoo has a total population of 196,408 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Greater Kalamazoo?

The gender ratio in Greater Kalamazoo is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (96,511 residents)
  • 50.9% females (99,897 residents)

What is the median age in Greater Kalamazoo?

The median age in Greater Kalamazoo is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Greater Kalamazoo?

The age distribution in Greater Kalamazoo is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.2% (35,667 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.8% (33,009 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.9% (50,870 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (43,084 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (33,778 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Kalamazoo?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Kalamazoo is as follows:
  • White: 79.3% (155,766 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8% (15,693 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (589 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (5,837 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (33 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (15,563 residents)
  • Other: 1.5% (2,927 residents)

What percentage of the population in Greater Kalamazoo are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in Greater Kalamazoo.

How many housing units are there in Greater Kalamazoo?

There are 84,684 housing units in Greater Kalamazoo, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Greater Kalamazoo and what is the average household size?

Greater Kalamazoo has a total of 79,753 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater Kalamazoo?

Greater Kalamazoo has a median household income of $77,430, representing a -2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater Kalamazoo?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.3% (77,647 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.7% (20,244 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (7,560 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.7% (68,202 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (10,715 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.7% (11,415 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025