Home Value
$161,300
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% 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
Population42
Median Age61.6 yrs
Density69/mi²
Male / Female41% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans42.0%
Economy
Per Capita$35,831
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,073M
Housing
Home Value$161,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$170,155
Housing Units68
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking20.3%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation779 ft (237 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Broadband25.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Dawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dawson receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Dawson stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dawson is $161,300, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Dawson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 29.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Dawson has a population of 42 with a density of 69 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 61.6 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.5% female and 40.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 54.8% of residents, while 45.2% speak Spanish. 42.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.6yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
54.8%
30% below US avg
Spanish
45.2%
237% above US avg
Per capita income is $35,831. The average weekly wage is $1,050, 27% lower than the U.S. average. 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 704 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $35,831 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,654 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 704 |
| County GDP | $1,073M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 74 |
| Retail | 71 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Dawson is $161,300, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,155. Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $2,204 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,300 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $170,155 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,204 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.37% |
In Dawson, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,357. The dentist ratio is 1:2,984. 36.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,357 |
| Dentists | 1:2,984 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 52.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,866/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 74 |
Dawson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Dawson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.2 inches. The area receives 29.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 779 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 779 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 69/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4771°N, 78.9452°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mineral County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
98 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Aug 15, 2010 |
19 km ESE of Burnsville, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
19 km WNW of Helvetia, West Virginia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
8 km S of Remington, Virginia |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
166 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 101 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1967 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WATERFALL MOUNTAIN (9,251 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
57 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
SMITH RUN FIRE |
1,908 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
CARDINAL |
1,345 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
GAULEY RIDGE RX |
1,263 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
68 km |
| 2018 |
GATE MOUNTAIN |
972 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
47 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
92 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
64 km |
| 2019 |
KENNEDY PEAK |
769 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (2.2").
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) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $769 |
| Toddler | $730 |
| Preschool | $747 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $702 |
| Toddler | $579 |
| Preschool | $579 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What is the population of Dawson?
Dawson has a population of 42 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 69 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.5% female and 40.5% male.
Is Dawson expensive to live in?
Dawson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $161,300 (43% below the U.S. median).
Is Dawson safe?
Dawson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Dawson?
Dawson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 29.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
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 $1,050. There are 704 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson is $161,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,155. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,204.
How are the schools in Dawson?
Schools in Dawson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Dawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dawson?
The obesity rate in Dawson is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,357.
What are the demographics of Dawson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is 100% White. 54.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 45.2% speak Spanish. 42.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.