Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dawson Springs, KY
Considering a move to Dawson Springs, KY? This friendly small town of 2,450 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at just $85,000 and average rent around $690. Enjoy a mild climate with 56% sunny days and short 23-minute commutes. Violent and property crime rates are modest for the region, and local schools offer small class sizes. Whether you value low housing costs or a slower pace, Dawson Springs is a welcoming spot to settle in western Kentucky.
Demographics - Dawson Springs, KY
Demographics - Dawson Springs, KY
Dawson Springs is a close-knit community of about 2,450 residents, with a population density of 700 people per square mile and a median age of nearly 44, reflecting a mature and stable population. The town is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Black and other ethnic groups, and just under 3% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is balanced, and the area offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
2,450
Density:
700 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.8
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.6%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dawson Springs, KY?
Living in Dawson Springs is highly affordable, with a median home value of $85,000 and average gross rent at $690, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. The cost of living index is about 22% below the national average, with particularly low housing and reasonable utility costs. State income taxes are moderate at a flat 5%, making overall expenses manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$335
State Taxes:
Low:
5%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
90.5
Housing:
49.0
Utilities:
98.2
Transportation:
83.0
Health Care:
88.3
Miscellaneous:
82.2
Crime
Is Dawson Springs, KY a safe place to live?
Dawson Springs experiences relatively low crime, with a violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,670 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 475, indicating a generally safe environment. Most residents enjoy peace of mind in their day-to-day lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,670
Crime Index:
1,880
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Dawson Springs, KY year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate, with winter lows around 28°F and summer highs reaching up to 89°F. The city receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 56% sunny days, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Seasonal temperatures are comfortable, making Dawson Springs appealing to those who prefer moderate weather.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Incomes in Dawson Springs are modest, with a median household income of $37,100 and a family income of $48,200, while about one in five residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have completed high school, but only about 14% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting the town’s working-class roots. The average commute is a short 23 minutes, and public transportation use is very limited.
Median Income:
$23,900
Household Income:
$37,100
Family Income:
$48,200
Per Capita Income:
$19,600
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$29,700
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.7%
Bachelors or More:
13.9%
Education
How are the schools in Dawson Springs, KY?
Dawson Springs offers public schooling with small class sizes—elementary and high schools serve under 350 students each with student-teacher ratios around 14:1. While there are no private schools locally, families have access to higher education nearby at Madisonville Community College and Murray State University, both within easy commuting distance. The educational environment supports personalized attention for students in a rural setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Dawson Springs Elementary School
Street:
317 Eli St
Phone:
270-797-3811
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Dawson Springs Jr/Sr High School
Street:
317 Eli St
Phone:
270-797-3911
Students:
265
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Colleges
Name:
Madisonville Community College
City:
Madisonville
State:
KY
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
3,200
Name:
Murray State University
City:
Murray
State:
KY
Distance:
53 miles
Students:
9,500
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are well-served by nearby facilities like Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, just a short drive away, offering full emergency and surgical services. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% of the population covered by health insurance, most residents have access to essential medical care. The healthcare index indicates services are reasonably accessible for a rural community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville
Address:
900 Hospital Dr, Madisonville, KY 42431
Phone:
(270) 825-5100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.1%
Health Care Index:
65.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dawson Springs, KY?
The Dawson Springs housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $690. About 64% of residents own their homes, and the market has seen a moderate appreciation rate of 4.7% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, contributing to a stable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Driver Licensing, based in Frankfort. The office provides essential DMV services and resources, all accessible online at drive.ky.gov. Most local needs can be managed conveniently by phone or through their website.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone:
502-564-1257
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.