Dobson, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,652
8.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,750/yr
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
662
9.2% year-over-year change

Dobson population

How many people live in Dobson

Dobson is home to 1,652 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 56.6% of Dobson locals are male, and 43.4% are female.

Total population
1,652
8.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
56.6%
935
Female
43.4%
717
Value Percent YoY change
Male 935 56.6% 10.1%
Female 717 43.4% 6.7%
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 Dobson is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.6% of the population, while another 17.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
34.6%
45 to 64
17.4%
Over 65
18.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 299 18.1% 160.0%
15 to 24 186 11.3% -25.9%
25 to 44 572 34.6% 13.7%
45 to 64 288 17.4% -23.0%
Over 65 307 18.6% 10.4%
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 Dobson, 87.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.8% of locals are Caucasian, 11.3% are African American and 3.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.5%
Non-citizens
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,448 87.6% 6.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 58 3.5% 100.0%
Non-citizens 146 8.8% 9.0%
Racial breakdown
White
64.8%
Black or African American
11.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.3%
Other
5.7%
Value Percent
White 1,070 64.8%
Black or African American 187 11.3%
Asian 65 3.9%
Two or more races 236 14.3%
Other 94 5.7%

Households in Dobson

A peek inside Dobson households

Dobson has 593 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
593
10.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
266
Family households
327
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 266 44.9% -1.9%
Family households 327 55.1% 22.9%
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 Dobson

The housing landscape of Dobson

Dobson's housing consists of 662 units, with 58.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% 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 1.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
662
9.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 385 58.2%
1 unit, attached 9 1.4%
2 units 17 2.6%
3 or 4 units 43 6.5%
5 to 9 units 100 15.1%
10 to 19 units 35 5.3%
20 to 49 units 47 7.1%
50 or more units 17 2.6%
Mobile home 9 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dobson

In Dobson, the median construction year is 1979. About 3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 20 3% 33.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 5.4% -18.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 77 11.6% 87.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 56 8.5% -6.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 150 22.7% -10.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 49 7.4% -3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 161 24.3% 5.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 65 9.8% 10.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 48 7.2% 200.0%
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.

Dobson occupancy rates

Out of the 593 occupied housing units in Dobson, 48.7% are owner-occupied, while 51.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
593
10.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
304
Owner occupied
289
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 304 51.3% -3.5%
Owner occupied 289 48.7% 30.2%
Unoccupied housing units
10.4%
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.

Dobson housing costs

Housing costs in Dobson come to a median of $762 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $528.

Median housing costs per month
$762/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 Dobson
$528/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 Dobson

Dobson education at a glance

About 39.2% of the population in Dobson went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 17.1% earned an associate degree and 13.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 36 2.7% -5.3%
High school diploma 514 39.2% -6.5%
College diploma 244 18.6% -24.9%
Associate degree 225 17.1% 11.4%
Bachelor's degree 173 13.2% 6.8%
Graduate degree 121 9.2% 72.9%
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 Dobson

How much people earn in Dobson

The average annual household income in Dobson was $64,899 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,750, reflecting a -1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dobson
$64,899/year
8.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dobson
$43,750/year
-1.8% year-over-year change

Dobson income by age

In Dobson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,333. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $47,045 overall. Overall, 77.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $78,333 11.4%
45 - 64 $47,045 -14.3%
Over 65 $16,969 -5.8%
Above poverty level
1,024
Below poverty level
298
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,024 77.5% 4.5%
Below poverty level 298 22.5% 58.5%

Average renter income in Dobson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Dobson, their median household income was $34,583 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,583
Rent-to-income ratio
18.3%
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 Dobson

Workforce and job types in Dobson

The job market in Dobson is powered by 585 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.9% run their own businesses, 71.4% are employed by private companies, and 21.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
585
7.9% year-over-year change
White collar
376
Blue collar
209
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 376 64.3% 8.1%
Blue collar 209 35.7% 7.7%
Employer type
Self employees
3.9%
Private companies
71.4%
Governmental workers
21.2%
Not for profit companies
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 23 3.9% -39.5%
Private companies 418 71.4% 9.4%
Governmental workers 124 21.2% 10.7%
Not for profit companies 20 3.4% 100.0%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-21.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dobson stands at 4.9%, 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 Dobson

How people get around in Dobson

In Dobson, the average commute time is 18 minutes.

Commute time
18 min
-1.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 542 91.4% 3.8%
Motorcycle 4 0.7% 0.0%
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 Dobson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
27017 10,085 3,887 $59,329 $86,070

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FAQs about Dobson demographics 

What is the total population of Dobson?

Dobson has a total population of 1,652 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 +8.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dobson?

The gender ratio in Dobson is as follows:
  • 56.6% males (935 residents)
  • 43.4% females (717 residents)

What is the median age in Dobson?

The median age in Dobson is 35.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dobson?

The age distribution in Dobson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (299 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (186 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.6% (572 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.4% (288 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.6% (307 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dobson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dobson is as follows:
  • White: 64.8% (1,070 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.3% (187 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 3.9% (65 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.3% (236 residents)
  • Other: 5.7% (94 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.6% of the population in Dobson.

How many housing units are there in Dobson?

There are 662 housing units in Dobson, reflecting a +9.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dobson has a total of 593 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dobson?

Dobson has a median household income of $43,750, 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 Dobson?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Dobson, with a workforce of 585 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.3% (376 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.7% (209 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.9% (23 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.4% (418 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.2% (124 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.4% (20 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