RANK #339 / 996 · POP 261,426 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Kalamazoo County, Michigan, stands out for the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program that offers graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools up to 100% tuition to Michigan's public universities and community colleges. Located in southwestern Michigan, roughly equidistant from Chicago and Detroit, about a two to two-and-a-half-hour drive from each, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and natural scenery. The city of Kalamazoo, the county seat, features a walkable downtown, including the nation's first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall. Residents have access to 83 lakes with public access and an extensive trail system, including the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, providing opportunities for biking, hiking, and water activities.
The county offers a quality of life that combines affordability with diverse opportunities, attracting families and individuals. Educational institutions like Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College contribute to a lively college-town atmosphere. The economy is driven by sectors such as life sciences and advanced manufacturing, with major employers present in the area. Recent economic developments include investments in downtown revitalization, focusing on new housing and commercial spaces, and broader efforts to support business growth and community connections. Commute options include local bus services, ride-sharing, and Amtrak connections to major cities.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Hyperscale Data Michigan (Dowagiac Data Center Expansion)
Hyperscale Data Inc. (formerly Ault Alliance Inc.)
|
$500M | Under Construction |
|
Pavilion Township Data Center
Franklin Partners
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Liberty Farms Solar
Consumers Energy
|
$220M | Planned |
|
Oshtemo Township Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
NewEdge Power
|
$100M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kalamazoo County has a Boom Town Index score of 66/100, ranking #339 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $67,905, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Kalamazoo County is $209,700 with median rent at $994/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3238, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed +3.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.64% of Kalamazoo County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.