Cooper Township, MI: Homes for Sale & Local Guide

Cooper Charter Township is home to 10,418 people (2020 Census) north of Kalamazoo, Michigan, where the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Markin Glen County Park and regional trails anchor an outdoor setting. Its planning balances residential areas, agriculture and the Kalamazoo River landscape. It suits buyers who want suburban or rural homes with nature close by.

By Jason Veenstra, REALTOR®, Associate Broker and Team Leader, Veenstra Team | eXp Realty. Updated November 11, 2026.

Cooper Township at a glance

  • Type: Charter township (Cooper Charter Township), Kalamazoo County, Michigan

  • Population: 10,418 (2020 U.S. Census)

  • Borders: Alamo Township, City of Kalamazoo, City of Parchment, Gun Plain Township (Allegan County), Kalamazoo Township, Prairieville Township (Barry County) and Richland Township

  • Drive to downtown Kalamazoo: about 8.7 miles, roughly 16 minutes without traffic, from the center of the township to Kalamazoo City Hall (OpenStreetMap routing)

  • Area: about 36.3 square miles

  • School districts: Plainwell Community Schools (about 68% of the township’s area), Parchment School District (about 29%), Otsego Public Schools (about 2%) and Gull Lake Community Schools (about 1%). Confirm each address with the district.

  • Property taxes: 2025 homestead (PRE) totals range from 30.3657 mills (Otsego schools) to 33.7561 mills (Parchment schools). Rates vary by school district and exclude special assessments; see the county’s 2025 millage table.

  • Township website: coopertwp.org

Homes for sale in Cooper Township

Search current homes for sale in the 49004 ZIP code, which covers much of Cooper Township, then save a search to hear about new listings. It also includes Parchment and parts of Kalamazoo Township, so check the municipality on each listing.

Search homes for sale in Cooper Township


Cooper Township housing market trends

Here is a snapshot of residential listings and sales recorded in the MLS for Cooper Charter Township itself, not the wider mailing area. We update it monthly.

  • Active listings: 21 (median list price $299,900)

  • Sold in the last 30 days: 11 homes, median sale price $283,000

  • Sold in the last 12 months: 117 homes, median sale price $274,500

  • Median days on market: 6 (homes sold in the last 12 months)

  • Months of supply: 2.2 (active listings divided by average monthly sales over the last 12 months)

Source: Southwest Michigan MLS via Flexmls, as of November 11, 2026. Residential listings; Municipality = Cooper Twp, Kalamazoo County. Last 30 days = closings since October 12, 2026; last 12 months = closings since November 11, 2025. Medians are shown when there are at least three sales and are rounded to the nearest $100. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

What is it like to live in Cooper Township?

Cooper’s 2026 Final Master Plan describes larger-parcel rural residential areas in the western and northern parts of the township, with denser residential development nearer Kalamazoo and Parchment. That distinction is more useful than treating Cooper as one uniform housing setting.

The plan also identifies the Kalamazoo River landscape and regional road connections as important parts of the township. A home search can therefore compare the lot and layout alongside the route south toward the cities, the relationship to US-131 and the outdoor destinations along North Westnedge.

What parks, trails and nature areas are in Cooper Township?

Cooper’s parks page places the Kalamazoo Nature Center on North Westnedge Avenue within the township, with meadows, woodland and natural areas. It also identifies Markin Glen County Park, another North Westnedge destination.

Markin Glen offers a swimming beach, fishing, camping and both paved and natural-surface trails. Its west-side Maple Hill Trail is dedicated mountain-bike singletrack, a different outing from a paved trail walk. The park also preserves mature beech-maple woodland and a hilltop view toward downtown Kalamazoo.

The Nature Center adds more than walking trails to the North Westnedge corridor. Its programming includes guided nature experiences, animal and art exhibits, camps, conservation activities and DeLano Farm CSA information. The current calendar is the place to find a program that fits the season.

Cooper’s park resources also point to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. When comparing a home near an outdoor destination, distinguish the park from the connection: the trailhead, crossing and route from the property determine how you would use it.

What school districts serve Cooper Township?

Cooper Township identifies four school districts: Otsego, Plainwell, Parchment and Gull Lake. Its school and library directory also explains that these districts work with different regional education-service agencies.

U.S. Census Bureau school-district boundaries show Plainwell Community Schools covering about 68% of the township’s area, Parchment about 29%, Otsego about 3% and Gull Lake about 1%.

This makes school verification a property-level task. Ask the district to confirm the address and then research the courses, services and transportation that are relevant to you. Two Cooper Township properties need not share the same district simply because the township name matches.

What should buyers check before buying in Cooper Township?

The township website brings together property assessments, maps, zoning ordinances, building-permit information and curbside pickup and recycling resources. Those links are a useful starting point when getting established or planning a change to a property.

For a larger-lot or land purchase, clarify the proposed use, access arrangements and condition of existing improvements before assuming the site will work. We can help you organize the comparison and identify which questions belong with the township or another qualified professional.

Property taxes depend on the school district. The county’s 2025 millage table lists homestead (PRE) totals of 32.4257 mills in the Plainwell part of the township, 33.7561 in the Parchment part, 33.1354 in the Gull Lake part and 30.3657 in the Otsego part. Non-homestead totals run from 48.3657 to 51.7561 mills.

Watch: every Kalamazoo area explained

Watch Jason compare parts of the Greater Kalamazoo area. This is a regional perspective, not a property-by-property or municipal-boundary tour.


Frequently asked questions about Cooper Township

Where is Cooper Township?

Cooper Charter Township is in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, north of the City of Kalamazoo. It borders Kalamazoo, Parchment, Kalamazoo Township, Alamo and Richland townships, Gun Plain Township in Allegan County and Prairieville Township in Barry County.

How many people live in Cooper Township?

The 2020 U.S. Census counted 10,418 residents in Cooper Charter Township.

Is the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Cooper Township?

Yes. The township identifies the Nature Center on North Westnedge Avenue within Cooper Township.

Does every Cooper Township address use the same school district?

No. The township identifies Otsego, Plainwell, Parchment and Gull Lake districts. Confirm an individual address with the district.

Where can I research a Cooper building project?

Use the township’s building-permit, map and zoning resources, then ask for guidance on your parcel and proposed project.

What are property tax rates in Cooper Township?

In 2025 the homestead (PRE) millage totals ranged from 30.3657 mills in the Otsego school area to 33.7561 mills in the Parchment school area, per Kalamazoo County’s millage table. Special assessments are not included.

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Thinking about buying or selling in Cooper Township?

Tell us what matters most in your next Cooper home, or what you need to understand before selling. We’ll help you compare the details and plan a practical next step.

Sources

Community information reviewed November 11, 2026. Property details and availability can change.

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