Median Income
$62,546
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,400
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
390/100K
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$886
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Dresden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,805
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density1,410/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,546
Per Capita$26,431
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$11,123M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,400
Rent$886
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$214,105
Housing Units724
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent390/100K
Property5,835/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking16.3%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain43.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation735 ft (224 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 35%
Commute28 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Dresden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dresden receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Dresden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dresden is $62,546, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dresden is $135,400, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $886 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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,835 per 100,000, 198% above the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dresden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 27°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 43.4 inches, including 15.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dresden has a population of 1,805 with a density of 1,410 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Dresden is $62,546, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,431 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,996 business establishments, including 350 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,546 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,431 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,851 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,996 |
| County GDP | $11,123M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 350 |
| Healthcare | 302 |
| Retail | 433 |
| Manufacturing | 158 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,849 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Dresden is $135,400, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,105, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $886 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 724 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $5,849 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,400 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,105 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $886 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 724 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,849 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.32% |
In Dresden, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 17.3% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,693. The dentist ratio is 1:2,628. 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dresden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,693 |
| Dentists | 1:2,628 |
| Mental Health | 1:605 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.8% |
| Dental Visits | 60.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,469/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 302 |
Dresden has a violent crime rate of 390 per 100,000 residents, 3% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,835 per 100,000, 198% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Dresden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dresden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.5/100K |
| 3% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,835.1/100K |
| 198% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dresden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 27°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 43.4 inches. The area receives 15.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 735 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 735 ft (224 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.1222°N, 82.0134°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Licking County County |
| Nearest Airport | John Glenn Columbus International (CMH)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.4"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
7 km ENE of Rio Grande, Ohio |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
2 km NNW of Oak Hill, Ohio |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
82 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
49 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
102 km |
| May 17, 2010 |
2 km S of Boston Heights, Ohio |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
306 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 282 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
86 km |
4 |
| Feb 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1970 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2011 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2006 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2006 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 (1,050 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 |
1,050 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 24 |
709 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Dresden has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 27°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Dresden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dresden
What is the population of Dresden?
Dresden has a population of 1,805 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,410 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Dresden expensive to live in?
Dresden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,546, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,400 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $886 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dresden safe?
The violent crime rate in Dresden is 390 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,835 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dresden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dresden?
Dresden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°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 43.4 inches, with 15.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dresden?
The job market in Dresden is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 3,996 business establishments in the area, including 350 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dresden?
The median home value in Dresden is $135,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,105. For renters, the median monthly rent is $886. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,849.
How are the schools in Dresden?
Schools in Dresden score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Dresden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dresden?
The obesity rate in Dresden is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,693.
What is transportation like in Dresden?
The average commute in Dresden is 28 minutes. 82.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dresden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dresden is 95.3% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 23.9% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
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