Dowagiac City Demographics

Dowagiac, located in Cass County, MI, has a 2020 population of approximately 5,669. The median age is about 35.1 years. Gender distribution is nearly equal, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the city is 70% White, 18% Black or African American, 7% identifying as two or more races, 1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 4% Hispanic or Latino of any race, reflecting modest diversity in this small Michigan community.

Dowagiac City Healthcare

Dowagiac, Cass County, MI, is primarily served by Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital (25 beds), offering emergency and inpatient care, and several clinics like Cassopolis Family Clinic Network. As of 2023, about 88% of Cass County residents are insured; 19% are on Medicaid. The median age is 37. Common health issues include diabetes (12%), hypertension (28%), and obesity (36%). There are approximately 1 primary care provider per 3,400 residents, lower than the state average. The local population is 71% White, 14% Black, 10% Hispanic, and 5% other races. Access challenges persist in mental health services.

Dowagiac City Housing

Dowagiac, in Cass County, MI, has a homeownership rate of around 57%, with median home values near $110,000 and median monthly rents about $820. The local housing stock features historic single-family homes, modest ranches, and some multi-family units, mainly in neighborhoods like Downtown and Northside. In recent years, property values have risen roughly 5% annually. Property taxes in Cass County average 1.5% of assessed value. Rentals are generally more available closer to the city center, while owner-occupied homes dominate suburban neighborhoods.

Education in Dowagiac City

Dowagiac, Cass County, MI, features the Dowagiac Union School District, including Dowagiac Union High School and four elementary schools. The high school graduation rate is around 85%, and about 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety ratings are average, with a score of 5/10 from GreatSchools. Adult education is available through local programs and Southwestern Michigan College. Educational programs include career tech, arts, and Advanced Placement® courses. The district serves approximately 2,200 students, focusing on both academic and vocational training.

Transportation in Dowagiac City

Dowagiac, located in Cass County, MI, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, with about 84% of workers driving alone to work and an average household vehicle ownership rate of 1.7 vehicles. Public transit usage is low, with less than 1% of residents commuting via transit. The average commute time is approximately 22 minutes. The city is served by U.S. Route 51 and local roads, with limited public transit options provided by Cass County Public Transit. Major employment hubs include the manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors. Carpooling accounts for around 11% of commuting patterns.

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