Newberg Township, Michigan: What It’s Like to Live Here (Cost, Commute, Community & More)

By Andrew McManamonPlaces To Live In Michigan

Newberg Township, Michigan: What It's Like to Live Here (Cost, Commute, Community & More)

There's a certain kind of person who looks at a map of Michigan, finds the spot where the state tapers down toward Indiana, and thinks: "That's where I want to be." If that's you, welcome to Newberg Township.

Sitting in the eastern half of Cass County, Newberg Township is the kind of rural Michigan that doesn't advertise itself. There's no village center to speak of — the closest thing is the unincorporated community of Jones, a quiet crossroads at the intersection of M-40 and M-60. What the township does have is over 4,000 acres of Michigan DNR-managed public land, a constellation of spring-fed lakes, and a cost of living that still makes sense for people who don't want to overpay for the privilege of having space.

This guide is going to lay it all out — the numbers, the tradeoffs, and the things you'd only learn by talking to someone who's actually been there. Let's get into it.

Newberg Township, Michigan: What It’s Like to Live Here (Cost, Commute, Community & More)

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Where Is Newberg Township, Michigan Located?

According to Wikipedia, Newberg Township is a civil township of Cass County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It covers approximately 35.5 square miles of total area, with 34.6 square miles of land and roughly 0.97 square miles of water per U.S. Census Bureau figures.

Geographically, the township sits in the eastern portion of Cass County. According to the Statistical Atlas, Newberg Township's neighboring townships include Calvin, Constantine, Fabius, Flowerfield, Marcellus, Penn, Porter, and Volinia — giving you a sense of just how rural and interior the setting is. There are no major incorporated municipalities within the township boundaries. The community of Jones, located at the intersection of M-40 and M-60, serves as the township's informal community hub.

In terms of nearby cities and distances:

Cassopolis (Cass County seat): approximately 11 miles to the west, per Wikipedia
Three Rivers (St. Joseph County): approximately 11 miles to the northeast
Kalamazoo: approximately 40 miles to the north
South Bend, Indiana: approximately 30 miles to the southwest

For highway access, M-40 and M-60 are the primary state routes serving the township, per the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). M-40 runs north-south through Jones, connecting toward Allegan County to the north and Niles/South Bend to the south. M-60 runs east-west through the township, providing access to Three Rivers and Cassopolis. US-131 is accessible to the northeast near Three Rivers, offering a direct route to Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. I-94 is accessible to the north.

According to Census Reporter, based on 2022 ACS 5-year data, the mean travel time to work for Newberg Township residents is approximately 27.7 minutes — slightly above the statewide Michigan average, consistent with the township's rural, off-highway positioning.

Cost of Living in Newberg Township, Michigan

According to BestPlaces.net, Cass County as a whole carries a Cost of Living Index of 84.8 compared to the U.S. baseline of 100 — meaning overall costs in this region run approximately 15% below the national average. Michigan statewide scores approximately 91.5 on the same index. Newberg Township, as one of the county's more rural and lower-density townships, tracks with or below those county-level figures.

Based on Census Reporter's ACS 2022 5-year data, Newberg Township's median household income is approximately $69,688 — roughly in line with the Michigan statewide median of $68,505, and somewhat higher than the Cass County median of $65,183. Per capita income is approximately $33,468, which runs about 90% of both the county and state figures. The poverty rate is approximately 9.6%, meaningfully lower than both Cass County (12.9%) and Michigan overall (13.1%), per Census Reporter.

Day-to-day costs — groceries, utilities, and transportation — generally track with the broader southwest Michigan region. The area is car-dependent: there is no public transit within the township, and all daily errands require a vehicle. Fuel costs are a relevant ongoing budget line for residents.

Healthcare access is available in Cassopolis, Three Rivers, and the broader Kalamazoo and South Bend regional medical systems. Residents are not isolated from care, but a short drive is always involved.

Real Estate & Housing Overview

Newberg Township's housing market is small, quiet, and relatively accessible by current Michigan standards — with some important nuances depending on what type of property you're seeking.

According to Niche.com, the median home value in Newberg Township is approximately $142,000. Most residents own their homes, with a median rent price of approximately $808 per month per Niche data. According to RocketHomes, based on MLS data, the median list price as of December 2024 was approximately $250,000, with an average of 77 days on market — reflecting a slow-moving, low-inventory market where pricing varies considerably by property type and lake access.

For broader county context, RocketHomes reports the Cass County median sold home price at $232,500 as of August 2024, up approximately 4.9% year over year — suggesting the regional market has seen steady appreciation while remaining far below state metro averages.

