Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Dowagiac, MI Population, Income & Demographics 2026

CSASouth Bend-Elkhart-Mishawaka MSASouth Bend-Mishawaka#1/5 Population

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

5,732

Median Agei

37.2

Race & Ethnicityi

White

74.9%4,291

Hispanic/Latino

9.2%529

Black

8%458

Two or More

5.5%317

American Indian/Alaska Native

2%113

Asian

0.4%24

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

5%205

High School Diploma

33.1%1,348

Some College (<1 yr)

10.2%415

Some College (1+ yr)

15.8%643

Associate's Degree

9.6%393

Bachelor's Degree

8.7%356

Master's Degree

3%121

Professional Degree

0.7%28

HS or Higher

86%

BA or Higher

12.4%

Graduate+

3.7%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$130,800

Median Renti

$840

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

58.1%1,489

Renter-Occupied

41.9%1,076

Total Units

2,936

Homeownership

58.1%

Vacancy Rate

12.6%

Home Values

Under $50K

13.7%204

$50K–$100K

23.2%345

$100K–$150K

21.5%320

$150K–$200K

30.4%453

$200K–$300K

9.4%140

$1M+

1.8%27

Rent Distribution

Under $500

260

$500–$750

202

$750–$1,000

248

$1,000–$1,250

305

$1,250–$1,500

$1,500–$2,000

Year Built

2010–2019

2.7%78

2000–2009

4.9%143

1990–1999

3.5%102

1980–1989

9.9%291

1970–1979

12.9%380

1960–1969

9%263

1950–1959

7.2%212

1940–1949

14.5%427

1939 or earlier

35.4%1,040

Heating Fuel

Utility Gas

83.9%2,153

Electricity

10.2%262

Other

2.8%71

Bottled/LP Gas

2.7%70

No Fuel

0.4%9

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$48,166

Mean Household Incomei

$67,681

Per Capita Incomei

$28,447

Poverty Ratei

21%

Unemploymenti

8.9%

Labor Forcei

2,901

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

7%179

$10K–$15K

8.1%208

$15K–$20K

4.2%109

$20K–$25K

5.8%150

$25K–$30K

6.2%160

$30K–$35K

5.7%145

$35K–$40K

5.9%152

$40K–$45K

3.9%100

$45K–$50K

6.6%169

$50K–$60K

4.3%111

$60K–$75K

10.5%270

$75K–$100K

17.1%438

$100K–$125K

3.1%79

$125K–$150K

2.2%57

$150K–$200K

2.8%72

$200K+

6.5%166

Ancestry & Heritage

Self-reported ancestry groups. Residents may report multiple ancestries, so totals may exceed 100%.

Commute & Transportationi

Workersi

2,544

Avg. Commutei

22.6 min

How People Get to Work

Travel Time to Work

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

298(6.6% of civilian adults)