Dawson County
GA · Pop. 28,704 · Mixed County
Dawson County sits in Georgia across 211 square miles, home to 28,704 people at 136 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. A median home price of $352,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.63% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.9°F and average winter lows of 28°F. Annual rainfall averages 61.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin is 12.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.4% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 189-day growing season in USDA zone 8a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.63% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.7% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 61.4 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
- A low poverty rate of 9.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- A median home price of $352,000 raises the cost of entry relative to more affordable rural markets.
- The nearest hospital, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin, is 12.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Dawson County, GA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 43/100
- Median home price
- $352k
- Property tax
- 0.63%
- Growing season
- 189 days (zone 8a)
- Annual rainfall
- 61.4"
- Broadband
- 87.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin, 12.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Dawson County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Dawson County?
- Dawson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.9°F, and average winter lows of 28°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $352,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.63%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin is 12.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Georgia Resources
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More counties in Georgia
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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