Median Income
$38,433
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,300
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.1%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$722
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.7%
131% higher than US avg
How Dowagiac Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,677
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density1,276/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Economy
D
Median Income$38,433
Per Capita$26,286
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty28.7%
County GDP$1,897M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,300
Rent$722
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$218,309
Health
Obesity39.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.4%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Elevation771 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.1%
High School+85.3%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute25 min
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Dowagiac a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dowagiac receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Dowagiac has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dowagiac is $38,433, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 28.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dowagiac is $110,300, 61% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $722 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
12.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Dowagiac experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Dowagiac has a population of 5,677 with a density of 1,276 people per square mile. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (75.8%), with 4.7% Hispanic, 12% Black.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 90.9% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Spanish | 9.1% |
| 32% below US avg |
The median household income in Dowagiac is $38,433, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,433 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,286 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $998 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,974 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.7% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 932 |
| County GDP | $1,897M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 60 |
| Retail | 113 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,290 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Dowagiac is $110,300, 61% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $722 (38% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,309.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,309 |
| Median List Price | $125,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $125,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $99 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.1% |
| Price Drops | 38.5% |
| Inventory | 13 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $722 |
| 38% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,290 |
| 80% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.70% |
In Dowagiac, 39.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.4% report depression. 29.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Dowagiac vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 29.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,385/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 60 |
Crime Rates: Dowagiac vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
Safety Score
Dowagiac has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation is 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 41.7 inches |
| 10% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 771 ft (235 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,276/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9834°N, 86.1128°W |
| County FIPS | 26027 |