Dobson, NC
Population 1,521 · North Carolina
About Dobson, NC
Dobson is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,521 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,531 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Dobson features a median home value of $168,300, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Dobson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $544, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 606 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (222 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (315 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 Dobson shows an unemployment rate of 6.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dobson have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Dobson 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 3.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 8.3% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Dobson Ranks in North Carolina
Cost of Living in Dobson, NC
Compared to national averages, Dobson has a median household income of $44,531 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,300, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $544 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Dobson's income is 31% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 26% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Dobson, NC?
Dobson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $544/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,531) that falls below the national average. However, Dobson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dobson has a population of 1,521 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Dobson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Dobson
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clyde | 1,522 | $59,315 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Weldon | 1,522 | $38,725 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Bethel | 1,528 | $51,489 | $114,000 | Compare |
| Cove Creek | 1,533 | $53,898 | $247,700 | Compare |
| Biltmore Forest | 1,536 | $172,500 | $1,249,000 | Compare |
| Boonville | 1,502 | $77,500 | $167,300 | Compare |
| Princeville | 1,502 | $49,583 | $99,100 | Compare |
| Rose Hill | 1,501 | $44,722 | $116,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Dobson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dobson
What is the population of Dobson, NC?
The population of Dobson, NC is 1,521 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Dobson?
The median household income in Dobson, NC is $44,531 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dobson?
The median home value in Dobson, NC is $168,300, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Dobson?
The median monthly rent in Dobson, NC is $544, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dobson?
The unemployment rate in Dobson, NC is 6.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dobson, NC a good place to live?
Dobson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,521 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dobson, NC?
19.0% of residents in Dobson 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 Dobson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dobson, NC: median home value is $168,300 (31% below national), median rent is $544/month, and median household income is $44,531. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dobson?
The poverty rate in Dobson, NC is 16.1%, 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 Dobson, NC?
Dobson's population is 3.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 8.3% Asian, and 13.6% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.