Living in Dowagiac, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Dowagiac · Census data 2020–2024
Dowagiac has 5,732 residents with a median age of 37.2. The median household income is $48,166 (34% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $130,800, the median rent is $840/month.
Dowagiac at a glance
- Population
- 5,732
- Median age
- 37.2State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $48,166State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $130,800State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $840/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 58.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 12.4%
- Average commute
- 23 min
Is Dowagiac a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 44% lower than the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 34% lower than the Michigan median; unemployment of 8.9%; a poverty rate of 21.4%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Dowagiac
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Dowagiac the median home value is $130,800, 61% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $840 per month, which is 28.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,028 a month in housing costs.
Dowagiac median household income
The median household income in Dowagiac is $48,166 and the income per person is $28,447. 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in Dowagiac: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 2,936
- Owner-occupied
- 58.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 41.9%
- Vacant
- 12.6%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1950
- Average household size
- 2.20
Dowagiac demographics
- Population
- 5,732
- Median age
- 37.2
- Under 18
- 21.6%
- 65 and older
- 21%
- Households
- 2,565
- Foreign-born
- 5.3%
- Veterans
- 6.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Dowagiac ›
Education in Dowagiac
12.4% of adults 25 and older in Dowagiac have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 3.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Dowagiac
- Unemployment rate
- 8.9%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 23 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 3.3%
- Drive alone
- 75.7%
- Public transit
- 1.5%
- Walk to work
- 4.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 89.8%
Dowagiac vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dowagiac | 5,732 | $48,166 | $130,800 | $840 |
| Cassopolis | 1,834 | $40,781 | $110,000 | $823 |
| Eau Claire | 576 | $72,619 | $115,600 | $914 |
| Vandalia | 366 | $70,268 | $77,500 | $1,217 |
| Decatur | 1,835 | $61,806 | $137,500 | $785 |
| Berrien Springs | 2,018 | $65,134 | $159,900 | $972 |
| Niles | 11,803 | $51,376 | $135,100 | $855 |
| Edwardsburg | 1,472 | $52,500 | $122,200 | $950 |
| Millburg | 568 | $62,976 | $136,500 | $1,167 |
More for people moving to Dowagiac
Dowagiac ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Dowagiac: FAQ
What is the median household income in Dowagiac, MI?
The median household income in Dowagiac is $48,166, 34% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Dowagiac?
The median home value in Dowagiac is $130,800, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in Dowagiac?
The median gross rent in Dowagiac is $840 per month, about 28.4% of household income.
Is Dowagiac, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 44% lower than the state median; an average commute of 23 minutes. Minuses: median household income 34% lower than the Michigan median; unemployment of 8.9%; a poverty rate of 21.4%.
What is the median age in Dowagiac?
The median age in Dowagiac is 37.2 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Dowagiac?
The average commute to work in Dowagiac is 23 minutes; 3.3% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Dowagiac?
The unemployment rate in Dowagiac is 8.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Dowagiac?
12.4% of adults in Dowagiac have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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