Dawson Springs, KY
Population 1,973 · Kentucky
About Dawson Springs, KY
Dawson Springs is a small town located in Kentucky with a population of 1,973 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,607 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dawson Springs features a median home value of $73,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Dawson Springs one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $546, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,015 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (492 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (337 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dawson Springs shows an unemployment rate of 11.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dawson Springs have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.0% of Dawson Springs 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 0.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dawson Springs Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Dawson Springs, KY
Compared to national averages, Dawson Springs has a median household income of $31,607 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $73,500, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $546 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Dawson Springs's income is 52% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 60% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Dawson Springs, KY?
Dawson Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $73,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $546/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,607) that falls below the national average. However, Dawson Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dawson Springs has a population of 1,973 with a median age of 44.3 years. Compare Dawson Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Dawson Springs
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany | 1,972 | $40,301 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Owingsville | 1,977 | $40,150 | $92,700 | Compare |
| Hurstbourne Acres | 1,984 | $68,229 | $292,900 | Compare |
| Beattyville | 1,948 | $23,750 | $106,800 | Compare |
| Whitesburg | 1,998 | $31,875 | $111,300 | Compare |
| Orchard Grass Hills | 2,008 | $105,417 | $261,100 | Compare |
| Jeffersonville | 1,937 | $56,932 | $114,900 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 2,021 | $25,602 | $119,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Dawson Springs With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dawson Springs
What is the population of Dawson Springs, KY?
The population of Dawson Springs, KY is 1,973 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Dawson Springs?
The median household income in Dawson Springs, KY is $31,607 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dawson Springs?
The median home value in Dawson Springs, KY is $73,500, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dawson Springs?
The median monthly rent in Dawson Springs, KY is $546, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dawson Springs?
The unemployment rate in Dawson Springs, KY is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dawson Springs, KY a good place to live?
Dawson Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,973 and a median age of 44.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dawson Springs, KY?
5.0% of residents in Dawson Springs 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 Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dawson Springs, KY: median home value is $73,500 (70% below national), median rent is $546/month, and median household income is $31,607. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dawson Springs?
The poverty rate in Dawson Springs, KY is 26.9%, 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 Springs, KY?
Dawson Springs's population is 0.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.