Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dobson, NC
Considering a move to Dobson, NC? This friendly small town of 1,515 residents boasts affordable living, with median home prices at $148,400 and average rents around $720. Enjoy a short average commute of just under 20 minutes, mild weather with 62% sunny days, and convenient access to local schools and Surry Community College. While crime rates are in line with many small towns, Dobson’s low cost of living, close-knit community, and laid-back pace make it an appealing choice for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Demographics - Dobson, NC
Demographics - Dobson, NC
Dobson is a close-knit community of about 1,500 residents, with a median age of almost 40 and a nearly even gender balance. The town features a diverse population, with over two-thirds identifying as White and around 18% speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
1,515
Density:
660 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.2%
Black:
7.3%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
24.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dobson, NC?
Dobson offers a notably affordable lifestyle, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $148,400. Residents benefit from low housing costs and reasonable expenses for essentials like groceries and utilities, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$148,400
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,085
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$335
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.7
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
52.3
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
83.2
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Dobson, NC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Dobson are comparable to many small towns, with a low violent crime rate and property crime occurring at a moderate level. Residents generally feel safe, though it is always wise to take typical precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
237
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,010
Crime Index:
2,247
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 422
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 50
Weather
What is the weather like in Dobson, NC year-round?
Dobson experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows near 28°F and warm summers reaching highs of 87°F. The town enjoys 62% sunny days annually and receives about 46 inches of rain, providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households in Dobson have a median income of about $42,300, with a poverty rate slightly above the national average. Most residents enjoy short commutes and a strong sense of community, though higher education attainment is limited for many adults.
Median Income:
$27,400
Household Income:
$42,300
Family Income:
$51,800
Per Capita Income:
$20,100
Income Male:
$28,700
Income Female:
$23,200
Poverty Rate:
20.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.2%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
19.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.7%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Dobson, NC?
Dobson supports its families with public schools like Dobson Elementary and Surry Central High, both offering reasonable student-teacher ratios. The town is also home to Surry Community College, providing accessible higher education options for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Dobson Elementary School
Street:
400 W Atkins St
Phone:
336-386-8913
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Surry Central High School
Street:
570 Central High School Rd
Phone:
336-386-8842
Students:
810
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Colleges
Name:
Surry Community College
City:
Dobson
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Dobson residents have access to quality healthcare, including the nearby Northern Regional Hospital offering emergency services. With about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 87% of residents insured, basic medical needs are well supported in the area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northern Regional Hospital
Address:
830 Rockford St, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Phone:
(336) 719-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dobson, NC?
The Dobson housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $148,400 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $720. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest annual home appreciation, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$148,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Dobson residents are provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles at a convenient Mount Airy location, offering essential licensing and vehicle services. Residents can find more information and resources on the official NCDMV website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
307 N. Renfro St., Suite 101, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Phone:
336-786-3105
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.