countyscore
31
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.

Score breakdown

Tax13.4Cost22.1Safety3.5Health81.6Schools25.2Income67.7Risk18.3Water71.3Weather52.7
🏛13.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠22.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡18.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.2
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Kalamazoo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Kalamazoo County

via CostByCounty

Kalamazoo's higher incomes offset premium rents

Kalamazoo County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits above Michigan's 16.3% state average, driven by the region's highest median rent of $1,049 and highest median home value of $227,500. However, Kalamazoo's median household income of $70,525 is the second-strongest in this county group, providing better absolute resources to manage housing costs despite the percentage burden.

Kalamazoo balances higher costs with higher incomes

At 17.9%, Kalamazoo County's rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Michigan's state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state affordability rankings. The county's relatively strong median income of $70,525 allows residents to manage costs that would strain lower-income communities elsewhere.

Kalamazoo commands the region's highest rents

Kalamazoo's $1,049 median rent is the highest among all peer counties, exceeding Ingham ($1,058 is slightly higher, but Kalamazoo's is $1,049), Jackson ($958), and Ionia ($840) substantially. Balanced against Kalamazoo's $70,525 median income—the second-highest in this group—the premium reflects a more economically vibrant market with stronger job prospects.

Higher income absorbs Kalamazoo's premium costs

Kalamazoo renters spend approximately $12,588 annually at $1,049 monthly—17.9% of a $70,525 income, retaining meaningful discretionary resources compared to lower-income peers. Homebuyers face $1,162 monthly payments on the region's highest-valued homes at $227,500, but Kalamazoo's stronger income base makes this premium feasible for qualified buyers.

Kalamazoo rewards higher earners relocating

If you're moving to Michigan with a strong income or marketable skills, Kalamazoo County's higher rents and home prices unlock access to a more economically dynamic region with professional opportunities. The 17.9% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable for earners above the $70,525 median, making it an ideal destination for professionals and families with solid financial footing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Kalamazoo County

via HealthByCounty

Kalamazoo County leads state on health

Kalamazoo County residents live to 77.1 years, just 1.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years—the strongest performance among Michigan's comparison counties. The county's 15.4% poor or fair health rate sits just below the national average of 15%, indicating broadly healthy outcomes.

Above Michigan average, clear leader

At 77.1 years, Kalamazoo County's life expectancy tops Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 0.8 years, placing it among the healthiest counties statewide. The county ranks in the top quartile of Michigan's 83 counties.

Regional health champion

Kalamazoo County's 77.1-year life expectancy outpaces all eight comparison counties, with the next-closest being Ionia at 77.5 years. The county also boasts the region's best mental health provider density at 542 per 100,000 residents, reflecting a strong behavioral health infrastructure.

Best insurance and provider access

Kalamazoo County leads the region with just 5.1% uninsured—below Michigan's 6.4% average—and 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the second-best in the group. This combination of coverage and access supports consistent, preventive care throughout the county.

Join Kalamazoo's coverage success

Kalamazoo County's 94.9% insured rate is impressive, but the remaining 5.1% uninsured have abundant resources. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Kalamazoo health centers to secure coverage and take advantage of the county's strong provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kalamazoo County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Dynamic District

Kalamazoo County hosts 91 public schools and a massive student body of 34,014 across 16 districts. The landscape is rich with 45 elementary schools and 29 high schools, reflecting a heavily developed educational infrastructure.

Performance in Urban and Suburban Centers

The county's graduation rate stands at 77.8%, with per-pupil spending reaching $7,163. These figures support a school score of 47.5, maintaining competitive results despite being slightly below state averages.

Powerhouse Districts in Kalamazoo and Portage

Kalamazoo Public Schools serves 12,239 students across 31 schools, while Portage Public Schools supports 8,591 students. Charter schools represent a small portion of the market, making up only 5.5% of total schools.

Large Campuses in City Settings

With 46 city schools and 33 suburban schools, the county has a distinct urban feel. Schools like Loy Norrix and Kalamazoo Central are massive, each enrolling over 1,600 students, contributing to a high average size of 405.

Connect with Kalamazoo's vibrant schools

Families seeking specialized magnet programs or large-scale high schools should focus their home search in Kalamazoo or Portage. The area's dense school network ensures that most neighborhoods are just minutes away from a public campus.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kalamazoo County

via RiskByCounty

Kalamazoo faces elevated disaster risk

Kalamazoo County's composite risk score of 81.68 substantially exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56, earning a relatively moderate risk rating and placing it among the nation's higher-hazard communities. This elevated profile demands serious resident preparedness.

Among Michigan's highest-risk counties

Kalamazoo ranks near the top of Michigan counties for overall natural disaster exposure, competing with only a handful of peers for the highest composite scores. The county's combination of tornado (93.67), flood (83.14), and earthquake (69.88) risks drives this ranking.

Kalamazoo significantly exceeds area risks

Kalamazoo's 81.68 score substantially exceeds neighboring Jackson County (76.46) and Isabella County (66.06), making it the region's most hazard-exposed community. This distinction underscores Kalamazoo's concentrated vulnerability profile.

Tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes threaten

Kalamazoo's tornado risk of 93.67 ranks among Michigan's most extreme, while flood risk of 83.14 and earthquake risk of 69.88 create a multi-hazard threat landscape. This combination places the county among the most vulnerable in the state.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Kalamazoo residents must carry flood insurance as a separate policy, given the county's 83.14 flood score, and verify earthquake coverage for the 69.88 earthquake risk. Create a detailed tornado safety plan, identify shelter locations, and maintain emergency supplies for extended disruption.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 31 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 $3,378, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Kalamazoo County a tax score of 13.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kalamazoo County?
The median household income in Kalamazoo County, Michigan is $70,525 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kalamazoo County earns an income score of 67.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kalamazoo County, Michigan a good place to live?
Kalamazoo County scores 31/100 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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