countyscore
56.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.6Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 84.1

County Report Card

About Dawson County, Georgia

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Dawson County outpaces much of the country with a composite score of 56.1, which is higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks favorably for its balance of high income and environmental quality.

Leading the State Average

The county's performance is robust relative to Georgia's state average of 46.7. It serves as a strong performer in the region, particularly in categories of wealth and education.

High Earning Power and Schools

High earning potential drives an impressive income score of 91.6, with median household incomes reaching $88,986. The local school system also excels, earning a high score of 76.7.

High Costs Limit Housing Access

Rapid growth has pushed the cost score down to 11.8, making housing significantly less affordable. Median home values currently stand at $351,900, while gross rents average $1,425.

Premium Suburban Living

Professional families will find this county highly attractive for its top-tier schools and high income potential. They should, however, be prepared for a higher cost of living compared to neighboring counties.

2040608010070.611.850.358.476.791.678.18684.1Tax70.6Cost11.8Safety50.3Health58.4Schools76.7Income91.6Risk78.1Water86Weather84.156.1/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Dawson County DNA

Foverall

How Dawson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dawson County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (91.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.6+18.599999999999994
Cost
11.8-36.2
Safety
50.3
Health
58.4+8.399999999999999
Schools
76.7+22.700000000000003
Income
91.6+40.599999999999994
Risk
78.1+31.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
84.1+28.099999999999994
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Compare mortgage rates in Dawson County

Whether buying or refinancing in Dawson County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$351,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,425/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$351,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $88,986/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

31.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Knox County
Illinois
Median income: $53,291
56.1
Randolph County
Indiana
Median income: $61,121
56.1
Graham County
Kansas
Median income: $52,909
56.1
Ballard County
Kentucky
Median income: $64,740
56.1
Valley County
Montana
Median income: $64,515
56.1
Clay County
North Carolina
Median income: $53,645
56.1
Clinton County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $58,842
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Oconto County
Wisconsin
Median income: $75,886
56.1

Nearby counties

Lumpkin County
Georgia
55.3
Pickens County
Georgia
57.5
Gilmer County
Georgia
51.3
Hall County
Georgia
39
Forsyth County
Georgia
58.5
Cherokee County
Georgia
52.2
Fannin County
Georgia
60.1
White County
Georgia
45.9

Deep Dives

Dawson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dawson County

via TaxByCounty

Dawson taxes beat national median slightly

Dawson County's 0.632% effective rate runs below the national median of 0.89%, placing it in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties for tax burden. Despite higher home values here ($351,900 median), the median tax bill of $2,224 remains competitive nationally.

Second-lowest tax rate in Georgia

At 0.632%, Dawson ranks second-lowest among Georgia's 159 counties, just 0.008 percentage points above Dade. The county's rate sits nearly 0.27 percentage points below Georgia's 0.898% state average.

Dawson offers competitive regional rates

Neighboring Dade County matches Dawson's low-tax appeal at 0.624%, while Douglas County to the south charges 0.793%. Dawson's strength lies in combining low rates with significantly higher home values, attracting upscale buyers seeking tax efficiency.

Your annual Dawson property tax bill

On Dawson's median home value of $351,900, the typical homeowner pays $2,224 annually. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,489; without one, it drops to $1,621.

Appeal your Dawson property assessment

Even low-tax counties see overassessment; many Dawson homeowners pay more than they should. Requesting a reassessment from the county assessor's office could uncover errors and lower your tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dawson County

via CostByCounty

Dawson's housing costs exceed national norms

Dawson County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% sits above both the national average and Georgia's state average of 18.6%, signaling tighter housing affordability. Though residents earn a robust $88,986 median household income—well above the national median of $74,755—housing costs here consume a larger share of that paycheck.

Middle-of-pack affordability for Georgia

Dawson County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio places it in the moderate range among Georgia counties, neither as affordable as rural counties nor as strained as metro areas. The $1,425 median monthly rent reflects growing demand in this north Georgia mountain community.

Pricier than surrounding rural counties

Dawson's $1,425 rent significantly outpaces nearby Dade County ($843) and Dodge County ($688), reflecting its proximity to Atlanta and appeal as a mountain retreat. Yet it remains more affordable than DeKalb County ($1,591), making Dawson a middle ground for those seeking mountain living without full metro costs.

