Dowagiac, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,732
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,166/yr
25.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,936
-3.0% year-over-year change

Dowagiac population

How many people live in Dowagiac

Dowagiac is home to 5,732 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Dowagiac locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
5,732
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
2,811
Female
51%
2,921
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,811 49% 1.7%
Female 2,921 51% 0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Dowagiac is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 22.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
22.4%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,128 19.7% 0.4%
15 to 24 526 9.2% -17.3%
25 to 44 1,592 27.8% 12.7%
45 to 64 1,285 22.4% -7.5%
Over 65 1,201 21% 7.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Dowagiac, 94.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.6% of locals are Caucasian, 8.9% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,423 94.6% -2.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 43 0.8% 152.9%
Non-citizens 266 4.6% 109.5%
Racial breakdown
White
75.6%
Black or African American
8.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.9%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 4,331 75.6%
Black or African American 510 8.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 223 3.9%
Asian 24 0.4%
Two or more races 503 8.8%
Other 141 2.5%

Households in Dowagiac

A peek inside Dowagiac households

Dowagiac has 2,565 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.4% are families, while the remaining 47.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,565
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,221
Family households
1,344
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,221 47.6% -4.2%
Family households 1,344 52.4% -1.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Dowagiac

The housing landscape of Dowagiac

Dowagiac's housing consists of 2,936 units, with 71.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,936
-3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,089 71.2%
1 unit, attached 31 1.1%
2 units 83 2.8%
3 or 4 units 186 6.3%
5 to 9 units 277 9.4%
10 to 19 units 59 2%
20 to 49 units 38 1.3%
50 or more units 149 5.1%
Mobile home 24 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dowagiac

In Dowagiac, the median construction year is 1950. About 35.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,040 35.4% 11.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 427 14.5% -20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 212 7.2% -31.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 263 9% -1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 380 12.9% 4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 291 9.9% 6.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 102 3.5% 7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 143 4.9% -5.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 78 2.7% -21.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Dowagiac occupancy rates

Out of the 2,565 occupied housing units in Dowagiac, 58% are owner-occupied, while 42% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,565
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,076
Owner occupied
1,489
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,076 42% -17.9%
Owner occupied 1,489 58% 12.2%
Unoccupied housing units
12.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Dowagiac housing costs

Housing costs in Dowagiac come to a median of $730 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $840.

Median housing costs per month
$730/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Dowagiac
$840/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Dowagiac

Dowagiac education at a glance

About 49% of the population in Dowagiac went to high school, while 24.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 239 5.3% 55.2%
High school diploma 2,202 49% -5.4%
College diploma 1,113 24.8% 8.1%
Associate degree 412 9.2% -5.9%
Bachelor's degree 379 8.4% 2.2%
Graduate degree 149 3.3% 21.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Dowagiac

How much people earn in Dowagiac

The average annual household income in Dowagiac was $67,681 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +12.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,166, reflecting a +25.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dowagiac
$67,681/year
12.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dowagiac
$48,166/year
25.3% year-over-year change

Dowagiac income by age

In Dowagiac, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,331. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,618 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,300, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,188 in earnings. Overall, 78.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,300 N/A
25 - 44 $65,331 35.3%
45 - 64 $48,618 17.3%
Over 65 $33,188 7.5%
Above poverty level
4,413
Below poverty level
1,200
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,413 78.6% 13.0%
Below poverty level 1,200 21.4% -27.1%

Average renter income in Dowagiac

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dowagiac, their median household income was $26,005 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,005
Rent-to-income ratio
38.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Dowagiac

Workforce and job types in Dowagiac

The job market in Dowagiac is powered by 2,644 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.6% run their own businesses, 77.7% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,644
4.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,767
Blue collar
877
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,767 66.8% 7.9%
Blue collar 877 33.2% -0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
4.6%
Private companies
77.7%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 123 4.6% 355.6%
Private companies 2,054 77.7% -2.6%
Governmental workers 261 9.9% 58.2%
Not for profit companies 206 7.8% -5.9%
Unemployment rate
8.9%
-24.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dowagiac stands at 8.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Dowagiac

How people get around in Dowagiac

Commuting methods vary: 86.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,196 86.3% 0.9%
Bus or trolleybus 39 1.5% 5.4%
Walk 104 4.1% -11.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Dowagiac by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49047 14,858 6,301 $62,963 $86,200

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FAQs about Dowagiac demographics 

What is the total population of Dowagiac?

Dowagiac has a total population of 5,732 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dowagiac?

The gender ratio in Dowagiac is as follows:
  • 49% males (2,811 residents)
  • 51% females (2,921 residents)

What is the median age in Dowagiac?

The median age in Dowagiac is 37.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dowagiac?

The age distribution in Dowagiac is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (1,128 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (526 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (1,592 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.4% (1,285 residents)
  • Over 65: 21% (1,201 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dowagiac?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dowagiac is as follows:
  • White: 75.6% (4,331 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.9% (510 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.9% (223 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (24 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (503 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (141 residents)

What percentage of the population in Dowagiac are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.6% of the population in Dowagiac.

How many housing units are there in Dowagiac?

There are 2,936 housing units in Dowagiac, reflecting a -3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Dowagiac and what is the average household size?

Dowagiac has a total of 2,565 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dowagiac?

Dowagiac has a median household income of $48,166, representing a +25.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dowagiac?

The employment rate is 91.1% in Dowagiac, with a workforce of 2,644 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.8% (1,767 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.2% (877 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.6% (123 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.7% (2,054 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (261 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (206 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025