Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dowagiac, MI
Thinking of moving to Dowagiac, MI? With a friendly small-town feel and a population of 5,669, Dowagiac offers affordable living—median home prices are around $106,000 and average rent is $780. Commutes are quick at under 20 minutes, and the town enjoys four seasons, with warm summers and snowy winters. While crime rates are higher than average, Dowagiac features local schools, a community college, and convenient healthcare options, all set in a welcoming rural Michigan setting.
Demographics - Dowagiac, MI
Demographics - Dowagiac, MI
Dowagiac, Michigan is a small city of about 5,669 residents with a median age of 36.8, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working adults. The community is predominantly White (69.2%), with significant Black and diverse populations, and nearly 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to a modestly diverse local culture.
Population:
5,669
Density:
1,430 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.8
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
69.2%
Black:
17.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
12.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dowagiac, MI?
Dowagiac offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $106,000 and average rent at $780, well below national averages. Expenses for groceries, utilities, and healthcare are also lower than the U.S. norm, making the area attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$106,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
54.3
Utilities:
91.4
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
93.7
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Dowagiac, MI a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a property crime rate of 2,210 per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000. While crime is a consideration for newcomers, most incidents are property-related, and the overall chance of experiencing violent crime remains relatively low.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
329
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,210
Crime Index:
2,539
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 304
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Dowagiac, MI year-round?
Dowagiac sees all four seasons, featuring warm summers with highs around 82°F and cold, snowy winters with lows near 17°F. The city receives about 39 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, offering a classic Midwestern climate.
Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Local households in Dowagiac have a median income of $39,700, and about 23% of residents live below the poverty line, reflecting economic challenges for some. The average commute is under 20 minutes, public transportation use is minimal, and most adults have completed high school, though college degree attainment is lower than average.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$39,700
Family Income:
$47,400
Per Capita Income:
$19,100
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$22,800
Poverty Rate:
23.3%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.1%
Bachelors or More:
13.7%
Education
How are the schools in Dowagiac, MI?
Dowagiac features a mix of public and private schools, including Dowagiac Union High School and St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, as well as access to Southwestern Michigan College located just two miles away. Class sizes are moderate, supporting a supportive learning environment for students across all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Dowagiac Union High School
Street:
701 W Prairie Ronde St
Phone:
269-783-1230
Students:
635
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Patrick Hamilton Elementary School
Street:
614 Spruce St
Phone:
269-782-4450
Students:
315
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Private Schools
Name:
St. Paul's Episcopal Day School
Street:
306 Courtland St
Phone:
269-782-7033
Students:
70
Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Michigan College
City:
Dowagiac
State:
MI
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Dowagiac is served by Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital, providing general and emergency services for residents. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 91% health insurance coverage, most community members have access to essential healthcare.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital
Address:
420 W High St, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone:
(269) 782-8681
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
67.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dowagiac, MI?
The housing market in Dowagiac is very affordable, with a median home price of $106,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $780. Owner occupancy is close to 60%, and home values appreciated by 7.5% over the past year, indicating a stable and accessible real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$106,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Niles, offering convenient access for vehicle registration and licensing needs. Residents can handle most services in person, by phone, or online through the state website.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
601 N Front St, Niles, MI 49120
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.