Kalamazoo County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Michigan
The population of Kalamazoo County, Michigan is 261,437 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $70,525, the median home value is $227,500, and the median age is 34.9.
The population of Kalamazoo County has grown 5.6% since 2010 (250,754 → 264,780), a +0.39% annualized rate.
261,437
Population
+0.39%
Annual growth
465
People / sq mi
$70,525
Median Income
$227,500
Median Home Value
Kalamazoo County covers 562 sq mi of land at 465.2 people per square mile.
About Kalamazoo County, MI
Kalamazoo County is defined demographically by education — 40.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. With 261,437 residents, Kalamazoo County is a county in Michigan. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Michigan nationally.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $70,525 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $227,500, with typical rent around $1,049.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 40.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Kalamazoo County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Kalamazoo County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kalamazoo County had a population of 250,754 in 2010 and 264,780 in 2024, a 5.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 265,531 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.39%.
264,780
Population (2024)
250,754
Population (2010)
265,531
Peak (2019)
0.39%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 250,754 |
| 2011 | 252,634 |
| 2012 | 255,413 |
| 2013 | 257,399 |
| 2014 | 259,063 |
| 2015 | 259,816 |
| 2016 | 261,584 |
| 2017 | 263,387 |
| 2018 | 265,120 |
| 2019 | 265,531 |
| 2020 | 261,814 |
| 2021 | 260,566 |
| 2022 | 261,417 |
| 2023 | 263,297 |
| 2024 | 264,780 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 76.8% |
| Black or African American | 11.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.9
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
15.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.8% · Seniors (65+): 15.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $70,525$-624 vs state |
| Mean household income | $96,937 |
| Per-capita income | $39,915 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%-1.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kalamazoo County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.4% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
77.8%
Public transit
11.3%
Work from home
20.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$227,500+$9,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,049
Median rent
64.0%
Homeownership rate
114,463
Total housing units
92.8%
Occupied
7.2%
Vacant
36.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
95.3%
With broadband internet
19.9%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
91.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.3%
High School+
40.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Kalamazoo County, Michigan has a population of 261,437 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 465 people per square mile.
The population of Kalamazoo County has grown 5.6% since 2010 (250,754 → 264,780), a +0.39% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kalamazoo County, Michigan is $70,525, with mean (average) household income of $96,937 and per-capita income of $39,915. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kalamazoo County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.8%), Black or African American (11.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Kalamazoo County, Michigan is 34.9 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Kalamazoo County is $227,500 and median monthly rent is $1,049. 64.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 114,463 total housing units, 7.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kalamazoo County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.7%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Kalamazoo County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Kalamazoo County, MI Climate
Kalamazoo County, MI has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C (49°F) and receives about 917 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.2°C
Avg Temp
917
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 23° | 50 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 41 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 62 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 86 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 88 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 93 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 96 mm |
| August | 21° / 70° | 91 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 99 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 73 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 71 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 67 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Kalamazoo County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Kalamazoo County, MI are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kalamazoo County
Visiting or relocating to Kalamazoo County, MI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Kalamazoo County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Kalamazoo County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Kalamazoo County, MI by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Michigan
Population 1,773,767
Population 1,272,294
Population 877,624
Population 658,844
Full rankings of Michigan counties
Statewide data for Michigan
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.