Dawson ZIP Codes — De Kalb County, AL

There is one unique ZIP code in Dawson, Alabama and it is 35963. Area code: 256.

ZIP codes

28.89

sq mi land

0.02

sq mi water

256

area code

Dawson, AL ZIP code map

About Dawson, AL

Dawson is a small but vibrant city located in De Kalb County, Alabama. Known for its tight-knit community and serene atmosphere, Dawson offers a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. With its charming landscapes and friendly faces, this city provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of larger urban areas.

Location & geography

Dawson is situated in the northeastern region of Alabama, approximately 10 miles from the city of Fort Payne and about 20 miles from Gadsden. The city is characterized by a predominantly rural terrain, with a land area of 28.89 square miles and a minimal water area of 0.02 square miles. Neighboring cities such as Rainsville and Collinsville add to the community's charm and accessibility.

Community & economy

The character of Dawson is reflected in its friendly residents and active local organizations, fostering a sense of community spirit. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture and small businesses, contributing to the local culture and lifestyle. Daily life in Dawson is marked by community events and gatherings that strengthen bonds among residents.

Transportation

Dawson is easily accessible via local highways, with U.S. Route 11 running nearby, linking it to larger urban centers. The nearest named airport is the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport in Gadsden, providing air travel options for residents and visitors. Public transportation options may be limited, so personal vehicles are the most common means of transport.

History

Dawson was founded in the late 19th century, becoming a crucial hub for agriculture and trade in De Kalb County. This community has seen significant growth thanks to its agricultural roots and the development of local industries over the years. Notable events in the city's history include annual fairs and celebrations that showcase its rich heritage.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Dawson is that it offers picturesque views of the surrounding Appalachian foothills, making it an attractive spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the city is known for its historical significance in the region's agricultural development.

ZIP codes for Dawson, AL (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
35963	Dawson	De Kalb	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,608

Population

41.8

Median age

$66,288

Median household income

$26,473

Per capita income

$129,500

Median home value

$563

Median monthly rent

72.7%

Home ownership

19.3%

Poverty rate

0.0%

Unemployment

491

Housing units

8.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

10–14

15–19

20–24

102

25–34

143

101

35–44

142

45–54

120

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	268	16.7%
18 and over	1,340	83.3%
65 and over	289	18.0%
Median age	41.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 86.6%

Two or more races 11.2%

Hispanic or Latino 1.9%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	1,420	86.6%
Two or more races	183	11.2%
Hispanic or Latino	31	1.9%
American Indian / Alaska Native	5	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 3.2%

$10k–$15k 12.1%

$15k–$25k 12.6%

$25k–$35k 6.5%

$35k–$50k 7.4%

$50k–$75k 18.6%

$75k–$100k 20.8%

$100k–$150k 7.5%

$150k–$200k 11.4%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.2%
$10k–$15k	12.1%
$15k–$25k	12.6%
$25k–$35k	6.5%
$35k–$50k	7.4%
$50k–$75k	18.6%
$75k–$100k	20.8%
$100k–$150k	7.5%
$150k–$200k	11.4%
Median income	$66,288

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.5%

$50k–$100k 35.7%

$100k–$150k 18.3%

$150k–$200k 1.9%

$200k–$300k 31.6%

$300k–$500k 6.0%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$129,500
Median rent / month	$563
Owner occupied	72.7%
Renter occupied	27.3%
Vacant	11.7%
Single-family detached	70.0%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	29.2%
Median rooms	5.5
Avg household size (owned)	2.87

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	7.6%
2010–2019	18.2%
2000–2009	15.0%
1990–1999	4.8%
1980–1989	13.3%
1970–1979	15.6%
1960–1969	7.0%
1950–1959	1.2%
1940–1949	2.0%
1939 or earlier	15.3%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	0.0%
2 bedrooms	27.0%
3 bedrooms	57.2%
4 bedrooms	15.8%
5+ bedrooms	0.0%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	7.5%
1 vehicle	16.1%
2 vehicles	32.6%
3 or more	43.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	10.2%
Electricity	70.8%
Propane / LP gas	16.1%
Wood	3.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	307	53.8%
Cohabiting couple	65	11.4%
Male householder, no spouse	95	16.6%
Female householder, no spouse	104	18.2%
Households with children under 18	150	26.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	200	35.0%
Average household size	2.82

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	29.1%	32.4%
Married	58.1%	43.4%
Separated	2.7%	3.8%
Widowed	4.7%	13.2%
Divorced	5.4%	7.2%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.1%

Some HS, no diploma 12.7%

HS graduate 35.0%

Some college, no degree 25.3%

Associate's degree 15.9%

Bachelor's degree 5.6%

Graduate / professional 2.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	84.2%
Bachelor's or higher	8.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	4	1.5%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	59	21.5%
High school	89	32.4%
College / grad school	123	44.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 16.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 15.5%

Transportation & utilities 15.0%

Finance & real estate 10.9%

Other services 10.0%

Manufacturing 7.0%

Retail trade 7.0%

Wholesale trade 6.0%

Agriculture & mining 4.1%

Construction 2.9%

Information 2.9%

Professional & management 2.8%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	25.8%
Service	18.4%
Sales & office	22.7%
Natural resources & construction	15.0%
Production & transportation	18.2%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	84.5%
Government	11.8%
Self-employed	3.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	77.7%
Carpool	22.3%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.0%
Other means	0.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	22.1

Poverty

All people 19.3%

Under 18 years 53.0%

18 and over 12.5%

Married-couple families 1.6%

Female-led households 38.5%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	35.0%
Retirement income	17.0%
Supplemental Security	6.0%
Cash public assistance	1.9%
Food stamps / SNAP	16.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	42.6%
High cholesterol	37.3%
Heart disease	8.9%
Stroke	4.4%
Asthma	10.7%
Arthritis	35.5%
Kidney disease	3.7%
Pulmonary disease	12.3%
Cancer	6.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.5%
No physical activity	32.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	37.1%
Fair or poor health	24.8%
Poor mental health	18.5%
Poor physical health	15.6%
No health insurance	19.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	71.6%
Visited dentist	51.8%
Cholesterol screening	88.1%
Teeth loss	23.2%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	112	8.4%

Disability	%
Any disability	29.5%
Under 18	5.6%
18–64 years	29.9%
65 and over	50.5%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	62.7%
Public insurance	40.5%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,488	92.5%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,608	100.0%
Born in same state	1,608	100.0%
Born in different state	1,197	74.4%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	0	0.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	233	14.5%
Arab	184	11.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	26	1.6%
French	25	1.6%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	35.5%
Internet access	81.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Dawson, AL have?

Dawson, AL has one ZIP code: 35963. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.