Watervliet ZIP Codes — Berrien County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Watervliet, Michigan and it is 49098. Area code: 269.

ZIP codes

32.57

sq mi land

1.20

sq mi water

269

area code

Watervliet, MI ZIP code map

About Watervliet, MI

Watervliet is a charming city located in Berrien County, Michigan. It is known for its welcoming community and scenic surroundings, providing a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike. With a single ZIP code of 49098, this city encapsulates the essence of small-town living while being close to larger urban areas.

Location & geography

Watervliet is situated in southwestern Michigan and is surrounded by rolling landscapes and beautiful waterways. Nearby cities include Coloma, located approximately 7 miles to the north, Stevensville about 13 miles to the south, and the popular resort town of St. Joseph approximately 15 miles to the southwest. The city spans a total land area of 32.57 square miles, with an additional 1.20 square miles of water, contributing to its picturesque scenery.

Community & economy

The character of Watervliet is defined by its friendly residents and a strong sense of community pride. The local economy is supported by a mix of industries, including manufacturing and agriculture, which play a crucial role in the daily life of its citizens. Community events and gatherings are frequent, fostering a tight-knit atmosphere where neighbors can connect and enjoy local culture.

Transportation

Transportation in Watervliet is primarily facilitated by major roadways, including U.S. Route 31, which connects residents to surrounding areas. The closest airport is Southwest Michigan Regional Airport located about 25 miles away in Benton Harbor. Public transit options may be limited, but local services help to connect residents to neighboring communities.

History

Watervliet was founded in the early 19th century, growing steadily as a commercial hub due to its favorable location and access to water resources. Key industries in the area have included agriculture and manufacturing, which have helped shape the city's economic foundation. Notable events, such as local fairs and festivals, celebrate the rich heritage and community spirit that define Watervliet.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Watervliet is its name, which is derived from the Dutch word for 'waterford,' reflecting the area's natural beauty. Additionally, the city's rich agricultural landscape makes it a great destination for those interested in farm-to-table experiences.

ZIP codes for Watervliet, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
49098	Watervliet	Berrien	View map

Demographics & statistics

5,929

Population

38.7

Median age

$56,278

Median household income

$30,170

Per capita income

$121,200

Median home value

$994

Median monthly rent

80.5%

Home ownership

20.4%

Poverty rate

7.6%

Unemployment

2,486

Housing units

20.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

194

Under 5

207

252

5–9

271

157

10–14

168

159

15–19

171

217

20–24

232

330

25–34

353

333

35–44

357

265

45–54

283

194

55–59

207

166

60–64

178

345

65–74

370

219

75–84

234

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	1,405	23.7%
18 and over	4,524	76.3%
65 and over	1,235	20.8%
Median age	38.7 years

Race & ethnicity

White 84.5%

Hispanic or Latino 3.9%

Two or more races 3.6%

Other race 3%

Black or African American 3%

Asian 1.3%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.7%

Group	Count	%
White	5,213	84.5%
Hispanic or Latino	242	3.9%
Two or more races	222	3.6%
Other race	186	3%
Black or African American	185	3%
Asian	81	1.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native	42	0.7%

Household income

Under $10k 4.1%

$10k–$15k 3.3%

$15k–$25k 13.2%

$25k–$35k 10.6%

$35k–$50k 11.1%

$50k–$75k 23.5%

$75k–$100k 12.3%

$100k–$150k 15.2%

$150k–$200k 2.7%

$200k+ 3.9%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.1%
$10k–$15k	3.3%
$15k–$25k	13.2%
$25k–$35k	10.6%
$35k–$50k	11.1%
$50k–$75k	23.5%
$75k–$100k	12.3%
$100k–$150k	15.2%
$150k–$200k	2.7%
$200k+	3.9%
Median income	$56,278

