Cost of Living in Paw Paw Lake, MI
Population 3,794 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Paw Paw Lake can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $191,000 against $65,360 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 35 miles north of South Bend, Paw Paw Lake falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 53% higher than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Paw Paw Lake
The median home value in Paw Paw Lake is $191,100 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,151/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,360/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 58.9°F and lows of 40.6°F. Overall, Paw Paw Lake has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
Paw Paw Lake 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 36 | 46 | 58 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 74 | 62 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 28 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 1.99 | 1.60 | 2.02 | 3.25 | 3.78 | 3.04 | 3.17 | 3.61 | 3.62 | 4.16 | 2.74 | 2.02 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Paw Paw Lake, MI?
Paw Paw Lake has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Paw Paw Lake, MI?
The median gross rent in Paw Paw Lake is $1,151 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Paw Paw Lake?
The median home value in Paw Paw Lake is $191,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Paw Paw Lake?
The median household income in Paw Paw Lake is $65,360 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Paw Paw Lake, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Paw Paw Lake is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Paw Paw Lake, MI affordable?
Yes, Paw Paw Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Paw Paw Lake?
Paw Paw Lake has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 40.6°F. Annual precipitation is 35". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Paw Paw Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 3,794
- Median Income
- $65,360
- Home Value
- $191,100
- Median Rent
- $1,151/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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