The housing stock in Newberg Township is primarily rural residential: single-family homes, farmhouses on acreage, and lake-access or lakefront properties. According to Wikipedia, there were 781 housing units in the township at the time of the last full census, at an average density of 22.6 per square mile — a very low-density footprint. Lots are typically generous, and many properties include acreage or frontage on one of the area's private or semi-public lakes.

Of note from Homes.com listing descriptions, Newberg Township includes one of the few non-zoned areas in Cass County, which gives buyers and landowners more flexibility than they might find elsewhere in the county. That's worth understanding before you purchase, as it cuts both ways — more freedom for you, but also fewer restrictions on what neighbors can do with their land.

New construction is minimal. The township issues occasional single-family building permits but does not have active subdivision or development underway at a notable scale, per Homefacts historical permit data. This is a buy-what's-there market more than a build-new market.

Property Taxes in Newberg Township

Michigan's property tax system is millage-based: one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value. Under Michigan's Proposal A (1994), taxable value growth is capped annually, which means longtime owners often pay taxes on a value well below current market rate — a meaningful advantage that transfers to buyers over time.

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury's 2023 Total Property Tax Rates Report, Newberg Township properties fall into one of three school district overlays depending on exact location. Principal residence (homestead) millage rates for Newberg Township are:

Newberg Township / Cassopolis Public Schools: approximately 21.85 mills
Newberg Township / Marcellus Community Schools: approximately 23.07 mills
Newberg Township / Constantine Public Schools: approximately 27.37 mills

These rates are competitive compared to many Michigan urban and suburban areas, where homestead rates of 35–50+ mills are common. For example, the Michigan Department of Treasury's data shows that Wayne County municipalities routinely exceed 40 mills.

To calculate a rough estimate: multiply your property's taxable value by the applicable millage rate, then divide by 1,000. A property with a taxable value of $100,000 in the Cassopolis school district overlay would yield an estimated annual tax of approximately $2,185 for a principal residence — though actual bills will vary based on special assessments and levy changes.

The Michigan Department of Treasury's online Property Tax Estimator at michigan.gov/taxes allows you to calculate estimates by county, township, and school district using current millage data. Always verify current rates directly with the Cass County Equalization Office or your local township assessor, as rates can shift with voter-approved levies, bond elections, and budget cycles. No estimate should be treated as a guarantee of your actual tax bill.

Things to Do & Lifestyle in Newberg Township, Michigan

Let's set expectations clearly: Newberg Township is not a destination for urban amenities. There's no downtown, no coffee shop row, no weekly farmers market. What it is — and what it does exceptionally well — is outdoor-focused, lake-country living with genuine access to public land that many Michigan communities only dream about.

Crane Pond State Game Area

This is the headline outdoor resource in and around Newberg Township, and it's a legitimate one. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Crane Pond State Game Area encompasses approximately 4,237 acres centered in Newberg Township, with the DNR Field Office located at 60887 M-40, Jones, MI 49061. The game area includes forests, wetlands, grasslands, and multiple water bodies. Per the Michigan DNR, it offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and approximately 2 miles of primitive hiking trails. There is no check-in and no access fee, per Cass County's official website (casscountymi.org). The area is managed for deer, wild turkey, pheasant, rabbit, and other wildlife, per the DNR's Jones Area State Game Area Master Plan.

Lakes

Newberg Township is home to or adjacent to several lakes offering outdoor recreation. According to Discover Cass County (discovercasscounty.com), lakes in or near the township include:

Forked Lake (122 acres), located in Newberg Township 3 miles northwest of Jones, with a DNR public access site
Bair Lake (199 acres), partially in Newberg Township and Porter Township, a popular boating lake per Michigan DNR watercraft regulations (michigan.gov/dnr)
Fox Lake (51 acres), 1 mile north of Jones, part of the Crane Pond State Game Area with public access
Driskels Lake and Lime Lake, both in Newberg Township with DNR waterway controls per the Michigan DNR

Corey Lake (620 acres), a major all-sports lake with DNR public access, is located approximately 2 miles north of Jones in neighboring St. Joseph County — easily accessible for township residents. According to Discover Cass County, the Cass County region overall contains between 122 and over 200 lakes depending on counting methodology.

Nearby Amenities and Day Trips

The community of Jones is the closest thing to a local hub: a small crossroads community at M-40 and M-60 with basic services. Cassopolis, the county seat approximately 11 miles west, provides access to county government services, shopping, and dining. Three Rivers, approximately 11 miles northeast, adds more retail and dining options.

Kalamazoo (approximately 40 miles north) and South Bend (approximately 30 miles southwest) serve as the nearest major metro areas for healthcare, entertainment, major shopping, higher education, and airport access. Chicago is a reasonable day trip via I-94 or US-131 north to I-94 west.

