Median Income
$70,286
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,800
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
273/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.2%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$618
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.9%
93% lower than US avg
How Dawson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,441
Median Age44.4 yrs
Density1,001/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,286
Per Capita$37,217
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty0.9%
County GDP$435M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,800
Rent$618
Ownership79.9%
Zillow$185,428
Housing Units660
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent273/100K
Property409/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault205/100K
Burglary68/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking14.5%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,042 ft (318 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.2%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute14 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Dawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dawson receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $70,286, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dawson is $118,800, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $618 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dawson is below the national average at 273 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 409 per 100,000, 79% below the national average.
Education
19.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dawson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches, including 47.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Dawson has a population of 1,441 with a density of 1,001 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 44.4 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (85.2%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.4yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Dawson is $70,286, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,217. The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 246 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,286 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,217 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $918 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,543 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.9% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 246 |
| County GDP | $435M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,760 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Dawson is $118,800, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,428, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $618 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 660 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $2,760 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,428 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $618 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.1% |
| Housing Units | 660 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,760 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.32% |
In Dawson, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 26.8% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,337. The dentist ratio is 1:2,230. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,337 |
| Dentists | 1:2,230 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,315 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,964/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 30.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Dawson has a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 204.5 per 100,000, robbery at 68.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 409 per 100,000, 79% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 341, burglary at 68, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Dawson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dawson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.7/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 68.2/100K |
| Assault | 204.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 409.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| Burglary | 68.2/100K |
| Theft | 340.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dawson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 276 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 28.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 47.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,042 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,042 ft (318 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,001/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9290°N, 96.0504°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lac qui Parle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML) 35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
85 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
115 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
445 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 247 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
88 km |
9 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1983 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
35 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
24 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
38 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
42 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
42 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
43 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
39 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
40 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
42 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
38 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
42 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
38 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
42 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
93 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
43 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
46 km |
| 2002 |
ARTICHOKE |
548 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and December the driest (0.6").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What is the population of Dawson?
Dawson has a population of 1,441 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,001 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Dawson expensive to live in?
Dawson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $70,286, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,800 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $618 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dawson safe?
Dawson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 273 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 409 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.0 inches, with 47.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Dawson?
The job market in Dawson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 246 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson is $118,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,428. For renters, the median monthly rent is $618. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,760.
How are the schools in Dawson?
Schools in Dawson score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.2% of adults in Dawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dawson?
The obesity rate in Dawson is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 30.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,337.
What is transportation like in Dawson?
The average commute in Dawson is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dawson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is 85.2% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.