Median Income
$57,596
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,400
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.6%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$711
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Dawson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,324
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density740/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,596
Per Capita$27,134
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$2,179M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,400
Rent$711
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$178,603
Health
Obesity38.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Elevation482 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.6%
High School+90.4%
School Score4.39
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute38 min
Libraries2
Is Dawson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dawson receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. 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 $57,596, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dawson is $125,400, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $711 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Dawson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Dawson has a population of 1,324 with a density of 740 people per square mile. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (77.3%), with 13.3% Black.
Population
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 90.6% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Spanish | 9.4% |
| 30% below US avg |
The median household income in Dawson is $57,596, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,596 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,134 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,274 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,540 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 405 |
| County GDP | $2,179M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.0 min |
| Work from Home | 14.5% |
The median home value in Dawson is $125,400, 56% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $711 (39% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,603.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,400 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,603 |
| Median List Price | $174,749 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $174,749 |
| $/Sq Ft | $166 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $711 |
| 39% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $818 |
| 1 Bedroom | $823 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,080 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,589 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,243 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.18% |
In Dawson, 38.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.3% report depression. 31.1% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Dawson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.2% |
| Premature Death | 11,929/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Crime Rates: Dawson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Dawson has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 65.9°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 40.5 inches |
| 7% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 482 ft (147 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 740/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.8946°N, 96.7147°W |
| County FIPS | 48293 |