Schools & Education in Newberg Township, Michigan

School district assignment in Newberg Township depends on a property's specific location. According to the Statistical Atlas, the unified school districts serving the township include Cassopolis, Constantine, Marcellus, and Three Rivers. The two most common overlays for most of the township's populated areas are Cassopolis Public Schools and Marcellus Community Schools.

Cassopolis Public Schools

According to Niche.com, Cassopolis Public Schools serves approximately 858 students in grades K–12 with a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. State test score data cited by Niche shows 14% of students at or above proficiency in math and 25% in reading. GreatSchools.org describes a larger number of Cassopolis schools as rated below average in school quality, while noting that students are making academic progress roughly comparable to the state average. Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School receives a 4 out of 10 rating from GreatSchools and a C+ grade from Niche, with an 84.5% graduation rate, an average ACT score of 18, and an average GPA of 3.41 per Homes.com school data. Niche reviewers describe the district's small size as creating a close-knit, community-oriented environment within the schools.

Marcellus Community Schools

According to Niche.com, Marcellus Community Schools is rated above average for a public school district and serves approximately 616 students in grades PK through 12 with a student-teacher ratio of 22:1. State test scores per Niche show 34% of students at or above proficiency in math and 42% in reading — notably higher than the Cassopolis district. Niche reviewers describe the atmosphere as welcoming and academically supportive, with teachers noted for their engagement and helpfulness.

For higher education, Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac is a public two-year institution serving the broader Cass County region, noted by Wikipedia as the county's largest employer. Indiana University South Bend, Saint Mary's College (Notre Dame area), and Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo) are all within practical commuting distance.

Families should verify school district assignment for specific properties directly with the relevant district or through the Cass County Equalization Office, as boundaries can change over time.

Pros & Cons of Living in Newberg Township, Michigan

Pros:

Crane Pond State Game Area — approximately 4,237 acres of public land for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation, with no access fee, located directly in and around the township per Michigan DNR
Multiple lake access points within or adjacent to the township, including Forked Lake, Bair Lake, Fox Lake, and nearby Corey Lake, per Discover Cass County and Michigan DNR
Regional cost of living approximately 15% below the national average per BestPlaces.net (Cass County index: 84.8)
Competitive homestead property tax millage rates — approximately 21.85–27.37 mills depending on school district overlay, per Michigan Department of Treasury 2023 data — lower than many Michigan urban areas
Median household income (~$69,688 per Census Reporter 2022 ACS) roughly in line with Michigan statewide median (~$68,505), suggesting stable economic footing in the community
Poverty rate (9.6% per Census Reporter) meaningfully below both county (12.9%) and state (13.1%) averages
One of the few non-zoned areas in Cass County, per Homes.com listing data, providing greater land-use flexibility
Median home values (~$142,000 per Niche.com) accessible compared to most Michigan markets
Proximity to Cassopolis (11 miles), Three Rivers (11 miles), Kalamazoo (~40 miles), and South Bend (~30 miles) for employment, healthcare, and amenities
Marcellus Community Schools rates above average per Niche.com for residents in that district overlay

Cons:

No walkable commercial center — all errands and services require a vehicle; the township is fully car-dependent
Cassopolis Public Schools district test score performance runs below Michigan averages per Niche.com and GreatSchools.org for residents assigned to that district
Small and infrequent housing inventory — per RocketHomes MLS data, homes averaged 77 days on market as of late 2024, and active listings are very limited
No public transit of any kind within the township
Well and septic are standard for most properties — no municipal water or sewer infrastructure — requiring maintenance planning and ongoing costs
Mean commute time of approximately 27.7 minutes per Census Reporter is above average, reflecting the township's distance from major employment centers
Tornado risk categorized as high per Homefacts environmental data — typical for southwest Lower Michigan; this is relevant for homeowner's insurance planning

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Newberg Township, Michigan

What is the population of Newberg Township, Michigan?
According to Wikipedia, the population of Newberg Township was 1,602 at the 2020 U.S. Census. More recent estimates from Census Reporter based on 2022 ACS 5-year data place the population at approximately 1,688, with a population density of approximately 48.9 people per square mile.

Is Newberg Township, Michigan a good place to live?
According to Niche.com, Newberg Township offers a suburban-rural mix feel, high homeownership rates, and an above-average public school rating overall. The township's poverty rate (9.6% per Census Reporter) is below both county and state averages, and its median household income tracks closely with the Michigan statewide figure. Whether it's the right fit depends on lifestyle priorities — the township is well-suited to those who value outdoor access, space, and quiet over walkability and urban amenities.

What schools serve Newberg Township, Michigan?
Per the Statistical Atlas, the unified school districts serving Newberg Township include Cassopolis, Constantine, Marcellus, and Three Rivers, depending on the specific property's location. The two most common overlays for populated areas of the township are Cassopolis Public Schools and Marcellus Community Schools. Families should verify assignment for a specific address directly with the applicable district or the Cass County Equalization Office.

