Median Income
$29,046
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,800
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,022/100K
169% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$728
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.9%
49% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
41.0%
231% higher than US avg
How Dawson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,292
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density1,145/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 15%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
D
Median Income$29,046
Per Capita$17,771
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty41.0%
County GDP$317M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,800
Rent$728
Ownership31.9%
Zillow$82,205
Housing Units2,054
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent1,022/100K
Property5,531/100K
Health
Obesity47.9%
Uninsured19.6%
Smoking23.7%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation330 ft (101 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+76.7%
Graduate+5.8%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 48% / D 52%
Commute24 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Dawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dawson receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Dawson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dawson is $29,046, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 41.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dawson is $94,800, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,022 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,531 per 100,000, 182% above the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dawson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Dawson has a population of 4,292 with a density of 1,145 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (84.7%), with 15.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 78.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Dawson is $29,046, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,771 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $861, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 41.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 227 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,046 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,771 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $861 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,218 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 41.0% |
| 231% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 227 |
| County GDP | $317M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,747 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Dawson is $94,800, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,205, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $728 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,660 for a one-bedroom to $1,820 for a two-bedroom apartment. 31.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,054 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,747. 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $94,800 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $82,205 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $728 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,585 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,660 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,820 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,182 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,605 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 31.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 31.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 68.1% |
| Housing Units | 2,054 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,747 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.95% |
In Dawson, 47.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 20.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 48.0% have high blood pressure. 23.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 10.9% report binge drinking. 42.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.4% report depression. 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 19.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:8,754. 62.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.9% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 20.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.0% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 5.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.7% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.4% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 49.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.4% |
| Uninsured | 19.6% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:8,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,718 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.4% |
| Dental Visits | 41.2% |
| Premature Death | 15,870/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Dawson has a violent crime rate of 1,022 per 100,000 residents, 169% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,531 per 100,000, 182% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dawson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dawson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,021.7/100K |
| 169% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,531.4/100K |
| 182% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dawson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 92% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 330 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 330 ft (101 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,145/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7719°N, 84.4435°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Terrell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Georgia Regional (ABY)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 91.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
120 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
231 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
184 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
31 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
169 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
292 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
198 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
299 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
298 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
94 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
479 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 70 fatalities, 1,156 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
38 km |
5 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
19 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
68 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
69 km |
11 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
87 km |
7 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
85 km |
5 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2023 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,753 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
69 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,718 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,198 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,134 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,063 |
86 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,027 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,998 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,974 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
58°F (15°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
4.4 in |
|
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 48°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Dawson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What is the population of Dawson?
Dawson has a population of 4,292 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 1,145 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Dawson expensive to live in?
Dawson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $29,046, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,800 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dawson safe?
Public safety is a concern in Dawson, with a violent crime rate of 1,022 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,531 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dawson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dawson?
Dawson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Dawson?
The unemployment rate in Dawson is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $861. There are 227 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson is $94,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,205. For renters, the median monthly rent is $728. Fair market rent is $1,660 for a 1-bedroom and $1,820 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 31.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,747.
How are the schools in Dawson?
Schools in Dawson score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in Dawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.7% have completed high school. 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dawson?
The obesity rate in Dawson is 47.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.7% of adults are smokers. 42.4% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 19.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Dawson?
The average commute in Dawson is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dawson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is 15.2% White, 84.7% Black or African American. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 78.4% have health insurance coverage.
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