Dawson, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,247
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$28,533/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,112
-3.4% year-over-year change

Dawson population

How many people live in Dawson

Dawson is home to 4,247 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Dawson locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
4,247
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
2,113
Female
50.2%
2,134
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,113 49.8% -0.2%
Female 2,134 50.2% -1.8%
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 22.2% are children under 15, then 13.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.2%
15 to 24
13.2%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 945 22.2% -3.2%
15 to 24 559 13.2% 1.4%
25 to 44 948 22.3% -3.6%
45 to 64 985 23.2% -3.2%
Over 65 810 19.1% 6.0%
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

There’s also a share of 0.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,245 100% -1.1%
Non-citizens 2 0% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
14%
Black or African American
85.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 596 14%
Black or African American 3,631 85.5%
Two or more races 20 0.5%

Households in Dawson

A peek inside Dawson households

Dawson has 1,570 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.4% are families, while the remaining 32.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,570
-5.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
511
Family households
1,059
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 511 32.6% -4.5%
Family households 1,059 67.4% -6.1%
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 2,112 units, with 76% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,112
-3.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,604 76%
1 unit, attached 8 0.4%
2 units 204 9.7%
3 or 4 units 87 4.1%
5 to 9 units 26 1.2%
20 to 49 units 28 1.3%
50 or more units 34 1.6%
Mobile home 121 5.7%
Homes built since 2020
11
22.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dawson

In Dawson, the median construction year is 1974. About 21.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 448 21.2% 3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 192 9.1% -19.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 199 9.4% -34.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 74 3.5% -32.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 383 18.1% -13.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 297 14.1% 3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 280 13.3% -0.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 168 8% 290.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 60 2.8% 46.3%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.5% 22.2%
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 1,570 occupied housing units in Dawson, 36.6% are owner-occupied, while 63.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,570
-5.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
996
Owner occupied
574
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 996 63.4% -12.1%
Owner occupied 574 36.6% 8.3%
Unoccupied housing units
25.7%
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 $779 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $745.

Median housing costs per month
$779/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
$745/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 55% of the population in Dawson went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 4% earned an associate degree and 3.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 186 5.9% -10.6%
High school diploma 1,732 55% -2.1%
College diploma 783 24.9% -2.1%
Associate degree 125 4% -3.9%
Bachelor's degree 123 3.9% -20.6%
Graduate degree 197 6.3% 87.6%
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 $44,114 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $28,533, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dawson
$44,114/year
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dawson
$28,533/year
-1.8% 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 $22,002. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $39,859 overall. Overall, 47.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $22,002 -25.4%
45 - 64 $39,859 9.4%
Over 65 $25,991 14.6%
Above poverty level
1,903
Below poverty level
2,120
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,903 47.3% -4.0%
Below poverty level 2,120 52.7% 2.3%

Average renter income in Dawson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dawson, their median household income was $26,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,000
Rent-to-income ratio
34.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Dawson

Workforce and job types in Dawson

The job market in Dawson is powered by 1,326 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 64.6% are employed by private companies, and 21.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,326
-1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
936
Blue collar
390
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 936 70.6% 16.3%
Blue collar 390 29.4% -27.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
64.6%
Governmental workers
21.6%
Not for profit companies
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 120 9% -28.6%
Private companies 857 64.6% 11.6%
Governmental workers 287 21.6% -17.1%
Not for profit companies 62 4.7% 6.9%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
-47.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dawson stands at 6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Dawson

How people get around in Dawson

In Dawson, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,067 82.6% -2.6%
Walk 115 8.9% 134.7%
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
39842 7,831 2,912 $43,871 $67,040

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FAQs about Dawson demographics 

What is the total population of Dawson?

Dawson has a total population of 4,247 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 -1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dawson?

The gender ratio in Dawson is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (2,113 residents)
  • 50.2% females (2,134 residents)

What is the median age in Dawson?

The median age in Dawson is 38.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dawson?

The age distribution in Dawson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.2% (945 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.2% (559 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (948 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (985 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (810 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is as follows:
  • White: 14% (596 residents)
  • Black or African American: 85.5% (3,631 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0.5% (20 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Dawson.

How many housing units are there in Dawson?

There are 2,112 housing units in Dawson, reflecting a -3.4% 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 1,570 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dawson?

Dawson has a median household income of $28,533, representing a -1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dawson?

The employment rate is 94% in Dawson, with a workforce of 1,326 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.6% (936 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.4% (390 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (120 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.6% (857 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.6% (287 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.7% (62 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