Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
Employment
The combination of low income levels and high unemployment rates contributes to a low score in the employment category, which could make it challenging to secure well-paying jobs.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
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.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| 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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