Dobson City Demographics

Dobson, Surry County, NC, has a population of approximately 1,462 (2020 Census). The population is about 49% male and 51% female. The median age is roughly 37. Racially, Dobson is 56% White, 6% Black or African American, and 37% Hispanic or Latino. Other racial groups make up about 1%. The community features a mix of family households and individuals, with children under 18 comprising around 26% of residents, and those 65 or older about 18%.

Dobson City Housing

Dobson, Surry County, NC, has a median home value of around $150,000, with homeownership at approximately 65% and rental occupancy about 35%. Property values have increased roughly 8% year-over-year as of 2023. Housing types include single-family homes, some apartments, and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include central Dobson and areas near South Main Street. Property taxes average 0.76% of assessed value, equating to about $1,140 annually for a median-priced home. The rental market offers average monthly rents of $800–$1,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties.

Education in Dobson City

Dobson, Surry County, NC, is served by Surry County Schools, notably Surry Central High School, which enrolls approximately 900 students and has a graduation rate of around 87%. The town has 1 high school and a community college, Surry Community College, where over 3,000 students pursue certificates, associate, and some bachelor’s partnership programs. School safety is rated average, with few major incidents reported annually. Around 14% of Dobson adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The schools offer career-technical education and dual enrollment, supporting student advancement and adult education opportunities in the region.

Transportation in Dobson City

Transportation in Dobson, Surry County, NC, is dominated by private vehicles, with approximately 90% of residents commuting by car and a vehicle ownership rate of about 96%. Public transit options are very limited, with less than 1% using public transportation for commuting. The average one-way commute time is around 21 minutes, notably below the national average. Major employment hubs are local government, educational services (notably Surry Community College), and agriculture-related businesses. Infrastructure consists mainly of highways such as NC-601 and US-601, with few pedestrian or cycling amenities available within the city.

Dobson City Healthcare

Dobson, the county seat of Surry County, NC, primarily relies on the Northern Regional Hospital in nearby Mount Airy for inpatient care, as Dobson has no major hospitals. The town is served by several local clinics, including Surry Medical Ministries and a regional health department clinic. About 14% of Surry County residents are uninsured, while 19% are on Medicaid (2022). The population is largely White (76%) and Hispanic/Latino (23%). Common health issues include diabetes, heart disease, and substance misuse. There are approximately 1.7 primary care physicians per 10,000 residents in the county.

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