| ZIP Code | 49098 |
|---|---|
| City | Watervliet |
| State | Michigan (MI) |
| County | Berrien County |
| Area Code | 269 |
| Elevation | 663 ft |
| Latitude | 42.163885 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -86.239986 |
| Timezone | Detroit (DST) |
| FIPS | 26021 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.7 yrs ↓ 2% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.50 |
| Below Poverty | 22.7% ▲ 127% above avg |
| College Grads | 33.6% ▼ 13% below avg |
| Unemployment | 3.6% ▼ 27% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 75 (2.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 1,137 (32.6%) |
| Some College | 471 (13.5%) |
| Associates | 629 (18.1%) |
| Bachelors | 389 (11.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 782 (22.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $56,899 ▼ 25% below avg ↑ 31% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $150,500 ▼ 46% below avg ↑ 37% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.6x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,253/mo ↑ 73% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 3,032 |
| Vacant Units | 735 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.50 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 3,032 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 735 |
| Owner Occupied | 74.5% |
| Renter Occupied | 25.5% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.50 |
ZIP code 49098 is located in Watervliet, Michigan, within Berrien County. With a population of 5,791, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.7 years. Economically, 49098 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $56,899 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 49098 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $150,500 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,253 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 74.5% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 37% since 2019.
The population of 49098 is primarily White (81.30%). Residents are moderately educated — 33.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 22.7%. Household income has grown by 31% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 49098 stands at 3.6%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 76%.
Overall, ZIP code 49098 in Watervliet, MI is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 5,791 residents, a median household income of $56,899, and a median home value of $150,500, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Michigan.