Located in the state of Michigan, Kalamazoo is a medium-sized city with a population of 78,286 inhabitants. Kalamazoo has a population density of 3,170 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. According to the most recent Census, 67% of Kalamazoo residents are White, 22% Black and 2% Asian. Kalamazoo could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 26 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Kalamazoo, only 33% of the population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Kalamazoo will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Kalamazoo is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Kalamazoo, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, education and more.
Using data and statistics Kalamazoo has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 88th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Kalamazoo could be a great choice! Based on the grades for each individual category, Kalamazoo has been rewarded with high marks for housing (A+). Kalamazoo does not score well for the following: crime (F) and employment (D-). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Kalamazoo can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Kalamazoo is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Kalamazoo come in at $209,152, which is 11.3% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Kalamazoo, the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 3.1% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Kalamazoo | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.4% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.3% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.0% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.8% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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