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 11.8%

$50k–$100k 24.7%

$100k–$150k 21.2%

$150k–$200k 12.2%

$200k–$300k 17.3%

$300k–$500k 6.9%

$500k–$1M 3.2%

$1M+ 2.8%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$121,200
Median rent / month	$994
Owner occupied	80.5%
Renter occupied	19.5%
Vacant	23.7%
Single-family detached	78.4%
Large apartment buildings	3.0%
Mobile homes	9.1%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.51

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.5%
2010–2019	3.9%
2000–2009	9.7%
1990–1999	13.7%
1980–1989	9.9%
1970–1979	10.2%
1960–1969	7.2%
1950–1959	15.4%
1940–1949	8.4%
1939 or earlier	21.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.5%
1 bedroom	6.6%
2 bedrooms	25.0%
3 bedrooms	47.0%
4 bedrooms	17.9%
5+ bedrooms	2.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	5.5%
1 vehicle	33.3%
2 vehicles	39.5%
3 or more	21.6%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	59.2%
Electricity	18.0%
Propane / LP gas	16.9%
Fuel oil	3.1%
Wood	1.2%
No fuel used	0.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	1,050	47.1%
Cohabiting couple	226	10.1%
Male householder, no spouse	339	15.2%
Female householder, no spouse	613	27.5%
Households with children under 18	593	26.6%
Households with seniors (65+)	880	39.5%
Average household size	2.64

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	35.8%	24.3%
Married	47.2%	47.5%
Separated	2.2%	1.7%
Widowed	3.2%	7.6%
Divorced	11.7%	18.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 4.2%

Some HS, no diploma 11.5%

HS graduate 29.5%

Some college, no degree 24.4%

Associate's degree 9.5%

Bachelor's degree 13.5%

Graduate / professional 7.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	84.4%
Bachelor's or higher	20.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	34	2.4%
Kindergarten	134	9.3%
Elementary school	676	47.1%
High school	243	16.9%
College / grad school	348	24.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Manufacturing 24.4%

Education & healthcare 18.0%

Professional & management 12.3%

Retail trade 11.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.3%

Construction 6.4%

Transportation & utilities 5.1%

Public administration 4.2%

Other services 4.0%

Agriculture & mining 2.3%

Finance & real estate 2.1%

Wholesale trade 0.6%

Information 0.1%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	35.8%
Service	17.2%
Sales & office	13.8%
Natural resources & construction	11.1%
Production & transportation	22.1%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	79.6%
Government	12.6%
Self-employed	7.5%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	72.7%
Carpool	16.8%
Public transit	1.8%
Walk	2.6%
Other means	0.7%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.7

Poverty

All people 20.4%

Under 18 years 30.7%

18 and over 17.2%

Married-couple families 6.3%

Female-led households 48.5%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	45.9%
Retirement income	28.4%
Supplemental Security	8.0%
Cash public assistance	5.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.1%
High cholesterol	36.2%
Heart disease	8.0%
Stroke	3.9%
Asthma	11.7%
Arthritis	31.0%
Kidney disease	3.5%
Pulmonary disease	10.2%
Cancer	7.0%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.6%
No physical activity	24.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	34.2%
Fair or poor health	18.9%
Poor mental health	17.9%
Poor physical health	13.7%
No health insurance	12.1%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.9%
Visited dentist	60.6%
Cholesterol screening	89.8%
Teeth loss	16.9%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	226	5.0%

Disability	%
Any disability	14.0%
Under 18	3.9%
18–64 years	11.1%
65 and over	33.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	53.9%
Public insurance	58.0%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	5,528	93.2%
Spanish	77	1.4%
Other Indo-European	77	1.4%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	5,731	96.7%
Born in same state	5,674	95.7%
Born in different state	4,362	73.6%
Foreign born	57	1.0%
Naturalized citizen	198	3.3%
Not a US citizen	65	32.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	908	15.3%
French	710	12%
English	358	6%
Arab	125	2.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	44	0.7%
German	36	0.6%
Norwegian	25	0.4%
Irish	14	0.2%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	37.6%
Internet access	91.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Watervliet, MI have?

Watervliet, MI has one ZIP code: 49098. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.