Violent Crime
97/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.0%
142% higher than US avg
How Dodson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population32
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density52/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 63%
Veterans24.0%
Economy
Per Capita$17,722
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty30.0%
County GDP$342M
Commute16 min
Housing
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$82,117
Housing Units21
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent97/100K
Property1,020/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured26.4%
Smoking14.6%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain22.1 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,791 ft (546 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+62.5%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.66
Community
2024 VoteR 88% / D 12%
Commute16 min
Broadband12.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Dodson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dodson receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Dodson faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 30.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Dodson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,020 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Dodson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Dodson has a population of 32 with a density of 52 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (62.5%), with 25% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 53.7% of residents, while 46.3% speak Spanish. 24.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
53.7%
32% below US avg
Spanish
46.3%
246% above US avg
Per capita income is $17,722 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $957, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 238 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $17,722 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $957 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,948 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.0% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 238 |
| County GDP | $342M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $82,117. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 21 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,540 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Housing Units | 21 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
In Dodson, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 32.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.5% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 26.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:674. The dentist ratio is 1:2,270. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dodson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.0% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Uninsured | 26.4% |
| 207% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:674 |
| Dentists | 1:2,270 |
| Mental Health | 1:970 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 49.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,806/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Dodson has a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,020 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dodson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dodson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.1/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,019.9/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dodson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 326 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 22.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,791 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 63.4°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,791 ft (546 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 52/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7654°N, 100.0204°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Childress County County |
| Nearest Airport | Altus/Quartz Mountain Regional (AXS)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.1"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
18 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Jan 21, 2025.
| Apr 28, 1998 |
9 km NE of Medicine Park, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
4 km N of Wheeler, Texas |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Feb 15, 1997 |
14 km NE of Hedley, Texas |
M3.2 |
55 km |
| Feb 12, 1997 |
1 km N of Clarendon, Texas |
M3.0 |
82 km |
| Nov 23, 1996 |
17 km NNW of Quail, Texas |
M3.0 |
54 km |
| Apr 5, 1995 |
5 km NNE of Rocky, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
103 km |
| Jun 15, 2007 |
3 km WSW of Pampa, Texas |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Dec 1, 1995 |
11 km NW of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
71 km |
| May 14, 2013 |
8 km SE of Canadian, Texas |
M2.9 |
124 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
12 km WNW of Leedey, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Aug 8, 2021 |
3 km N of Wheeler, Texas |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
3 km SE of Wheeler, Texas |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Dec 15, 2012 |
11 km NW of Texola, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
60 km |
| Feb 19, 2011 |
10 km NW of Strong City, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Jan 21, 2025 |
5 km NW of Pampa, Texas |
M2.6 |
127 km |
| Jan 13, 2019 |
3 km NE of Wheeler, Texas |
M2.5 |
81 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
8 km NW of Wheeler, Texas |
M2.5 |
87 km |
| Feb 7, 1990 |
6 km SE of Custer City, Oklahoma |
M2.5 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
672 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 189 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 7, 2011 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1995 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1962 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1955 |
EF4 |
32 km |
2 |
| May 1, 1954 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2022 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2015 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2010 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2007 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1997 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1991 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LEFORS EAST (68,701 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
LEFORS EAST |
68,701 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
BIRD RANCH 2 |
28,917 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
TRIANGLE FIRE |
25,553 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
BUCKLE L 2 |
25,179 |
51 km |
| 2018 |
MCCLELLAN |
23,051 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
SWEETWATER DOBSON |
23,045 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
MILLIRON |
20,437 |
16 km |
| 1996 |
BUCKLE L FIRE |
20,089 |
52 km |
| 2009 |
MAGIC CITY |
18,922 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
HARDWICK |
15,289 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
I40 |
14,780 |
61 km |
| 2001 |
OREAR COMPLEX FIRE |
14,749 |
36 km |
| 1996 |
NORTH MEMPHIS |
12,550 |
47 km |
| 1998 |
PADUCAH FIRE |
12,404 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
CARBON |
12,143 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
VIVIAN |
11,825 |
75 km |
| 1995 |
CR 359 FIRE |
9,324 |
61 km |
| 2019 |
BIRD RANCH |
8,409 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
BRITT |
8,275 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
COPPER BREAKS |
7,918 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| February |
44°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Dodson has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 41°F in December to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Dodson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $637 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $559 |
| Preschool | $550 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dodson
What is the population of Dodson?
Dodson has a population of 32 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 52 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Dodson expensive to live in?
Dodson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100).
Is Dodson safe?
Dodson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,020 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dodson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dodson?
Dodson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.1 inches, with 4.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Dodson?
The unemployment rate in Dodson is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $957. There are 238 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Dodson?
Schools in Dodson score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.5% of adults in Dodson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 62.5% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dodson?
The obesity rate in Dodson is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 32.0% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 26.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:674.
What is transportation like in Dodson?
The average commute in Dodson is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dodson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dodson is 62.5% White, 25% Hispanic or Latino. 53.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 46.3% speak Spanish. 24.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.0% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
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