Kalamazoo, MI Census Data
The 16th largest city in Michigan by population · 24 cities ranked
Kalamazoo is the 16th largest city in Michigan by population and ranks 21st of 24 for median household income. With 73,132 residents, its poverty rate of 27.0% ranks among the higher rates in Michigan. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
73,132
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
26.8
11.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$48,965
$29,573 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
37.1%
2.1% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.0%
Poverty Rate
27.0%
14.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.2%
Broadband Access
95.0%
5.3% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$164,500
Median rent: $1,031 · 43% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
Labor force participation: 60.9%
Per Capita Income
$25,174
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.4%
Disability rate: 14.1%
How Kalamazoo Compares to Other Michigan Cities
Rankings among all 24 Michigan cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 16th of 24 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 21st of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 22nd of 24 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 10th of 24 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 18th of 24 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Kalamazoo, MI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kalamazoo, MI?
The population of Kalamazoo, MI is 73,132 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 26.8 years.
What is the median household income in Kalamazoo?
The median household income in Kalamazoo, MI is $48,965, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $25,174.
What is the poverty rate in Kalamazoo?
The poverty rate in Kalamazoo, MI is 27.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Kalamazoo residents have a college degree?
37.1% of adults (25+) in Kalamazoo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Kalamazoo?
The median home value in Kalamazoo, MI is $164,500. Median rent is $1,031 per month, with 43% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Kalamazoo?
Kalamazoo's population is 62.9% White, 22.7% Black, 8.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Kalamazoo rank among Michigan cities?
Kalamazoo is the 16th largest city in Michigan by population, the 21st highest for median household income, the 22nd lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 24 ranked Michigan cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Kalamazoo?
The unemployment rate in Kalamazoo, MI is 6.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 60.9%. Per capita income is $25,174.
Cities Similar to Kalamazoo
Other Michigan cities with comparable population and income levels.