Dawson, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,398
-10.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,926/yr
-14.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
556
-6.7% year-over-year change

Dawson population

How many people live in Dawson

Dawson is home to 1,398 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45% of Dawson locals are male, and 55% are female.

Total population
1,398
-10.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45%
629
Female
55%
769
Value Percent YoY change
Male 629 45% -7.1%
Female 769 55% -13.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Dawson is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.7% are children under 15, then 14.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.7% of the population, while another 27.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.7%
15 to 24
14.6%
25 to 44
23.7%
45 to 64
27.5%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 248 17.7% 0.4%
15 to 24 204 14.6% 13.3%
25 to 44 331 23.7% -29.0%
45 to 64 384 27.5% -7.9%
Over 65 231 16.5% -8.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 14% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,380 98.7% -11.7%
Non-citizens 18 1.3% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
82.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 1,154 82.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 0.7%
Two or more races 195 14%
Other 39 2.8%

Households in Dawson

A peek inside Dawson households

Dawson has 485 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 73.4% are families, while the remaining 26.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
485
-9.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
129
Family households
356
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 129 26.6% 1.6%
Family households 356 73.4% -13.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Dawson

The housing landscape of Dawson

Dawson's housing consists of 556 units, with 66.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 31.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
556
-6.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 370 66.6%
Mobile home 174 31.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 2.2%
Homes built since 2020
29
-38.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dawson

In Dawson, the median construction year is 1983. About 18.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 102 18.4% 108.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 33 5.9% 10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8 1.4% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 63 11.3% 28.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 55 9.9% -23.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 54 9.7% -22.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 70 12.6% -16.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 88 15.8% -18.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 54 9.7% -31.6%
Built in 2020 or later 29 5.2% -38.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Dawson occupancy rates

Out of the 485 occupied housing units in Dawson, 76.3% are owner-occupied, while 23.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
485
-9.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
115
Owner occupied
370
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 115 23.7% 23.7%
Owner occupied 370 76.3% -16.5%
Unoccupied housing units
12.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Dawson housing costs

Housing costs in Dawson come to a median of $620 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $668.

Median housing costs per month
$620/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Dawson
$668/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Dawson

Dawson education at a glance

About 57.6% of the population in Dawson went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 3.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 72 6.5% 242.9%
High school diploma 640 57.6% -10.6%
College diploma 257 23.1% -20.4%
Associate degree 75 6.7% -42.3%
Bachelor's degree 41 3.7% 5.1%
Graduate degree 27 2.4% 35.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Dawson

How much people earn in Dawson

The average annual household income in Dawson was $58,528 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -18% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,926, reflecting a -14% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dawson
$58,528/year
-18.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dawson
$59,926/year
-14.0% year-over-year change

Dawson income by age

In Dawson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,014 overall. Overall, 70.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $71,250 1.8%
45 - 64 $72,014 -19.8%
Over 65 $25,357 6.8%
Above poverty level
955
Below poverty level
405
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 955 70.2% -17.4%
Below poverty level 405 29.8% 8.3%

Employment in Dawson

Workforce and job types in Dawson

63.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 76.6% are employed by private companies, and 9.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
427
Blue collar
249
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 427 63.2% -17.7%
Blue collar 249 36.8% -26.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
76.6%
Governmental workers
9.9%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 41 6.1% 2.5%
Private companies 518 76.6% -24.6%
Governmental workers 67 9.9% -4.3%
Not for profit companies 50 7.4% -15.2%

Transportation in Dawson

How people get around in Dawson

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 673 100% -20.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Dawson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35963 1,398 485 $59,926 $58,528

Explore more communities

FAQs about Dawson demographics 

What is the total population of Dawson?

Dawson has a total population of 1,398 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -10.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dawson?

The gender ratio in Dawson is as follows:
  • 45% males (629 residents)
  • 55% females (769 residents)

What is the median age in Dawson?

The median age in Dawson is 37.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dawson?

The age distribution in Dawson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.7% (248 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.6% (204 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.7% (331 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.5% (384 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (231 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is as follows:
  • White: 82.6% (1,154 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14% (195 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (39 residents)

What percentage of the population in Dawson are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Dawson.

How many housing units are there in Dawson?

There are 556 housing units in Dawson, reflecting a -6.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Dawson and what is the average household size?

Dawson has a total of 485 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dawson?

Dawson has a median household income of $59,926, representing a -14.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Dawson?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.2% (427 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.8% (249 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (41 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.6% (518 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.9% (67 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (50 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025