Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dodson, LA
Thinking of moving to Dodson, LA? With a friendly population of around 280 and median home prices at just $82,000, Dodson offers affordable small-town living. Residents enjoy a mild climate with over 61% sunny days, reasonable commute times of about 25 minutes, and a low cost of living well below the national average. While educational and healthcare options are more limited than in larger cities, Dodson’s tight-knit community and relaxed pace make it a welcoming choice for movers seeking quiet and value.
Demographics - Dodson, LA
Demographics - Dodson, LA
Dodson is a small, close-knit community of about 280 residents, with a median age of 39 and a population density of 190 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, with a modest representation of Black residents and a nearly even gender ratio. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the population, reflecting a primarily English-speaking environment.
Population:
280
Density:
190 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Black:
14.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dodson, LA?
Dodson boasts a low cost of living with a median home value of $82,000 and average rent around $650, making it affordable for both homeowners and renters. Utility and transportation costs are below national averages, and state taxes are moderate, providing overall value for residents. Essentials like groceries and healthcare are also less expensive compared to many other U.S. communities.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
89.7
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
91.3
Transportation:
82.1
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Dodson, LA a safe place to live?
Dodson experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 48, so residents should remain aware but can generally expect a manageable level of safety for a small town. Community vigilance and rural living contribute to a sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,520
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Dodson, LA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild southern climate with winter lows in the high 30s and summer highs reaching into the low 90s. With 61% sunny days and an average annual rainfall of 56 inches, outdoor activities can be enjoyed much of the year. The weather is generally pleasant, contributing to Dodson's relaxed lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Dodson's neighborhoods are characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $32,000 and a poverty rate of 26%. Most residents commute about 25 minutes for work, and unemployment is slightly above the national average. The community is largely English-speaking, and public transportation is not commonly used.
Median Income:
$21,500
Household Income:
$32,000
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,200
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
26.0%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.0%
Bachelors or More:
10.2%
Education
How are the schools in Dodson, LA?
Dodson offers education through Dodson High School, which maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.5 for its 320 students, supporting personalized learning. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible with Northwestern State University located 36 miles away in Natchitoches. The local focus is on foundational education, with some residents pursuing college opportunities nearby.
Public Schools
Name:
Dodson High School
Street:
410 Spears St
Phone:
318-628-5911
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Northwestern State University
City:
Natchitoches
State:
LA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
10,500
Healthcare
Dodson residents have access to essential healthcare services through nearby facilities like Winn Parish Medical Center, located in Winnfield. The area offers about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people and a health insurance coverage rate of 85%. While healthcare options are more limited than in urban areas, basic medical and emergency care is available locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Winn Parish Medical Center
Address:
301 W Boundary Ave, Winnfield, LA 71483
Phone:
(318) 648-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
66.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dodson, LA?
The housing market in Dodson is affordable, with a median home price of $82,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are available with average rents around $650, and the area has seen steady home appreciation over the past year. High owner-occupancy and low foreclosure rates reflect a stable and accessible market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Dodson residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Alexandria. The state DMV provides essential licensing, registration, and title services via its website or local office. Appointments and information are easily available online for added convenience.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5606 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303
Phone:
1-225-925-6146
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.