Higher incomes support higher housing costs

Dawson residents with $88,986 median household income manage $1,425 monthly rent and $1,265 homeowner costs reasonably well, though at 19% of gross income. The county's strong income base—highest among the peer set—is essential to sustaining these housing price points.

Dawson appeals to higher earners

If you earn above Georgia's median and want mountain scenery with modern amenities, Dawson's $351,900 median home value and strong job market justify the higher rent-to-income ratio. Compare Dawson to similar mountain communities in other states to see whether its growth trajectory and lifestyle offset housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dawson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dawson outearns most U.S. households

Dawson County's median household income of $88,986 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by nearly $14,200, ranking the county well above typical American earning power. This 19% advantage positions Dawson among the nation's stronger-performing counties economically.

Georgia's income champion in this group

Dawson's $88,986 median household income significantly exceeds Georgia's $60,488 state average by $28,498—nearly 47% higher. The county ranks among Georgia's most prosperous counties, driven by strong suburban growth and higher-income resident concentration.

Far ahead of surrounding counties

Dawson households earn $30,000 more annually than Dade County and nearly $39,000 more than Decatur County. This remarkable income gap reflects Dawson's distinct economic character as an affluent exurban community distinct from its neighbors.

Housing costs rise with wealth here

Despite high incomes, Dawson's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable, though median home values of $351,900 are substantially elevated. Higher-income households here typically spend more on premium housing while maintaining financial flexibility.

Dawson residents have wealth-building edge

With median incomes near $89,000, Dawson households can aggressively fund investment accounts, diversified portfolios, and real estate holdings. Tax-advantaged strategies like backdoor Roth conversions and 529 college savings plans become accessible wealth-multiplication tools.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dawson County

via CrimeByCounty

Dawson County is safer than the national average

Dawson County boasts a safety score of 98.2, outperforming the national safety profile. Its total crime rate of 1118.6 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong performance against state safety benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.2 sits above the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1118.6 per 100K remains lower than the state-wide average of 1412.9.

Analyzing safety in North Georgia

Dawson County maintains a competitive safety profile compared to its growing neighbors along the GA-400 corridor. Data from its single reporting agency shows a managed crime environment despite recent population growth.

Property crime drives local statistics

Property crime accounts for 899.3 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains lower at 219.3 per 100K. For residents, this means that theft is a more common concern than violent encounters.

Steps for Dawson County homeowners

Since property crime is the primary concern here, securing your home with smart locks and cameras is effective. These tools provide peace of mind in this relatively safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dawson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Infrastructure in Dawson County

Dawson County supports 3,906 students through a seven-school system managed by a single district. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and a junior high facility.

Exceptional Graduation and Investment Levels

Dawson County excels with a 96.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 88.1%. This performance follows an investment of $7,883 per pupil, which exceeds the Georgia average.

A Single District Serving Every Student

The Dawson County School District oversees the entire local enrollment across its seven traditional public schools. Dawson County High School is the district's flagship and largest campus, serving 773 students.

Rural Roots and Suburban Schools

Education here has a distinct rural and suburban feel, as five of the seven schools are located in rural areas. With an average school size of 558 students, the environment ranges from the bustling Junior High to smaller primary schools.

A Premier Destination for Academic Success

Given the exceptionally high graduation rates, Dawson County is a top destination for families focused on academic results. Searching for a home here places you in a district that consistently beats state performance benchmarks.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dawson County

via RiskByCounty

Dawson ranks among nation's safest counties

Dawson County scores just 21.88 on composite risk—placing it in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This makes Dawson one of Georgia's and the nation's least disaster-prone counties, though no location is risk-free.

Georgia's second-lowest risk county

Dawson's 21.88 score ranks it among Georgia's safest counties, significantly below the state average of 39.49. Only a handful of Georgia counties maintain lower composite risk than Dawson.

Safest in its region

Dawson's neighbors include Dade County (33.21, Very Low) and Forsyth County to the south, with Dawson maintaining the lowest risk in its immediate area. The county's high elevation and distance from major flood zones contribute to this favorable profile.

Tornadoes require most attention here

Tornado risk reaches 51.46 in Dawson, its highest hazard, though still moderate compared to other Georgia counties. Earthquake risk (50.86) and wildfire risk (33.46) follow, with flood and hurricane risks remaining minimal at 33.94 and 36.75 respectively.

Keep tornado coverage in your policy

Dawson homeowners should maintain standard homeowners insurance with wind and tornado coverage, and develop a family severe weather plan. The county's low overall risk means you can focus resources on tornado preparedness rather than multiple hazard mitigation strategies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Dawson County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Health Violations in Dawson Drinking Water

Dawson County earns a Grade A for its drinking water systems, reporting zero health violations over the past five years. This 0.0 violation rate stands in contrast to the Georgia average of 152.5 per 100,000 people. Local providers are successfully navigating federal safety requirements.

Watershed Impairment Near State Average

Approximately 46.2% of assessed water bodies in Dawson County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards as of the 2022 cycle. Out of 26 water bodies, 12 face impairments driven by fecal coliform, chlorophyll-a, and poor fish bioassessments. This rate sits just below the statewide average impairment of 48.4%.

Robust Monitoring with Thousands of Samples

Monitoring density is high in Dawson County, with 9 sites producing 3,426 measurements over the last five years. Scientists prioritize tracking nutrients, organics, and physical water properties. This active data collection ensures a clear picture of how runoff impacts local waterways.

Etowah River Running Significantly Low

The Etowah River gauge at Kelly Bridge Road shows a current discharge of 247 cfs. This represents only 37% of its long-term mean flow of 665 cfs. Such low levels indicate significant hydrological stress across the river's 277 square mile drainage area.

Watch Nutrient Levels and Conserve Resources

With chlorophyll-a listed as a top impairment, residents should limit fertilizer runoff that fuels algae growth. The current low flow in the Etowah River means contaminants can become more concentrated, making watershed protection vital. While tap water is safe, the health of recreational waters requires community vigilance.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Dawson County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Ground of Dawson

Taxonomic and pH data for Dawson County are currently unavailable in our records. The national median pH is 6.5, which serves as a baseline for local soil adjustments.

Texture and Workability

No specific sand, silt, or clay percentages are currently documented for this region. Observing how soil clumps when wet helps gardeners estimate their local mineral mix.

Fertility and Water Capacity

Benchmarks for organic matter and water retention are missing for Dawson County. Local extension offices offer testing to help you reach the state's 1.83% organic matter average.

Hydrology and Drainage Needs

Drainage classifications and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded for this county. Identifying your land's drainage patterns is the first step in successful landscape planning.

Thriving in Zone 8a

Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, Dawson County provides a favorable environment for many ornamentals. Start your garden today with camellias or blueberries that love this climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dawson County

via LawnByCounty

Dawson County's Northern Georgia Climate Edge

Dawson County gardeners operate in Hardiness Zone 8a, a region that typically faces fewer extreme heat days than southern Georgia. While specific local difficulty scores are unavailable, the county benefits from a cooler climate compared to the state lawn score of 35.8.

A Milder Environment for Cool-Season Grass

Specific local temperature and rainfall data is currently unavailable, but this region generally enjoys more temperate summers than the state average of 65 heat days. This allows for a more flexible mowing schedule and reduced irrigation needs in the peak of summer.

Establish a Solid Soil Baseline

With limited specific soil data for Dawson County, a professional soil test is your most valuable tool for lawn success. Most local soils require amendments to move toward the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range for optimal grass health.

Total County Area Under Severe Drought

The county has endured 12 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently in severe drought. Residents should prioritize water conservation by using mulching mowers to return moisture-rich clippings to the lawn.

Start Your Dawson County Lawn Today

Bermudagrass and Centipede grass thrive in Zone 8a and offer the best resilience against current drought trends. Plan your planting around the typical frost-free dates in this northern Georgia mountain region for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dawson County's county score?
Dawson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 56.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Dawson County rank among counties in Georgia?
Dawson County ranks #22 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Dawson County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Dawson County is $2,224, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Dawson County a tax score of 70.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dawson County?
The median household income in Dawson County, Georgia is $88,986 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dawson County earns an income score of 91.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dawson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Dawson County scores 56.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Dawson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Dawson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.