Median Income
$58,317
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$940
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.5%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% 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
Population193
Median Age53.2 yrs
Density919/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans23.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,317
Per Capita$28,475
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$499M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Rent$940
Ownership80.9%
Zillow$188,696
Housing Units101
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,551/100K
Health
Obesity45.5%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain34.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation970 ft (296 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute36 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Dawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dawson receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity 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 $58,317, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
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 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Dawson has a population of 193 with a density of 919 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 23.4% 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). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Dawson is $58,317, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,475 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $831, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (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 298 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,317 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,475 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $831 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,104 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 298 |
| County GDP | $499M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,629 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,696. Monthly rent averages $940 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $881 for a one-bedroom to $995 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 101 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,629 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $940 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $881 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $995 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,267 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,317 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.1% |
| Housing Units | 101 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,629 |
| 25% below US avg |
In Dawson, 45.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.2% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 19.7% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,940. The dentist ratio is 1:2,568. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.5% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,940 |
| Dentists | 1:2,568 |
| Mental Health | 1:769 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,372/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Dawson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 1,550.6/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°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 34.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 970 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 970 ft (296 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 919/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1309°N, 95.8301°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Richardson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.7"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
31 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
61 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
85 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
85 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
150 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
60 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
26 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 217 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
88 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1964 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CARLSON (6,101 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
CARLSON |
6,101 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
SHANNON CREEK |
3,954 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
BLUE RAPIDS |
1,744 |
97 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,107 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
SHANNON CREEK |
1,089 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
83 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
49 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
48 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
50 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") 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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What is the population of Dawson?
Dawson has a population of 193 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 919 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Dawson expensive to live in?
Dawson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,317, 22% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
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 1,551 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Dawson?
The job market in Dawson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $831. There are 298 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dawson?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $940. Fair market rent is $881 for a 1-bedroom and $995 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,629.
How are the schools in Dawson?
Schools in Dawson have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.4% of adults in Dawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dawson?
The obesity rate in Dawson is 45.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 19.7% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,940.
What is transportation like in Dawson?
The average commute in Dawson is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dawson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is 96.4% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 23.4% of the population are military veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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