Dawson Springs, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,951
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$32,838/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
978
-3.6% year-over-year change

Dawson Springs population

How many people live in Dawson Springs

Dawson Springs is home to 1,951 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Dawson Springs locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
1,951
-1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
924
Female
52.6%
1,027
Value Percent YoY change
Male 924 47.4% 9.6%
Female 1,027 52.6% -9.1%
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 Springs is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
24%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 390 20% 2.6%
15 to 24 219 11.2% 12.3%
25 to 44 495 25.4% 15.4%
45 to 64 378 19.4% -15.8%
Over 65 469 24% -9.8%
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

In Dawson Springs, 99.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,941 99.5% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7 0.4% 16.7%
Non-citizens 3 0.2% -25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
88.1%
Black or African American
6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.1%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 1,718 88.1%
Black or African American 134 6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0.2%
Two or more races 60 3.1%
Other 35 1.8%

Households in Dawson Springs

A peek inside Dawson Springs households

Dawson Springs has 774 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.8% are families, while the remaining 39.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
774
-6.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
303
Family households
471
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 303 39.2% -21.9%
Family households 471 60.8% 6.8%
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 Springs

The housing landscape of Dawson Springs

Dawson Springs's housing consists of 978 units, with 68.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% 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 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
978
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 671 68.6%
1 unit, attached 20 2%
2 units 117 12%
3 or 4 units 17 1.7%
5 to 9 units 64 6.5%
10 to 19 units 13 1.3%
20 to 49 units 21 2.2%
Mobile home 45 4.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 10 1%
Homes built since 2020
39
77.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dawson Springs

In Dawson Springs, the median construction year is 1962. About 16.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 164 16.8% 2.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 117 12% 10.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 190 19.4% -8.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 114 11.7% 6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 158 16.2% -13.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 63 6.4% -18.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 55 5.6% 37.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 35 3.6% 6.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 43 4.4% -45.6%
Built in 2020 or later 39 4% 77.3%
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 Springs occupancy rates

Out of the 774 occupied housing units in Dawson Springs, 62.5% are owner-occupied, while 37.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
774
-6.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
290
Owner occupied
484
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 290 37.5% -13.9%
Owner occupied 484 62.5% -1.6%
Unoccupied housing units
20.9%
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 Springs housing costs

Housing costs in Dawson Springs come to a median of $576 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $538.

Median housing costs per month
$576/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 Springs
$538/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 Springs

Dawson Springs education at a glance

About 64.6% of the population in Dawson Springs went to high school, while 18.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.5% earned an associate degree and 3.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 45 3% -35.7%
High school diploma 969 64.6% -5.4%
College diploma 275 18.3% 0.4%
Associate degree 127 8.5% 29.6%
Bachelor's degree 53 3.5% 17.8%
Graduate degree 31 2.1% 24.0%
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 Springs

How much people earn in Dawson Springs

The average annual household income in Dawson Springs was $49,075 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $32,838, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dawson Springs
$49,075/year
5.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dawson Springs
$32,838/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Dawson Springs income by age

In Dawson Springs, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $34,732. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,078 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $111,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $25,833 in earnings. Overall, 69.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $111,750 4.4%
25 - 44 $34,732 -6.8%
45 - 64 $55,078 31.7%
Over 65 $25,833 6.9%
Above poverty level
1,278
Below poverty level
562
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,278 69.5% -6.2%
Below poverty level 562 30.5% 12.4%

Average renter income in Dawson Springs

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dawson Springs, their median household income was $18,984 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,984
Rent-to-income ratio
34%
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 Springs

Workforce and job types in Dawson Springs

The job market in Dawson Springs is powered by 496 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 53.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 46.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.2% run their own businesses, 90.1% are employed by private companies, and 4.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
496
11.0% year-over-year change
White collar
267
Blue collar
229
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 267 53.8% 7.7%
Blue collar 229 46.2% 15.1%
Employer type
Self employees
3.2%
Private companies
90.1%
Governmental workers
4.8%
Not for profit companies
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 16 3.2% -20.0%
Private companies 447 90.1% 18.2%
Governmental workers 24 4.8% -38.5%
Not for profit companies 9 1.8% -10.0%
Unemployment rate
11.3%
10.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dawson Springs stands at 11.3%, 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 Springs

How people get around in Dawson Springs

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 442 89.1% 13.0%
Bicycle 5 1% -16.7%
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 Springs by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42408 5,888 2,246 $60,900 $66,049

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FAQs about Dawson Springs demographics 

What is the total population of Dawson Springs?

Dawson Springs has a total population of 1,951 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 Springs?

The gender ratio in Dawson Springs is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (924 residents)
  • 52.6% females (1,027 residents)

What is the median age in Dawson Springs?

The median age in Dawson Springs is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dawson Springs?

The age distribution in Dawson Springs is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (390 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (219 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (495 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (378 residents)
  • Over 65: 24% (469 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson Springs?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson Springs is as follows:
  • White: 88.1% (1,718 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.9% (134 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.1% (60 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (35 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.5% of the population in Dawson Springs.

How many housing units are there in Dawson Springs?

There are 978 housing units in Dawson Springs, reflecting a -3.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dawson Springs has a total of 774 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dawson Springs?

Dawson Springs has a median household income of $32,838, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.7% in Dawson Springs, with a workforce of 496 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 53.8% (267 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 46.2% (229 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.2% (16 residents)
  • Private companies: 90.1% (447 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 4.8% (24 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.8% (9 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