countyscore
30.9
County Score
Health 81.6Water Quality 71.3Lawn Care 68.2

County Report Card

About Kalamazoo County, Michigan

Falling Well Below National Norms

Kalamazoo County has a composite score of 31.0, which is nearly 20 points lower than the national median. This reflects a difficult balance between high-end services and fundamental challenges.

Trailing Behind State Performance

The county's 31.0 score is considerably lower than the Michigan average of 47.1. While it is a regional hub, its livability metrics are weighed down by specific local factors.

Elite Healthcare and Clean Water

The county boasts an excellent health score of 81.6 and a water score of 71.3. Residents also enjoy high earning potential, with an income score of 67.7 and a median income of $70,525.

Critical Safety and Tax Concerns

Safety is the primary concern with a very low score of 3.5. Additionally, housing costs and high property taxes create financial pressure, resulting in a tax score of only 13.4.

A Choice for High-Earners

Kalamazoo is best for high-income professionals who want access to top-tier medical facilities and high-quality water. It may be less appealing for those sensitive to safety risks or tax burdens.

2040608010013.121.93.581.625.267.818.371.352.7Tax13.1Cost21.9Safety3.5Health81.6Schools25.2Income67.8Risk18.3Water71.3Weather52.730.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Kalamazoo County DNA

Foverall

How Kalamazoo County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Kalamazoo County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (81.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (3.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
13.1-38.9
Cost
21.9-26.1
Safety
3.5-51.5
Health
81.6+31.599999999999994
Schools
25.2-28.8
Income
67.8+16.799999999999997
Risk
18.3-28.7
Water
71.3+13.299999999999997
Weather
52.7
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Kalamazoo County?

Many homeowners in Kalamazoo County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$241,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,093/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$241,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,532/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

58.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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29
Barry County
Michigan
46.4
St. Joseph County
Michigan
38
Van Buren County
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Branch County
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Allegan County
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Cass County
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Eaton County
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Deep Dives

Kalamazoo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kalamazoo County

via TaxByCounty

Kalamazoo taxes exceed national average

Kalamazoo County's effective tax rate of 1.49% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.10%, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $3,378 is 26% above the national median of $2,690.

Kalamazoo second-highest in Michigan

At 1.49%, Kalamazoo's effective rate ranks second-highest in Michigan after Ingham County's 1.86%. The median tax of $3,378 exceeds the state average of $2,102 by 61%.

Kalamazoo leads south-central Michigan taxes

Kalamazoo's 1.49% rate substantially exceeds nearby Jackson County (1.29%) and Isabella County (1.32%). Only Ingham County taxes residents more aggressively across the broader region.

A $227,500 home costs $3,378 annually

With a median home value of $227,500 and Kalamazoo's 1.49% effective rate, the typical homeowner pays $3,378 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $3,503, adding $125 in mortgage-related assessment fees.

Kalamazoo homeowners should appeal often

With Kalamazoo's high effective rate, overassessment is common and appeals frequently succeed. Investigating your property's assessed value against comparable sales could yield significant annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kalamazoo County

via IncomeByCounty

Kalamazoo's income nears national level

Kalamazoo County's median household income of $70,525 sits just $4,230 below the national median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the upper-middle range nationally. The county outearns most of Michigan and the broader U.S. average.

Kalamazoo leads Michigan counties

At $70,525, Kalamazoo's median household income ranks among the highest in Michigan, exceeding the state average of $64,304 by over $6,200. The county benefits from a diversified economy anchored by healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing.

Kalamazoo outpaces all nearby counties

Kalamazoo's $70,525 income surpasses every neighboring county in the sample, from Ionia ($73,436—nearly tied) to Jackson ($65,004), Ingham ($64,354), and Kalkaska ($60,365). The county ranks as the region's top earner.

Strong income, higher housing costs

Kalamazoo households spend 17.9% of income on rent, a sustainable level, though median home values of $227,500—the highest in the sample—require substantial savings and financing. The county's strong earnings power enables homeownership despite premium pricing.

Invest aggressively for future security

Kalamazoo's above-average income positions residents to pursue diversified investment strategies, including stock index funds, bonds, and real estate growth. Household income strength allows meaningful 15–20% savings rates that build substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kalamazoo County

via CrimeByCounty

Kalamazoo County Faces Significant Safety Challenges

Kalamazoo County’s safety score is 93.9, one of the lower ratings in the state. The total crime rate of 3,892.1 per 100,000 residents is much higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Twelve reporting agencies are tasked with managing these high levels of activity.

Trailing Michigan’s Public Safety Averages

The safety score of 93.9 is well below the Michigan average of 97.8. Kalamazoo’s crime rate of 3,892.1 is nearly triple the state average of 1,371.8. Residents and officials face a tougher environment for public safety compared to most of Michigan.

