Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Paw Paw, MI
Considering a move to Paw Paw, MI? This welcoming village of 3,410 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price of $185,000 and rents around $870. Crime rates are lower than national averages, and most commutes are a breezy 22 minutes. Paw Paw features strong community schools and proximity to Lake Michigan recreation, all in a four-season climate with 49% sunny days. Explore this charming, budget-friendly community as your next hometown.
Demographics - Paw Paw, MI
Demographics - Paw Paw, MI
Paw Paw is home to approximately 3,410 residents, with a median age of 39.8 and a predominantly White population. The community features a balanced gender ratio and a small but present diversity, including about 6.4% non-English speakers. The town's moderate density offers a close-knit, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
3,410
Density:
1,145 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Paw Paw, MI?
Living in Paw Paw is affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values are around $185,000 and typical rent is about $870 per month, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and renters. Utilities and everyday expenses also remain budget-friendly compared to many other cities.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$445
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.2
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
74.5
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
94.8
Health Care:
89.5
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Paw Paw, MI a safe place to live?
Paw Paw experiences low crime rates, with violent crimes at 182 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,440 per 100,000. The chances of being involved in a violent crime are about 1 in 550, contributing to a sense of safety in the community. Residents enjoy a secure, peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
182
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,440
Crime Index:
1,622
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 550
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Paw Paw, MI year-round?
Paw Paw enjoys four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging 18–32°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives around 35.6 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 49% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Households in Paw Paw typically earn a median income of $55,700, with a poverty rate of 13.2%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the community features a manageable average commute of about 22.5 minutes. The town maintains a friendly, locally engaged atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,400
Household Income:
$55,700
Family Income:
$65,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,600
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$32,600
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.4%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
22.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.2%
Education
How are the schools in Paw Paw, MI?
Paw Paw offers strong educational opportunities, including local public schools with student-teacher ratios around 18–20:1. Private schooling is available at Trinity Lutheran, and higher education is accessible nearby at Western Michigan University, just 20 miles away. The community places a high value on education, with over 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Paw Paw High School
Street:
30609 Red Arrow Hwy
Phone:
269-657-8840
Students:
680
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Paw Paw Middle School
Street:
31350 Red Arrow Hwy
Phone:
269-415-5500
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
Trinity Lutheran School
Street:
725 Pine St
Phone:
269-657-5921
Students:
100
Colleges
Name:
Western Michigan University
City:
Kalamazoo
State:
MI
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
18,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including Bronson LakeView Hospital, a general and surgical facility with emergency services. About 91% of people have health insurance, and there are 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. The area’s healthcare resources support the needs of families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bronson LakeView Hospital
Address:
408 Hazen St, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone:
(269) 657-3141
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Paw Paw, MI?
Paw Paw’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $185,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $870. A majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a healthy home appreciation rate of 6.2% over the past year. Both buyers and renters will find appealing options in this steady market.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
All vehicle and licensing services in Paw Paw are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office, conveniently located on Red Arrow Highway. Residents can access DMV services either in person or online. The office serves as the primary resource for all state motor vehicle needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
32849 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079
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.