Home Value
$177,500
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% 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
Population77
Median Age56.3 yrs
Density226/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans67.0%
Economy
Per Capita$57,618
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$189M
Commute21 min
Housing
Home Value$177,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$226,370
Housing Units53
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property423/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking15.4%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.4 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,750 ft (533 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+44.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute21 min
Broadband46.0%
Libraries1
Is Dawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dawson receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Dawson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dawson is $177,500, 37% 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 423 per 100,000, 78% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 44.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dawson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Dawson has a population of 77 with a density of 226 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 56.3 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39% female and 61% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 67.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.3yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $57,618 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $946, 34% 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 130 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $57,618 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,640 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 130 |
| County GDP | $189M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Dawson is $177,500, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,370, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,370 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
In Dawson, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 24.6% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 20.5% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,404/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Dawson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 423 per 100,000, 78% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dawson receives a safety grade of C+.
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 | 422.5/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Dawson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°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 21.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,750 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,750 ft (533 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 226/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8679°N, 99.7536°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kidder County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bismarck Municipal (BIS)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.4"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 3.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
251 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 5 fatalities, 71 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF5 |
84 km |
2 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1952 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1999 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1982 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCCLEAN BOTTOMS (6,421 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
MCCLEAN BOTTOMS |
6,421 |
71 km |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
32 km |
| 2015 |
CANNON BALL |
3,068 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
NEUGERFIRE |
2,150 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
GRADER |
1,745 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
BISRURAL2 |
1,649 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
BIG LAKE FIRE |
1,587 |
86 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,492 |
70 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
27 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
BALE II |
1,179 |
88 km |
| 1999 |
SOLEN |
1,155 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
RICE LAKE 1 |
1,150 |
44 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
79 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,049 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
KIMBALL BOTTOMS FIRE |
1,028 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
MAC2 |
1,018 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $858 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $727 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $631 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $600 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What is the population of Dawson?
Dawson has a population of 77 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 226 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39% female and 61% male.
Is Dawson expensive to live in?
Dawson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $177,500 (37% 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 423 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dawson receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dawson?
Dawson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
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 $946. There are 130 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson is $177,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,370. The homeownership rate is 100.0%.
How are the schools in Dawson?
Schools in Dawson score 5.6 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%. 44.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dawson?
The obesity rate in Dawson is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Dawson?
The average commute in Dawson is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dawson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 67.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability. 76.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
