Dowagiac city, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Dowagiac city, Michigan has a total population of 5,677, the 166th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $38,433, which is 46% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 30.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 46% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (30.4%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 11.9% is notably above the national average.
Dowagiac city Quick Facts
How Dowagiac city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 44 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Dowagiac city Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Cass County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niles city | 11,838 | $47,815 | 20.9% | $115,400 |
Cities Similar to Dowagiac city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista CDP | 5,904 | $38,835 | $51,800 | 7.5% | 31.4% |
| Zeeland city | 5,691 | $49,367 | $248,100 | 30.8% | 11.4% |
| Springfield city | 5,295 | $43,681 | $105,300 | 10.9% | 22.1% |
| Allegan city | 5,182 | $42,261 | $161,100 | 15.3% | 15.1% |
| Ironwood city | 5,004 | $37,191 | $74,900 | 19.5% | 14.9% |
Population Overview
Dowagiac city is a small city located in Michigan, within Cass County. The total population is 5,677. It ranks as the 166th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Dowagiac city is 37.3 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Dowagiac city is $38,433. This is 46% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 51% lower. The poverty rate stands at 30.4%. This is 133% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.9%. This is 104% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $110,300. Housing costs are 49% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Dowagiac city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 50.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 31% lower than the state average of 72.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Dowagiac city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.3% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 11.5%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.
Education
12.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 62% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 85.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Dowagiac city, Michigan is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Michigan state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 745 Census-designated places in Michigan. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Dowagiac city, Michigan?
Dowagiac city, Michigan has a population of 5,677 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Dowagiac city, MI?
The median household income in Dowagiac city is $38,433, which is 51% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Dowagiac city, MI?
The poverty rate in Dowagiac city is 30.4%. This means approximately 1,716 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Dowagiac city, Michigan?
Dowagiac city's population is 71.3% White, 11.5% Black, 7.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Dowagiac city, MI?
The median home value in Dowagiac city is $110,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Dowagiac city, Michigan?
12.1% of adults (25+) in Dowagiac city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.