Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dawson, GA
Considering Dawson, GA for your next move? Home to about 4,200 residents, Dawson offers affordable living with median home prices around $85,000 and average rents at $720. The city enjoys a mild Southern climate with 64% sunny days annually and average commutes of 23 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, Dawson features a strong sense of community, local schools, and nearby healthcare options. Its low cost of living makes it an attractive choice for budget-minded movers seeking small-town Georgia charm.
Demographics - Dawson, GA
Demographics - Dawson, GA
Dawson, GA is a small city of just over 4,200 residents, with a predominantly Black community making up 81% of the population. The city features a median age close to 40 and a moderately balanced gender ratio, offering a diverse and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
4,206
Density:
1,130 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
81 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
17.0%
Black:
81.1%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dawson, GA?
Dawson offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent at $720 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
42.0
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
79.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
82.0
Crime
Is Dawson, GA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Dawson are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 123 chance of experiencing violent crime and 1 in 25 chance of property crime. While residents enjoy a close-knit community, it’s important to be mindful of local safety considerations.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
815
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,980
Crime Index:
4,795
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 123
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 25
Weather
What is the weather like in Dawson, GA year-round?
Dawson enjoys a mild Southern climate, with winter lows around 38°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The city sees about 48 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 64% sunny days, making outdoor activities possible year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Residents in Dawson typically have a median household income of $30,432, with about 37% living below the poverty line. The community is characterized by a strong local culture, a high school graduation rate of 78%, and manageable average commute times of just over 23 minutes.
Median Income:
$25,000
Household Income:
$30,432
Family Income:
$37,800
Per Capita Income:
$15,800
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
37.7%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.1%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Dawson, GA?
Education in Dawson is provided by local public schools such as Terrell Middle and Carver Elementary, with student-teacher ratios around 16–18. For higher education, Albany State University is located just 22 miles away, offering a range of degree programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Terrell Middle School
Street:
201 Greenwave Blvd
Phone:
229-995-4425
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Carver Elementary School
Street:
455 Greenwave Blvd
Phone:
229-995-6062
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Colleges
Name:
Albany State University
City:
Albany
State:
GA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
6,600
Healthcare
Dawson provides access to healthcare through facilities like Terrell County Hospital and is located near larger providers in Albany. With about 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and 83% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are reasonably met within the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Terrell County Hospital
Address:
643 Augusta Ave, Dawson, GA 39842
Phone:
(229) 995-2131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Address:
417 W 3rd Ave, Albany, GA 31701
Phone:
(229) 312-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.2%
Health Care Index:
66.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dawson, GA?
Dawson’s housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and an owner-occupancy rate near 59%. Rental options are available with average rents around $720, and the area has seen modest home appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Dawson residents are managed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, which offers resources online and at regional offices. The Conyers location serves as a primary office for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2206 East View Pkwy, Conyers, GA 30013
Phone:
678-413-8400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.