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.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Dowagiac and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Dowagiac before you move.

Moving Help for Your Dowagiac, MI Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Dowagiac move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Dowagiac, MI Piano Movers Dowagiac, MI Cheap Movers Dowagiac, MI Small Movers Dowagiac, MI Apartment Movers Dowagiac, MI Long Distance Movers Dowagiac, MI

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dowagiac, MI

Considering a move to Dowagiac, MI? This welcoming community of 5,669 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $106,000 and average rents near $780. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% 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 5,669 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 69% White, 17% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Dowagiac is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.2. Median home values are around $106,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Dowagiac is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 329 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 45. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $39,700 and a low poverty rate of 23.3%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 14% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 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. 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
269-783-1230
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 91.2% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $106,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 60%. The market has seen a 7.5% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Dowagiac offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Dowagiac handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Niles. 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 Secretary of State
Address
601 N Front St, Niles, MI 49120
Phone
1-888-767-6424

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 5,669, median home value $106,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $780, commute time 19.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

Ready to Move to Dowagiac, MI?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes