Cost of Living in Dawson, GA
Population 4,292 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Dawson's median household income of $29,046 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (51% here). At 10.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 55 miles southeast of Columbus, Dawson is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Columbus' $182,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Dawson
The median home value in Dawson is $94,800 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $728/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $29,046/year is 61% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Dawson has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.
Dawson has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Dawson, GA?
Dawson has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.
What is average rent in Dawson, GA?
The median gross rent in Dawson is $728 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Dawson?
The median home value in Dawson is $94,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Dawson?
The median household income in Dawson is $29,046 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Dawson, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Dawson is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Dawson, GA affordable?
Yes, Dawson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.
Dawson at a Glance
- Population
- 4,292
- Median Income
- $29,046
- Home Value
- $94,800
- Median Rent
- $728/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.6%
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
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