Cost of Living in Dowagiac, MI
Population 5,677 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dowagiac's median household income of $38,433 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (30% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 25 miles northeast of South Bend, Dowagiac falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dowagiac
The median home value in Dowagiac is $110,300 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $722/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,433/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Dowagiac has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.
Dowagiac has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dowagiac, MI?
Dowagiac has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dowagiac, MI?
The median gross rent in Dowagiac is $722 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dowagiac?
The median home value in Dowagiac is $110,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dowagiac?
The median household income in Dowagiac is $38,433 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dowagiac, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dowagiac is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Dowagiac, MI affordable?
Yes, Dowagiac is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
Dowagiac at a Glance
- Population
- 5,677
- Median Income
- $38,433
- Home Value
- $110,300
- Median Rent
- $722/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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