Median Income
$53,594
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,100
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
185/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.2%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$910
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.9%
77% higher than US avg
How Dawson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population387
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density2,276/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$53,594
Per Capita$24,773
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty21.9%
County GDP$19,388M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,100
Rent$910
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$147,719
Housing Units174
Rent Burden18.9%
Crime
F
Violent185/100K
Property3,709/100K
Health
Obesity31.9%
Smoking21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation851 ft (259 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.2%
High School+86.9%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score6.67
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute24 min
Broadband75.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries22
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 crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Dawson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dawson is $53,594, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 21.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dawson is $89,100, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $910 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 185 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,709 per 100,000, 89% above the national average.
Education
8.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Dawson has a population of 387 with a density of 2,276 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Dawson is $53,594, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,773 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,087, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,132 business establishments, including 780 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,594 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,773 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,087 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,248 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.9% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,132 |
| County GDP | $19,388M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 780 |
| Healthcare | 1,116 |
| Retail | 1,146 |
| Manufacturing | 486 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,108 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Dawson is $89,100, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,719, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $910 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 174 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,108 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.9% 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 | $89,100 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $147,719 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $910 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 174 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,108 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.86% |
In Dawson, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.6% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,385. The dentist ratio is 1:1,437. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 13.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,385 |
| Dentists | 1:1,437 |
| Mental Health | 1:447 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,507/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,116 |
Dawson has a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,709 per 100,000, 89% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 32 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 | 185.4/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,708.6/100K |
| 89% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dawson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 73°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 40.9 inches. The area receives 21.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 851 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 851 ft (259 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,276/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0472°N, 79.6569°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Westmoreland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Arnold Palmer Regional (LBE)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0423 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
150 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
235 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 415 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Aug 3, 1963 |
EF3 |
36 km |
2 |
| Jun 26, 2024 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2024 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2021 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAR DEN (945 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Dawson has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 30°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (2.6").
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) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What is the population of Dawson?
Dawson has a population of 387 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 2,276 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Dawson expensive to live in?
Dawson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $53,594, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,100 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $910 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 185 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,709 per 100,000 (above 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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Dawson?
The unemployment rate in Dawson is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,087. There are 9,132 business establishments in the area, including 780 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson is $89,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $147,719. For renters, the median monthly rent is $910. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,108.
How are the schools in Dawson?
Schools in Dawson score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.2% of adults in Dawson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dawson?
The obesity rate in Dawson is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,385.
What is transportation like in Dawson?
The average commute in Dawson is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74% 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 98.4% White. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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