Dawson, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,513
5.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,929/yr
-1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
724
4.5% year-over-year change

Dawson population

How many people live in Dawson

Dawson is home to 1,513 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.3% of Dawson locals are male, and 47.7% are female.

Total population
1,513
5.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.3%
791
Female
47.7%
722
Value Percent YoY change
Male 791 52.3% 5.0%
Female 722 47.7% 4.9%
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 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.5% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.7% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.5%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
21.7%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
26.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 249 16.5% 7.8%
15 to 24 194 12.8% -8.1%
25 to 44 328 21.7% 11.6%
45 to 64 337 22.3% 2.4%
Over 65 405 26.8% 7.7%
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, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 1.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,407 93% 3.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 41 2.7% 5.1%
Non-citizens 65 4.3% 44.4%
Racial breakdown
White
85.6%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 1,295 85.6%
Black or African American 9 0.6%
Asian 27 1.8%
Two or more races 88 5.8%
Other 94 6.2%

Households in Dawson

A peek inside Dawson households

Dawson has 662 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.1% are families, while the remaining 44.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
662
7.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
297
Family households
365
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 297 44.9% 11.2%
Family households 365 55.1% 4.6%
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 724 units, with 76.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.6% 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 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
724
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 555 76.7%
1 unit, attached 26 3.6%
2 units 10 1.4%
5 to 9 units 9 1.2%
10 to 19 units 89 12.3%
20 to 49 units 26 3.6%
50 or more units 4 0.6%
Mobile home 5 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
4
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dawson

In Dawson, the median construction year is 1953. About 39.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 285 39.4% 7.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 56 7.7% 19.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 81 11.2% -11.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 5.8% 75.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 133 18.4% 3.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 24 3.3% -27.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 44 6.1% -2.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 38 5.2% -2.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17 2.4% -15.0%
Built in 2020 or later 4 0.6% N/A
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 662 occupied housing units in Dawson, 75.8% are owner-occupied, while 24.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
662
7.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
160
Owner occupied
502
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 160 24.2% 29.0%
Owner occupied 502 75.8% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.6%
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 $760 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $586.

Median housing costs per month
$760/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
$586/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 39% of the population in Dawson went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 16.2% earned an associate degree and 19.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 28 2.3% 115.4%
High school diploma 476 39% -0.8%
College diploma 237 19.4% 13.9%
Associate degree 197 16.2% -2.5%
Bachelor's degree 233 19.1% 9.4%
Graduate degree 48 3.9% 4.3%
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 $83,647 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,929, reflecting a -1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dawson
$83,647/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dawson
$68,929/year
-1.9% 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 $83,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $73,098 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $85,278, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,000 in earnings. Overall, 92.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $85,278 3.0%
25 - 44 $83,750 -5.9%
45 - 64 $73,098 2.8%
Over 65 $45,000 -10.0%
Above poverty level
1,319
Below poverty level
110
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,319 92.3% 4.0%
Below poverty level 110 7.7% 11.1%

Average renter income in Dawson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dawson, their median household income was $31,786 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,786
Rent-to-income ratio
22.1%
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 780 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.1% run their own businesses, 65.6% are employed by private companies, and 11.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
780
6.3% year-over-year change
White collar
550
Blue collar
230
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 550 70.5% 8.3%
Blue collar 230 29.5% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.1%
Private companies
65.6%
Governmental workers
11.7%
Not for profit companies
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 79 10.1% 6.8%
Private companies 512 65.6% 10.1%
Governmental workers 91 11.7% 1.1%
Not for profit companies 98 12.6% -6.7%
Unemployment rate
2.5%
-20.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dawson stands at 2.5%, 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

Commuting methods vary: 85.6% 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.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 661 85.6% 3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0.3% 0.0%
Bicycle 4 0.5% 100.0%
Walk 69 8.9% 27.8%
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
56232 2,379 971 $75,069 $102,193

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FAQs about Dawson demographics 

What is the total population of Dawson?

Dawson has a total population of 1,513 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 +5.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dawson?

The gender ratio in Dawson is as follows:
  • 52.3% males (791 residents)
  • 47.7% females (722 residents)

What is the median age in Dawson?

The median age in Dawson is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dawson?

The age distribution in Dawson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.5% (249 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (194 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.7% (328 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (337 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.8% (405 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dawson is as follows:
  • White: 85.6% (1,295 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (9 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.8% (27 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (88 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (94 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Dawson.

How many housing units are there in Dawson?

There are 724 housing units in Dawson, reflecting a +4.5% 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 662 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dawson?

Dawson has a median household income of $68,929, representing a -1.9% 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 97.5% in Dawson, with a workforce of 780 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.5% (550 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.5% (230 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.1% (79 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.6% (512 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.7% (91 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.6% (98 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