How far is Newberg Township from Kalamazoo?
Newberg Township is approximately 40 miles from Kalamazoo, Michigan, making it a feasible commute for those willing to drive — though a daily round trip would be approximately 80 miles.

How far is Newberg Township from South Bend, Indiana?
South Bend, Indiana is approximately 30 miles to the southwest of the township, per general geographic context. South Bend provides significant employment, healthcare, university, entertainment, and airport access for Newberg Township residents.

What are property taxes like in Newberg Township?
Per the Michigan Department of Treasury's 2023 Total Millage Rate Report, homestead (principal residence) millage rates in Newberg Township range from approximately 21.85 mills (Cassopolis school district) to approximately 27.37 mills (Constantine school district), depending on the school district overlay for your specific property. These rates are competitive compared to many Michigan municipalities. Verify current figures with the Cass County Equalization Office or at michigan.gov/taxes.

What is the median home price in Newberg Township?
According to Niche.com, the median home value in Newberg Township is approximately $142,000. RocketHomes reports a median list price of approximately $250,000 as of December 2024, based on MLS data — reflecting that available-for-sale inventory can skew higher than the township's overall median, which includes all housing units including those not actively on the market.

What outdoor recreation is available in Newberg Township?
The Crane Pond State Game Area, approximately 4,237 acres managed by the Michigan DNR and centered in Newberg Township, offers hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and primitive hiking at no admission fee per casscountymi.org and the Michigan DNR. Multiple lakes in or adjacent to the township — including Forked Lake, Bair Lake, Fox Lake, and Driskels Lake — provide boating and fishing access per Discover Cass County and Michigan DNR public access records.

Is there any public land in Newberg Township?
Yes — and it's significant. The Crane Pond State Game Area spans approximately 4,237 acres centered in Newberg Township, per the Michigan DNR's Jones Area State Game Area Master Plan. This is a meaningful public land resource for a township of this size, providing free public access to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation year-round.

What lakes are in or near Newberg Township?
According to Discover Cass County and Michigan DNR watercraft control records, lakes in or adjacent to Newberg Township include Forked Lake (122 acres), Bair Lake (199 acres), Fox Lake (51 acres), Driskels Lake, and Lime Lake. Corey Lake (620 acres), a large all-sports lake with DNR public access, is located approximately 2 miles north of Jones in neighboring St. Joseph County.

What is the unincorporated community of Jones, Michigan?
According to Wikipedia, Jones is an unincorporated community at the intersection of M-40 and M-60 in Newberg Township, approximately 11 miles east of Cassopolis. The community was platted by William D. Jones in 1875. Its post office (ZIP code 49061) continues to serve large portions of Newberg Township, Porter Township, and a small area of southeast Calvin Township. Jones serves as the informal community hub for Newberg Township.

What is the history of Newberg Township?
According to Wikipedia, the first settlers arrived in Newberg Township in 1831, when John Bair settled on Bair Lake, followed by Daniel Driskel in 1833. A post office named "Newberg" was established on August 4, 1837 — one of the earliest in the region. The post office name shifted over the decades to "Newburgh" (1861) and then "Jones" (1881), the name that remains today. The broader Cass County region is historically notable as a prominent station on the Underground Railroad, with established routes running through the area, per Wikipedia.

What is the zip code for Newberg Township?
The primary zip code associated with Newberg Township, Cass County is 49061, corresponding to the Jones, Michigan mailing area, per Wikipedia and the U.S. Census Bureau. Additional zip codes (49067, 49093, 49095) may serve portions of the township depending on property location, per the Statistical Atlas.

Does Newberg Township have zoning?
According to listing descriptions on Homes.com, Newberg Township includes one of the few non-zoned areas in Cass County. This gives property owners greater flexibility in land use than many nearby townships. However, Michigan state laws and Cass County regulations still apply. Buyers should verify current zoning status for any specific parcel directly with the township.

What higher education options are near Newberg Township?
Southwestern Michigan College, a public two-year institution in Dowagiac noted by Wikipedia as Cass County's largest employer, is accessible to township residents. Indiana University South Bend, Saint Mary's College, Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo), and Three Rivers-area institutions are all within practical driving distance for those pursuing higher education.

To Conclude:

If you're looking to move to, from, or within the state of Michigan in one day or a million, I help people do just that and I love it as a Michigan Realtor. Please reach out anytime for help — I'm happy to be your go-to resource.

Question for You!

Newberg Township is one of the few non-zoned areas left in Cass County — would that flexibility be a dealmaker or a dealbreaker for you when choosing where to put down roots? Drop your answer in the comments!

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