Median Income
$84,167
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$235,200
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
219/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Dowling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population344
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density57/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$84,167
Per Capita$29,791
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$2,346M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$235,200
Ownership97.3%
Zillow$252,061
Housing Units162
Rent Burden26.1%
Crime
F
Violent219/100K
Property1,467/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking18.0%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation966 ft (294 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute26 min
Broadband91.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Dowling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dowling receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Dowling offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dowling is $84,167, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dowling is $235,200, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dowling is below the national average at 219 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,467 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dowling experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 68.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Dowling has a population of 344 with a density of 57 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 3.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Dowling is $84,167, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,791 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,064 business establishments, including 76 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,167 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,791 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,726 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,064 |
| County GDP | $2,346M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 76 |
| Healthcare | 91 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,128 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Dowling is $235,200, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,061. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 162 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $6,128 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $235,200 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $252,061 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.7% |
| Housing Units | 162 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,128 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.61% |
In Dowling, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,315. The dentist ratio is 1:4,237. 58.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dowling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,315 |
| Dentists | 1:4,237 |
| Mental Health | 1:769 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,873/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 91 |
Dowling has a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,467 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dowling receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dowling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 219.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,466.6/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dowling experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 68.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 966 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 966 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 6.3 sq mi (16.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 57/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5298°N, 85.2342°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Barry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 46.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
36 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
60 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
45 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
368 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 85 fatalities, 1,473 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
82 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
21 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
47 km |
5 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Dowling has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Dowling. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $513 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $781 |
| Toddler | $781 |
| Preschool | $713 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dowling
What is the population of Dowling?
Dowling has a population of 344 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 57 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Dowling expensive to live in?
Dowling has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $84,167, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $235,200 (17% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dowling safe?
Dowling is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 219 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,467 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dowling receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dowling?
Dowling has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 68.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Dowling?
The unemployment rate in Dowling is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 1,064 business establishments in the area, including 76 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dowling?
The median home value in Dowling is $235,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $252,061. The homeownership rate is 97.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,128.
How are the schools in Dowling?
Schools in Dowling score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.7% of adults in Dowling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dowling?
The obesity rate in Dowling is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 58.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,315.
What is transportation like in Dowling?
The average commute in Dowling is 26 minutes. 91% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dowling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dowling is 95.1% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
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