Median Income
$106,071
41% higher than US avg
Home Value
$383,400
36% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.1%
4% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,291
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
86% lower than US avg
How Dahlgren Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,417
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density1,275/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans15.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$106,071
Per Capita$47,557
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty1.7%
County GDP$2,903M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$383,400
Rent$1,291
Ownership61.0%
Zillow$317,559
Housing Units1,353
Rent Burden19.2%
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured2.9%
Smoking12.9%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain41.0 in/yr
Elevation3 ft (1 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.1%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+13.5%
School Score6.03
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute26 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries1
Is Dahlgren a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dahlgren receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Dahlgren stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dahlgren is $106,071, which is significantly higher than the national average / 41% above $75,149. This places Dahlgren among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dahlgren is $383,400, 36% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,291 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dahlgren enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches, including 12.4 inches of snow.
Dahlgren has a population of 3,417 with a density of 1,275 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (60.7%), with 7.1% Hispanic, 23.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 15.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,417
Total Population
2023 Census
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.8%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Dahlgren is $106,071, which is 41% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,557 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,821, 27% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 693 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 15.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $106,071 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,557 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,821 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,581 |
| Gini Index | 0.386 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.7% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 693 |
| County GDP | $2,903M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 66 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,266 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.4% |
The median home value in Dahlgren is $383,400, 36% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,559, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,291 (11% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,353 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $3,266. 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $383,400 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $317,559 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,291 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,353 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,266 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.85% |
In Dahlgren, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 15.5% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 2.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,582. The dentist ratio is 1:2,143. 69.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dahlgren vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 2.9% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,582 |
| Dentists | 1:2,143 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,360 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Dahlgren enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches. The area receives 12.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.1°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,275/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3420°N, 77.0643°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | King George County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Mary's County Regional (LTW) 28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.0"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.64"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
44 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 14, 2025.
| Aug 23, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M5.8 |
90 km |
| Aug 25, 2011 |
8 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.5 |
90 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M4.2 |
91 km |
| Mar 15, 1991 |
7 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| May 5, 2003 |
Virginia |
M3.6 |
112 km |
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Aug 24, 2011 |
16 km NNW of Goochland, Virginia |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
7 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Sep 22, 2001 |
5 km E of Pantops, Virginia |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Jan 30, 2012 |
9 km SSE of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| May 22, 2014 |
15 km ENE of Cumberland, Virginia |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
127 km |
| Oct 12, 2011 |
9 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
92 km |
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
67 km |
| Mar 26, 2012 |
13 km S of Louisa, Virginia |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
9 km SSW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Mar 15, 2015 |
6 km SW of Mineral, Virginia |
M2.8 |
89 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Jan 14, 2025 |
1 km NNE of Wyndham, Virginia |
M2.8 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Arthur (2014, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
291 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
182 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
191 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
191 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
298 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
194 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
224 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
442 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 337 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF4 |
25 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Apr 1, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Sep 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jan 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
96 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,260 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
49°F (9°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
40°F (5°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Dahlgren has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 37°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Dahlgren. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$253 ($152-$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202-$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101-$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809-$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76-$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152-$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25-$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51-$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404-$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101-$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61-$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51-$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152-$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044-$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404-$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561-$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506-$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055-$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022-$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809-$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202-$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011-$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30-$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76-$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51-$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03-$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53-$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53-$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03-$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04-$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61-$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81-$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40-$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30-$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51-$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76-$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213-$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30-$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30-$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607-$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506-$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202-$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25-$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404-$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055-$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51-$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30-$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152-$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101-$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $814 |
| Toddler | $681 |
| Preschool | $725 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $778 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $680 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dahlgren
What is the population of Dahlgren?
Dahlgren has a population of 3,417 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 1,275 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Dahlgren expensive to live in?
Dahlgren has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $106,071, 41% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $383,400 (36% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,291 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Dahlgren?
Dahlgren enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 41.0 inches, with 12.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Dahlgren?
Dahlgren has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,821. There are 693 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 15.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dahlgren?
The median home value in Dahlgren is $383,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,559. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,291. Fair market rent is $1,181 for a 1-bedroom and $1,369 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,266.
How are the schools in Dahlgren?
Schools in Dahlgren score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.1% of adults in Dahlgren hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 13.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dahlgren?
The obesity rate in Dahlgren is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 2.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,582.
What is transportation like in Dahlgren?
The average commute in Dahlgren is 26 minutes. 76.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dahlgren?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dahlgren is 60.7% White, 23.4% Black or African American, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 15.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.