CountyScore

Kalamazoo County

Michigan · MI

#76 in Michigan
62.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Kalamazoo County, Michigan

Solid National Performance, Income Strong

Kalamazoo County scores 62.2 on the composite index, above the national median of 50.0 and in the 60th percentile nationally. Its relatively lower score reflects balancing act between strong income growth and elevated housing costs compared to peer counties.

Below State Average but Earning Focused

Kalamazoo scores 62.2, below Michigan's state average of 68.7, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. However, its Income Score of 29.4 is among the highest in this group, reflecting a more employment-driven economic profile.

Strongest Income and Earning Potential

Kalamazoo's Income Score of 29.4 and median household income of $70,525 represent among the highest earning potential in this county group. The Tax Score of 60.5 with an effective rate of 1.49% provides moderate tax relief.

Housing Costs Higher Than Peers

The Cost Score of 71.7 is lower than most comparison counties, with median home values at $227,500 and rent at $1,049/month—the highest in this group. Limited health, safety, and education data prevents fuller assessment of quality-of-life trade-offs.

Professionals Prioritizing Career Growth

Kalamazoo County suits working professionals and families with solid incomes who are willing to accept higher housing costs in exchange for stronger employment opportunities and earning potential. It appeals to those building careers and less dependent on affordability alone.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax60.5Cost71.7SafetyComing SoonHealth77.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.4Risk18.3WaterComing Soon
🏛60.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kalamazoo County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boulder County
Colorado
62.3
Median income: $102,772
Hardee County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $54,231
Martin County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $80,701
Okaloosa County
Florida
62.3
Median income: $79,097
Cumberland County
Maine
62.3
Median income: $92,983

Deep Dives

Kalamazoo County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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