Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Dawson?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dawson, you need to earn at least $29,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $42,083, which means the typical resident is $13,003 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 1,070

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$509	$1,697	$20,360	$-21,723
1 Bedroom	$603	$2,010	$24,120	$-17,963
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$727	$2,423	$29,080	$-13,003
3 Bedroom	$887	$2,957	$35,480	$-6,603
4 Bedroom	$1,091	$3,637	$43,640	+$1,557

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Dawson's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$42,083

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$29,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$13,003

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 20.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Dawson

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Dawson's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,052

Studio

$509/mo

1 BR

$603/mo

2 BR

$727/mo

3 BR

$887/mo

4 BR

$1,091/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Dawson.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Dawson's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Dawson

Living in Dawson is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $13,003 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Dawson typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Dawson, a studio at $509/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $887/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $35,480.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $43,620 would position you well — though many residents in Dawson manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Dawson, Texas.

With a total population of 1,070, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 487 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $29,080 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

487

Active civilian employees in Dawson

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Dawson

What salary do I need to live in Dawson, Texas?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Dawson under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $29,080. The median household income in Dawson is $42,083.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Dawson on $42,083?

The affordability verdict for Dawson is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 20.7%, meaning median earners have a $13,003 surplus.

What is the average rent in Dawson compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Dawson is $603/month. With a median household income of $42,083, residents spend approximately 20.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Dawson?

A studio in Dawson rents for approximately $509/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $20,360 to afford this.

Is Dawson considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $13,003 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Dawson is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $29,080 to the local median household income.

How Dawson Compares

Other cities in Texas with salary requirements