Median Income
$38,989
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,600
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
504/100K
33% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.6%
10% higher than US avg
How Paw Paw Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,277
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density1,227/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,989
Per Capita$23,775
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty13.6%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,600
Rent$775
Ownership47.6%
Zillow$259,971
Housing Units1,547
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent504/100K
Property5,252/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault208/100K
Burglary593/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.6%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain41.1 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation724 ft (221 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.27
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute17 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries14
Is Paw Paw a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Paw Paw receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Paw Paw has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Paw Paw is $38,989, 48% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Paw Paw is $133,600, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 504 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,252 per 100,000, 168% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Paw Paw experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches, including 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Paw Paw has a population of 3,277 with a density of 1,227 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 35.4 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 (85.7%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Paw Paw is $38,989, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,775 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,264, 12% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 5,972 business establishments, including 579 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,989 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,775 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.6% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,972 |
| County GDP | $20,706M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 579 |
| Healthcare | 749 |
| Retail | 848 |
| Manufacturing | 295 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 3.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Paw Paw is $133,600, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,971, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,547 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $7,471 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,600 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,971 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,547 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.59% |
In Paw Paw, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 30.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012. The dentist ratio is 1:1,312. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Paw Paw vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,012 |
| Dentists | 1:1,312 |
| Mental Health | 1:184 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
Paw Paw has a violent crime rate of 504 per 100,000 residents, 33% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 207.7 per 100,000, robbery at 29.7, rape at 267.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 5,252 per 100,000, 168% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 4,510, burglary at 593, vehicle theft at 148 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Paw Paw receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Paw Paw vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 504.5/100K |
| 33% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 267.1/100K |
| Robbery | 29.7/100K |
| Assault | 207.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,252.2/100K |
| 168% above US avg |
| Burglary | 593.5/100K |
| Theft | 4,510.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 148.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Traffic Accidents | 303 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Paw Paw experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.1 inches. The area receives 109.0 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 724 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 724 ft (221 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,227/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2142°N, 85.8922°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Kalamazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International (AZO)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.1"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0452 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
38 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
70 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
351 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 153 fatalities, 2,157 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
55 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
31 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
17 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
5 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
100 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Paw Paw has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 25°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Paw Paw. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $806 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $788 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Paw Paw
What is the population of Paw Paw?
Paw Paw has a population of 3,277 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,227 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Paw Paw expensive to live in?
Paw Paw 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 $38,989, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,600 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Paw Paw safe?
The violent crime rate in Paw Paw is 504 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,252 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Paw Paw receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Paw Paw?
Paw Paw has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 41.1 inches, with 109.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Paw Paw?
Paw Paw has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,264. There are 5,972 business establishments in the area, including 579 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Paw Paw?
The median home value in Paw Paw is $133,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,971. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,471.
How are the schools in Paw Paw?
Schools in Paw Paw score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Paw Paw hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Paw Paw?
The obesity rate in Paw Paw is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 30.0% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 91.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,012.
What is transportation like in Paw Paw?
The average commute in Paw Paw is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, 3% use public transit, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Paw Paw?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Paw Paw is 85.7% White, 2% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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