Kent County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in Michigan
The population of Kent County, Michigan is 658,844 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $80,390, the median home value is $265,700, and the median age is 35.7.
The population of Kent County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (602,994 → 673,002), a +0.79% annualized rate.
658,844
Population
+0.79%
Annual growth
776
People / sq mi
$80,390
Median Income
$265,700
Median Home Value
Kent County covers 849 sq mi of land at 776.1 people per square mile.
About Kent County, MI
What distinguishes Kent County is density: among the most densely settled of US counties, around 776 people per square mile. Kent County is a county in Michigan with a population of 658,844. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Michigan in the country, at #4 by population.
Households take in a median $80,390, comfortably near the US median of $78,538. Only 6.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $265,700, with typical rent around $1,176.
Kent County is among the best-educated US counties: 39.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. A solid 12.7% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Kent County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Kent County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Kent County had a population of 602,994 in 2010 and 673,002 in 2024, a 11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 673,002 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.
673,002
Population (2024)
602,994
Population (2010)
673,002
Peak (2024)
0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 602,994 |
| 2011 | 608,543 |
| 2012 | 615,871 |
| 2013 | 624,409 |
| 2014 | 631,464 |
| 2015 | 637,333 |
| 2016 | 644,219 |
| 2017 | 649,722 |
| 2018 | 653,636 |
| 2019 | 656,800 |
| 2020 | 658,524 |
| 2021 | 658,979 |
| 2022 | 660,134 |
| 2023 | 665,109 |
| 2024 | 673,002 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.9% |
| Black or African American | 9.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.7
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
14.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 14.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $80,390+$9,241 vs state |
| Mean household income | $105,864 |
| Per-capita income | $41,504 |
| Poverty rate | 6.9%-1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 66.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Kent County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.6%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
74.5%
Public transit
12.7%
Work from home
21.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$265,700+$48,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,176
Median rent
70.4%
Homeownership rate
267,071
Total housing units
95.4%
Occupied
4.6%
Vacant
29.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.1%
With health insurance
95.2%
With broadband internet
15.6%
Foreign-born
5.2%
Veterans (18+)
10.8%
With a disability
87.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.3%
High School+
39.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Kent County, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Kent County, Michigan has a population of 658,844 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 776 people per square mile.
The population of Kent County has grown 11.6% since 2010 (602,994 → 673,002), a +0.79% annualized rate.
The median household income in Kent County, Michigan is $80,390, with mean (average) household income of $105,864 and per-capita income of $41,504. 6.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Kent County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.9%), Black or African American (9.5%), 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 Kent County, Michigan is 35.7 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Kent County is $265,700 and median monthly rent is $1,176. 70.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 267,071 total housing units, 4.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Kent County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Kent County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Kent County, MI Climate
Kent County, MI has an average annual temperature of 8.5°C (47°F) and receives about 901 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.5°C
Avg Temp
901
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5° / 22° | 50 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 36 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 63 mm |
| April | 8° / 46° | 81 mm |
| May | 14° / 58° | 82 mm |
| June | 19° / 66° | 86 mm |
| July | 22° / 71° | 74 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 99 mm |
| September | 16° / 61° | 107 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 73 mm |
| November | 4° / 38° | 81 mm |
| December | -2° / 28° | 69 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 Kent County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Kent County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Kent County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.