Cost of Living in Paw Paw, MI
Population 3,277 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Paw Paw's median household income of $38,989 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 (19% here).
Located 40 miles northeast of South Bend, Paw Paw falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with South Bend's $125,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Paw Paw
The median home value in Paw Paw is $133,600 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $775/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,989/year is 48% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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, Paw Paw has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
Paw Paw 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Paw Paw, MI?
Paw Paw has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Paw Paw, MI?
The median gross rent in Paw Paw is $775 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Paw Paw?
The median home value in Paw Paw is $133,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Paw Paw?
The median household income in Paw Paw is $38,989 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Paw Paw, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Paw Paw is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Paw Paw, MI affordable?
Yes, Paw Paw is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
Paw Paw at a Glance
- Population
- 3,277
- Median Income
- $38,989
- Home Value
- $133,600
- Median Rent
- $775/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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