Paw Paw, MI
Population 3,277 · Michigan
About Paw Paw, MI
Paw Paw is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 3,277 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,989 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paw Paw features a median home value of $133,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Paw Paw one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $775, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,499 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (683 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (751 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paw Paw shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Paw Paw have an average one-way commute time of 17.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.8% of Paw Paw residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 7.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Paw Paw, MI
Compared to national averages, Paw Paw has a median household income of $38,989 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $133,600, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $775 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Paw Paw's income is 41% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 27% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Paw Paw, MI?
Paw Paw offers affordable housing with a median home value of $133,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $775/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,989) that falls below the national average. However, Paw Paw’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paw Paw has a population of 3,277 with a median age of 35.4 years. Compare Paw Paw with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Paw Paw
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blissfield | 3,236 | $62,386 | $164,600 | Compare |
| Clare | 3,341 | $43,105 | $124,800 | Compare |
| Essexville | 3,344 | $76,182 | $121,200 | Compare |
| Rockwood | 3,189 | $85,391 | $180,000 | Compare |
| Level Park-Oak Park | 3,367 | $70,051 | $128,100 | Compare |
| Mount Morris | 3,130 | $42,886 | $79,500 | Compare |
| Gladwin | 3,081 | $43,638 | $111,700 | Compare |
| Harvey | 3,080 | $75,188 | $235,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Paw Paw With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paw Paw
What is the population of Paw Paw, MI?
The population of Paw Paw, MI is 3,277 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Paw Paw?
The median household income in Paw Paw, MI is $38,989 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paw Paw?
The median home value in Paw Paw, MI is $133,600, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Paw Paw?
The median monthly rent in Paw Paw, MI is $775, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paw Paw?
The unemployment rate in Paw Paw, MI is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Paw Paw, MI a good place to live?
Paw Paw offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,277 and a median age of 35.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paw Paw, MI?
10.8% of residents in Paw Paw aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Paw Paw?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paw Paw, MI: median home value is $133,600 (45% below national), median rent is $775/month, and median household income is $38,989. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paw Paw?
The poverty rate in Paw Paw, MI is 18.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Paw Paw, MI?
Paw Paw's population is 7.9% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.