Dawson, GA
Population 4,292 · Georgia
About Dawson, GA
Dawson is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 4,292 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $29,046 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dawson features a median home value of $94,800, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dawson one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $728, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,187 total housing units, 32% are owner-occupied (530 units) and 68% are renter-occupied (1,133 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dawson shows an unemployment rate of 10.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 51.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dawson have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Dawson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dawson, GA
Compared to national averages, Dawson has a median household income of $29,046 (61% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $94,800, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $728 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Dawson's income is 52% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 51% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Dawson, GA?
Dawson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $94,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $728/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($29,046) that falls below the national average. However, Dawson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dawson has a population of 4,292 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Dawson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Dawson
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga Valley | 4,298 | $44,308 | $168,800 | Compare |
| Euharlee | 4,251 | $83,750 | $235,700 | Compare |
| Ashburn | 4,226 | $32,692 | $97,000 | Compare |
| Lyons | 4,217 | $54,940 | $113,300 | Compare |
| Jasper | 4,374 | $43,353 | $252,700 | Compare |
| Summerville | 4,406 | $31,429 | $88,000 | Compare |
| Dawsonville | 4,147 | $86,550 | $327,800 | Compare |
| Hazlehurst | 4,072 | $32,278 | $137,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Dawson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dawson
What is the population of Dawson, GA?
The population of Dawson, GA is 4,292 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Dawson?
The median household income in Dawson, GA is $29,046 per year, which is 61% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson, GA is $94,800, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Dawson?
The median monthly rent in Dawson, GA is $728, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dawson?
The unemployment rate in Dawson, GA is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dawson, GA a good place to live?
Dawson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,292 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dawson, GA?
9.4% of residents in Dawson aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Dawson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dawson, GA: median home value is $94,800 (61% below national), median rent is $728/month, and median household income is $29,046. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dawson?
The poverty rate in Dawson, GA is 51.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Dawson, GA?
Dawson's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 84.7% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.