TexasPop. 1,307,930Large cities
Is Dallas a Good Place to Live? Dallas, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Dallas ranks #958 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 37 large cities and #54 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (4%, #10 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Dallas by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Dallas's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Dallas?
Dallas's cost of living index is 103.1, 3% above the US level of 100 and #842 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,472/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,765, 2% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Dallas | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 103.1#842 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $305,765#394 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,591/mo#413 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $320,700#589 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,472/mo#702 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 25%#1004 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Dallas housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Dallas is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Dallas safe?
Dallas recorded 577 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% above the US rate of 328 and 67% above Texas's 345. That ranks #899 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dallas Police Department. Property crime runs 3,077 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Dallas | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 577#899 of 1,085 | 345 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,077#964 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Dallas?
The median household in Dallas earns $70,518, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Dallas | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $70,518#804 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 16.7%#961 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Dallas?
The median resident of Dallas is 33.4 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Dallas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 33.4 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 38.2%#515 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 42.4% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Dallas's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Dallas; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,751 per pupil. 36.8% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Dallas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $13,751#734 of 1,188 | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 36.8%#929 of 1,311 | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 22.7%#1246 of 1,311 | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 192,181 students are enrolled in Dallas's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Dallas?
The average commute in Dallas is 25.7 minutes (Texas 27.5); 2.1% of workers take transit and 15.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Dallas scores 12.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 86°F and winters 49.8°F, with 38.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Dallas | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 25.7 min#828 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 6.6%#788 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 66.6% | 71.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.1% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.1% | 1.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 15.8% | 12.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.6#393 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.7 | 37.9 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 62 | 41.9 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 69.9 | 49.4 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 77.4 | 56.8 | 3.2 |
| May | 84.9 | 66 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 92.7 | 73.8 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 96.9 | 77.7 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 97.1 | 77.4 | 2.2 |
| Sep | 90 | 70.1 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 79.5 | 58.7 | 4.8 |
| Nov | 67.8 | 47.8 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 59.2 | 39.8 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dallas Faa Airport.
| Measure | Dallas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 68°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 86°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 49.8°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 38.3 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dallas Faa Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Dallas?
Dallas County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | Dallas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#567 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dallas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dallas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 86% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Dallas compare with similar-size cities?
Dallas is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #22 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 1,307,930.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TXPop. 1,307,930 | #958 | 50.7 | $70,518 | $1,472/mo | 577 | 25.7 min |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #924 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 | 25.6 min |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #1102 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 | 31.7 min |
| San Diego, CAPop. 1,389,526 | #567 | 57.0 | $108,077 | $2,313/mo | 374 | 23.5 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Dallas compare with the rest of Texas?
Dallas ranks #54 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 12% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | … #50 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 |
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #51 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #52 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #53 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 |
| Dallas, TXPop. 1,307,930 | #54 | 50.7 | $70,518 | $1,472/mo | 577 |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #55 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 |
| Victoria, TXPop. 65,625 | #56 | 50.5 | $67,226 | $1,172/mo | 364 |
| Laredo, TXPop. 257,619 | #57 | 50.3 | $63,915 | $1,030/mo | 316 |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #58 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Dallas among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Dallas's score calculated?
Dallas scores 50.7 out of 100, #958 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Dallas. Similar-size median 50.4.
50.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Dallas's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
48.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Dallas. Similar-size median 52.4.
47.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Dallas's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.5.
52.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Dallas's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
64.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Dallas. Similar-size median 43.4.
40.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Dallas. Similar-size median 40.4.
40.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Dallas. Similar-size median 56.6.
53.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Dallas's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
61.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
45.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Dallas's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Dallas has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Dallas
Is Dallas, TX a good place to live?
Dallas ranks #958 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #22 of 37 large cities and #54 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (4%, #10 of 37), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Dallas?
Dallas's cost of living index is 103.1, 3% above the US level of 100 and #842 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,472/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,765, 2% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Dallas?
Dallas recorded 577 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% above the US rate of 328 and 67% above Texas's 345. That ranks #899 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #14 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Dallas Police Department. Property crime runs 3,077 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Dallas?
The median household in Dallas earns $70,518, 15% below the US figure of $83,163 and 12% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Dallas?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,472/mo (Census), #702 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,591/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Dallas?
The typical home value in Dallas is $305,765, down 1.7% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $320,700.
How are the public schools in Dallas?
There is no city graduation rate for Dallas; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,751 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Dallas?
The average commute is 25.7 minutes, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 6.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Dallas?
Dallas averages 68°F over the year, 86°F in summer and 49.8°F in winter, with 38.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Dallas walkable?
Dallas scores 12.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #393 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Dallas at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Dallas?
Dallas County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Dallas?
Dallas has 1,307,930 residents. The median resident of Dallas is 33.4 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 38.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #515 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Dallas compare with the rest of Texas?
Dallas ranks #54 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 12% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 67% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Dallas?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Dallas's population of 1,307,930 are Phoenix, AZ (#924 overall), Philadelphia, PA (#1102 overall), San Diego, CA (#567 overall), Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), and Columbus, OH (#726 overall). Dallas is #958.