Highest Crime Rate Among Local Peers

Kalamazoo County’s crime rate of 3,892.1 is significantly higher than Jackson County's 2,330.1. It also dwarfs the crime rates of safer neighbors like Ingham County at 1,001.0. This makes Kalamazoo the regional outlier for crime frequency.

High Property and Violent Crime Incidents

Violent crime is 698.1 per 100,000, which is more than double the Michigan average. Property crime is very high at 3,194.0, exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. These statistics highlight a persistent need for robust security measures in the county.

Prioritize Security Systems and Vigilance

High property crime rates make advanced home security systems a necessity for many residents. Use professional monitoring and smart locks to add multiple layers of protection to your residence. Community cooperation with law enforcement is essential for reducing these local crime trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kalamazoo County

via WeatherByCounty

Kalamazoo leads the state in warmth

Kalamazoo County hits a 50.0°F annual average, coming closest to the national median of any county on this list. It is a warm pocket within the typically cold Great Lakes region.

Significantly warmer than the state average

With an average of 50.0°F, Kalamazoo is 4.3 degrees warmer than the Michigan state average of 45.7°F. It represents the warmest tier of Michigan's climate zones.

High precipitation and high heat

Kalamazoo receives 36.4 inches of precipitation, outpacing the state average of 34.5 inches. It also records 16 extreme heat days, more than most of its neighboring counties.

Steamy summers and relatively mild winters

July averages a warm 72.9°F, and the 16 days of 90°F+ temperatures stand out in Michigan. Winter averages 27.7°F, providing a much softer season than the northern counties.

Invest in cooling and moisture control

The high number of extreme heat days makes modern air conditioning essential for health and comfort. Additionally, with 36.4 inches of rain, residents should ensure their homes are ready for wet spring seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Kalamazoo County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Michigan Acidity in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo County's average pH is 5.35, closely tracking the state average of 5.30 but significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This acidity often requires gardeners to use lime when growing pH-sensitive vegetables like asparagus.

Sandy Soils with Low Clay Content

With 57.7% sand and only 8.0% clay, Kalamazoo's soil is very light and workable. This lack of clay makes the soil less likely to form hard clods, but it also means it holds fewer nutrients naturally than heavier soils.

Rich Organic Matter and Moderate Storage

The soil contains 10.23% organic matter, which is excellent for microbial health compared to the 2.0% national average. An available water capacity of 0.165 in/in suggests that while it isn't the most water-retentive, it holds enough to support steady plant growth.

Naturally Draining Sandy Grounds

Though specific drainage class data is absent, the high sand and low clay percentages indicate the soil likely drains quite well. This reduces the risk of root rot for most plants but might require more frequent watering during heat waves.

Abundant Possibilities in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a long growing season of peppers, tomatoes, and even some varieties of peaches. Kalamazoo’s sandy-rich soil is perfect for building raised beds or starting a productive backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Kalamazoo County

via LawnByCounty

Prime Growth Potential in Kalamazoo

With a lawn difficulty score of 68.2, Kalamazoo County is one of the more favorable spots in the state for home gardening. Residents in zone 6a benefit from a climate that is easier to manage than 70% of the United States.

Handling High Heat and High Rain

Kalamazoo faces 16 extreme heat days, more than double the state average, requiring heat-tolerant grass varieties. Fortunately, a generous 36.4 inches of annual precipitation helps offset the sun's intensity during the 2,990 growing degree days.

Acidic Sandy Soils Need Care

The soil pH of 5.35 is quite acidic and requires amendment to prevent nutrient deficiencies in the grass. High sand content at 57.7% means the soil drains quickly, so adding organic compost can help retain the 36 inches of annual rain.

Stable Moisture but High Heat

The county only saw 9 weeks of drought over the past year, and current conditions are 98.8% clear of dry weather. The bigger threat here is heat dormancy, so keeping grass at a taller height will help protect the crown during 90°F days.

A Long and Productive Season

The growing window is wide, starting after the April 29 frost and extending until October 20. Heat-tolerant Turf-Type Tall Fescue is highly recommended here to withstand the warmer-than-average Michigan summers.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kalamazoo County's county score?
Kalamazoo County, Michigan has a composite county score of 30.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Kalamazoo County rank among counties in Michigan?
Kalamazoo County ranks #81 among all counties in Michigan on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Kalamazoo County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Kalamazoo County is $3,498, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Kalamazoo County a tax score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kalamazoo County?
The median household income in Kalamazoo County, Michigan is $72,532 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kalamazoo County earns an income score of 67.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kalamazoo County, Michigan a good place to live?
Kalamazoo County scores 30.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #81 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Kalamazoo County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Kalamazoo County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.