Michigan / Cass County

Moving to Dowagiac, MI

Thinking of making a move to Dowagiac, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dowagiac, MI

Considering a move to Dowagiac, MI? This welcoming community of 5,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $138,000 and average rents near $920. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (51% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Dowagiac's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Dowagiac, MI

Dowagiac has a population of 5,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 68% White, 19% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
5,800
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
37.6
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
67.5%
Black
19.0%
Asian
0.8%
Others
12.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Dowagiac, MI?

The cost of living in Dowagiac is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 80.6. Median home values are around $138,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $920. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$138,000
Gross Rent
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
80.6
Grocery
93.5
Housing
61.0
Utilities
99.2
Transportation
87.4
Health Care
96.8
Miscellaneous
90.5

Crime

Is Dowagiac, MI a safe place to live?

Dowagiac is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 360 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 53. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
360
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,900
Crime Index
2,260
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 53

Weather

What is the weather like in Dowagiac, MI year-round?

Dowagiac experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
51%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $49,800 and a low poverty rate of 20.4%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 15% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$29,500
Household Income
$49,800
Family Income
$61,200
Per Capita Income
$24,100
Income Male
$33,400
Income Female
$26,800
Poverty Rate
20.4%
Non English Speakers
12.5%
Rent
$920
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
87.1%
Bachelors or More
14.8%

Education

How are the schools in Dowagiac, MI?

Dowagiac offers quality education options, with public schools like Dowagiac Union High School and Patrick Hamilton Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Southwestern Michigan College and Lake Michigan College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Dowagiac Union High School
Street
701 W Prairie Ronde St
Phone
269-782-4400
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
16.1
Name
Patrick Hamilton Elementary School
Street
4201 M-51
Phone
269-782-4421
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
15.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street
424 N Front St
Phone
269-782-2649
Students
140

Colleges

Name
Southwestern Michigan College
City
Dowagiac
State
MI
Distance
2 miles
Students
2,000
Name
Lake Michigan College
City
Benton Harbor
State
MI
Distance
26 miles
Students
3,600

Healthcare

Dowagiac residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Beacon Hospital - Dowagiac Campus and Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Beacon Hospital - Dowagiac Campus
Address
4200 Balsam Rd, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone
(269) 782-0500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Address
420 W High St, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone
(269) 782-0500
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.0%
Health Care Index
66.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Dowagiac, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $138,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 65%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Dowagiac offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$138,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$920
Owner Occupied Rate
65.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Dowagiac handle vehicle services through the Michigan Department of State, conveniently located in Lansing. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Department of State
Address
430 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48918
Phone
(888) 767-6424

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.

FAQs About Moving to Dowagiac, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Dowagiac, review the core fields on this page: population 5,800, median home value $138,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $920, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 51%.

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