Kalamazoo city, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Kalamazoo city, Michigan has a total population of 73,132, the 16th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $48,965, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Kalamazoo city Quick Facts
How Kalamazoo city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Kalamazoo city Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Kalamazoo County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portage city | 49,015 | $79,529 | 7.5% | $243,400 |
| Galesburg city | 2,122 | $50,481 | 22.4% | $104,100 |
| Parchment city | 2,012 | $54,572 | 8.9% | $178,400 |
Cities Similar to Kalamazoo city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southfield city | 76,025 | $65,848 | $226,900 | 39.1% | 11.2% |
| Pontiac city | 61,914 | $42,791 | $110,600 | 16.2% | 25.6% |
| Wyoming city | 76,865 | $72,163 | $203,900 | 24.3% | 10.8% |
| Flint city | 80,835 | $36,194 | $47,600 | 13.1% | 34.4% |
| Taylor city | 62,405 | $59,537 | $141,200 | 15.8% | 16.7% |
Population Overview
Kalamazoo city is a mid-sized community located in Michigan, within Kalamazoo County. The total population is 73,132. It ranks as the 16th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Kalamazoo city is 26.8 years. This is 33% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Kalamazoo city is $48,965. This is 31% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%. This is 107% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.9%. This is 18% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $164,500. Housing costs are 24% lower than the state median of $217,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 42.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 41% lower than the state average of 72.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Kalamazoo city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 60.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 21.4%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (21.4% vs 13.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (8.6% vs 5.7%).
Education
37.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Kalamazoo city, Michigan is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Michigan state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 745 Census-designated places in Michigan. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kalamazoo city, Michigan?
Kalamazoo city, Michigan has a population of 73,132 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Kalamazoo city, MI?
The median household income in Kalamazoo city is $48,965, which is 38% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Kalamazoo city, MI?
The poverty rate in Kalamazoo city is 27.0%. This means approximately 18,078 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Kalamazoo city, Michigan?
Kalamazoo city's population is 60.2% White, 21.4% Black, 8.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Kalamazoo city, MI?
The median home value in Kalamazoo city is $164,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Kalamazoo city, Michigan?
37.0% of adults (25+) in Kalamazoo city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.