Dawson, PA
Population 387 · Pennsylvania
About Dawson, PA
Dawson is a small community located in Pennsylvania with a population of 387 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,594 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 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 $89,100, which is 64% 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 $910, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 176 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (118 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (43 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dawson shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dawson have an average one-way commute time of 23.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.2% 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, 0.3% 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, PA
Compared to national averages, Dawson has a median household income of $53,594 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,100, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $910 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Dawson's income is 27% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 53% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Dawson, PA?
Dawson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $910/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,594) 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 387 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Dawson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Dawson
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivar | 388 | $62,500 | $89,000 | Compare |
| Ford Cliff | 386 | $64,750 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Parryville | 386 | $62,917 | $184,000 | Compare |
| Smithton | 388 | $56,250 | $104,800 | Compare |
| Wilmore | 388 | $56,750 | $105,400 | Compare |
| Madison | 385 | $87,292 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Parkhill | 385 | $67,083 | $110,000 | Compare |
| Sunbrook | 389 | $69,618 | $198,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Dawson, PA is 387 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Dawson?
The median household income in Dawson, PA is $53,594 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson, PA is $89,100, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dawson?
The median monthly rent in Dawson, PA is $910, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dawson?
The unemployment rate in Dawson, PA is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dawson, PA a good place to live?
Dawson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 387 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Dawson, PA?
8.2% 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, PA: median home value is $89,100 (64% below national), median rent is $910/month, and median household income is $53,594. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Dawson?
The poverty rate in Dawson, PA is 25.3%, 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, PA?
Dawson's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.