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 a county in Michigan with a population of 261,437. It ranks #9 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 34.9, younger than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Kalamazoo County is $70,525, below the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $227,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,049. The homeownership rate of 64.0% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Kalamazoo County reflects 40.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.3% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.3 minutes each way.
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+
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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.
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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.