Median Income
$65,667
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,000
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
536/100K
41% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.6%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$642
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Dawson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population108
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density216/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans92.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,667
Per Capita$36,113
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$11,107M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,000
Rent$642
Ownership81.5%
Zillow$245,285
Housing Units73
Rent Burden13.6%
Crime
F
Violent536/100K
Property1,962/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking15.2%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,036 ft (316 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.6%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.79
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute21 min
Broadband54.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is Dawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dawson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Dawson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dawson is $65,667, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dawson is $82,000, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 536 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dawson has a population of 108 with a density of 216 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.2% female and 64.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 92.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Dawson is $65,667, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,113. The average weekly wage is $1,468. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,600 business establishments, including 211 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,667 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,468 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $126,108 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,600 |
| County GDP | $11,107M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 211 |
| Healthcare | 263 |
| Retail | 299 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,070 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Dawson is $82,000, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,285, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $642 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,070 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,000 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,285 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $642 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.5% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,070 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.62% |
In Dawson, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,359. The dentist ratio is 1:3,484. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,359 |
| Dentists | 1:3,484 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,415 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 4,244/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 263 |
Dawson has a violent crime rate of 536 per 100,000 residents, 41% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,962 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 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 | 536.3/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,962.5/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,036 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,036 ft (316 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8431°N, 94.2203°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dallas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.1"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
717 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 331 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
59 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
68 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $803 |
| Toddler | $692 |
| Preschool | $692 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $542 |
| Toddler | $533 |
| Preschool | $533 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What is the population of Dawson?
Dawson has a population of 108 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 216 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.2% female and 64.8% male.
Is Dawson expensive to live in?
Dawson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,667, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,000 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dawson safe?
The violent crime rate in Dawson is 536 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dawson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dawson?
Dawson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dawson?
The job market in Dawson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,468. There are 3,600 business establishments in the area, including 211 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson is $82,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,285. For renters, the median monthly rent is $642. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.5%. The average annual property tax is $7,070.
How are the schools in Dawson?
Schools in Dawson score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.6% of adults in Dawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dawson?
The obesity rate in Dawson is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,359.
What is transportation like in Dawson?
The average commute in Dawson is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dawson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is 96.3% White. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 92.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.6% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
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