Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Ratings
Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Schools
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Dowagiac, Michigan is a small-sized city with a population of 5,695 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Dowagiac is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and American Indian and Alaskan. Dowagiac is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 36%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Dowagiac, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Dowagiac, Michigan could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Dowagiac and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes commute, health & safety, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Dowagiac has received a livability score of 72 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 83rd percentile when compared to all other cities. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Dowagiac ranks well for housing (A-) On a less positive note, Dowagiac does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Dowagiac, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 20.57% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Dowagiac an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Dowagiac market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Dowagiac is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Dowagiac come in at $74,700, which is 41.5% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Dowagiac, the home price to income ratio is 1.8, which is 28% lower than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Dowagiac | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 87.2% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.1% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.0% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.0% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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