Paw Paw Lake, MI
Population 3,794 · Michigan
About Paw Paw Lake, MI
Paw Paw Lake is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 3,794 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,360 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Paw Paw Lake features a median home value of $191,100, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Paw Paw Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,151, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,762 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,197 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (440 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Paw Paw Lake shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Paw Paw Lake have an average one-way commute time of 31.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.4% of Paw Paw Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Paw Paw Lake, MI
Compared to national averages, Paw Paw Lake has a median household income of $65,360 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $191,100, which is 22% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,151 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Paw Paw Lake's income is 1% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 4% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Paw Paw Lake, MI?
Paw Paw Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $191,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,151/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,360) that falls below the national average. However, Paw Paw Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Paw Paw Lake has a population of 3,794 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Paw Paw Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Paw Paw Lake
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamston | 3,800 | $73,902 | $215,000 | Compare |
| Portland | 3,821 | $65,116 | $165,000 | Compare |
| Plainwell | 3,764 | $65,846 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Vicksburg | 3,824 | $70,070 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Boyne City | 3,829 | $68,087 | $233,900 | Compare |
| Imlay City | 3,706 | $55,061 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Cedar Springs | 3,661 | $56,711 | $203,400 | Compare |
| Romeo | 3,654 | $73,500 | $245,700 | 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 Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Paw Paw Lake
What is the population of Paw Paw Lake, MI?
The population of Paw Paw Lake, MI is 3,794 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 Lake?
The median household income in Paw Paw Lake, MI is $65,360 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Paw Paw Lake?
The median home value in Paw Paw Lake, MI is $191,100, which is 22% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Paw Paw Lake?
The median monthly rent in Paw Paw Lake, MI is $1,151, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Paw Paw Lake?
The unemployment rate in Paw Paw Lake, MI is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Paw Paw Lake, MI a good place to live?
Paw Paw Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,794 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Paw Paw Lake, MI?
28.4% of residents in Paw Paw Lake 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 Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Paw Paw Lake, MI: median home value is $191,100 (22% below national), median rent is $1,151/month, and median household income is $65,360. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Paw Paw Lake?
The poverty rate in Paw Paw Lake, MI is 22.9%, 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 Lake, MI?
Paw Paw Lake's population is 1.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.