CountyScore

Dallas County

Alabama · AL

#59 in Alabama
68.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Dallas County, Alabama

Dallas slightly below national median

Dallas County's composite score of 68.1 remains above the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 68th percentile nationally. While solid, the county ranks among this sample's lower performers on the national stage.

Lowest-ranked among Alabama peers

At 68.1, Dallas County ranks below Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it at the lower end of this sample's statewide standings. The county faces more livability headwinds than most of its state counterparts.

Affordability and low taxes remain

Despite challenges, Dallas County maintains a cost score of 86.9 with median rent of $749/month and home values of $97,400. A tax score of 90.3 (effective rate: 0.424%) keeps financial burdens reasonable.

Significant income and health gaps

Dallas County's income score of 7.4 reflects a median household income of just $36,810—the lowest in this sample and well below regional norms. Health outcomes (53.9) and a risk score of 29.2 indicate residents face real barriers to care and safety.

For those prioritizing affordability alone

Dallas County suits households and retirees with very limited budgets seeking minimal expenses in a rural Alabama setting. It's realistic for those accepting lower incomes and limited healthcare access in exchange for rock-bottom living costs.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax90.3Cost86.9SafetyComing SoonHealth53.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome7.4Risk29.2WaterComing Soon
🏛90.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤53.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dallas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calhoun County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $55,826
Houston County
Alabama
68.1
Median income: $57,531
Pope County
Arkansas
68.1
Median income: $54,606
Summit County
Colorado
68.1
Median income: $106,255
Sussex County
Delaware
68.1
Median income: $78,162

Deep Dives

Dallas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dallas County

via TaxByCounty

Dallas has one of nation's highest rates

At 0.424%, Dallas County's effective property tax rate is nearly 50% of the national average of 0.89%, ranking it around the 50th percentile nationally. The median annual tax of $413 remains less than 16% of the national median of $2,690.

Highest-taxed county in Alabama sample

Dallas County's 0.424% rate significantly exceeds Alabama's state average of 0.339%, making it the highest-taxed among the eight counties analyzed here. Its median tax of $413 is about 19% above the state median of $511.

Highest taxes in this regional group

Dallas County's 0.424% rate far exceeds the closest competitor, Colbert (0.374%), and is roughly 56% higher than the lowest-taxed county, Coosa (0.271%). This makes Dallas a notably steeper tax environment in the regional comparison.

What homeowners pay annually

A homeowner with Dallas County's median-valued property ($97,400) pays approximately $413 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, that can rise to around $568.

Consider an assessment appeal

Dallas County homeowners should scrutinize their property assessments closely, as even modest assessment errors compound over time with higher effective rates. Requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal is typically free and could yield meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dallas County

via CostByCounty

Dallas faces severe housing affordability crisis

Dallas County's 24.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in the nation—residents here spend nearly a quarter of income on rent alone. The median household income of just $36,810 against $749 monthly rent creates genuine hardship, with housing consuming far more of take-home than sustainable.

Dallas is Alabama's least affordable county

At 24.4%, Dallas's rent burden is the highest among all peer counties and far exceeds Alabama's 18.0% state average. This represents a 6+ percentage point gap, signaling that Dallas faces unique affordability challenges within the state.

Worst affordability in the region

Dallas's 24.4% rent burden towers over all adjacent counties; even relatively pricier Dale at 19.2% offers nearly 5 percentage points of relief. The combination of lowest incomes and modest-but-heavy rent creates a uniquely difficult housing situation.

Income crisis drives housing crisis

At $36,810 annual income—the group's lowest—Dallas households pay $749 monthly rent, consuming 24.4% before utilities, food, or other essentials. Homeownership at $531 monthly and $97,400 median value offers modest relief but requires down payment resources many lack.

Dallas demands careful consideration

Dallas County presents serious affordability risks for renters—the 24.4% rent burden is unsustainable for most households and ranks worst in the state. Only consider moving here if securing stable employment at significantly higher wages, or explore the $97,400 homeownership option if you have down payment capacity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dallas County

via IncomeByCounty

Dallas County faces severe national income gap

Dallas County's median household income of $36,810 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $37,945, representing one of the widest income gaps among American counties. The county also falls far below Alabama's state average of $54,196, signaling significant economic hardship.

Dallas County ranks lowest in Alabama

Dallas County ranks at or near the very bottom of Alabama's 67 counties for median household income at $36,810. The county trails state average by $17,386, reflecting deep economic challenges rooted in limited employment and industrial decline.

Dallas struggles far below neighboring counties

Dallas County's $36,810 median household income significantly underperforms all neighboring central Alabama counties, many of which earn $10,000–$20,000 more per household. Its per capita income of $24,368 ranks among the lowest regionally, indicating severe wage and employment barriers.

Housing costs create severe affordability crisis

Dallas County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% approaches the affordability crisis threshold, leaving many renters with barely 75¢ of every dollar for non-housing expenses. The median home value of $97,400 remains challenging even at these depressed income levels, limiting homeownership access.

Accessing community resources and support services

Dallas County residents facing economic stress should connect with nonprofit organizations, food banks, and government assistance programs designed to stabilize household finances. Building even modest savings through earned income tax credits or matched savings accounts helps families weather emergencies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dallas County

via HealthByCounty

Dallas Faces Severe Health Challenges

Dallas County's 67.7-year life expectancy is among the lowest in the nation, trailing the U.S. average of 72.6 years by nearly 5 years—a crisis-level gap. The county's 28.1% poor/fair health rate is the highest nationally, far exceeding the U.S. average of 21.8%, indicating severe, widespread health struggles. Dallas represents a public health emergency with mortality and morbidity rates far worse than American norms.

Dallas Ranks as Alabama's Unhealthiest County

Dallas County's 67.7-year life expectancy is the lowest in Alabama, trailing even the state's struggling 72.1-year average by 4.4 years. The county's 28.1% poor/fair health rate is the state's worst, indicating a county in profound health crisis. Dallas faces health challenges that dwarf those of any other Alabama county and demand immediate intervention.

Dallas Dramatically Lags All Regional Peers

Dallas's 67.7-year life expectancy is a devastating 5.3 years behind neighboring Crenshaw County (70.4 years), the next-worst performer in the region. The county's 28.1% poor/fair health rate far exceeds all neighbors, signaling health challenges of a different magnitude entirely. Dallas stands alone in the severity of its health crisis, isolated from even the region's most vulnerable counties.

Good Provider Access Cannot Overcome Crisis

Despite having 72 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 77 mental health providers per 100,000—the strongest provider access in the region—Dallas faces the worst health outcomes. This suggests that provider availability alone cannot address Dallas's health catastrophe, pointing to deeper issues of poverty, social determinants, and possibly treatment access or engagement. The mismatch between provider supply and health outcomes indicates systemic failures beyond basic healthcare infrastructure.

Healthcare Access Is Life-or-Death in Dallas

With 9.7% of Dallas residents uninsured despite the county's severe health crisis, every person without coverage faces elevated risk. Visit the Alabama Health Insurance Marketplace immediately to secure coverage—in Dallas, healthcare access is literally a matter of survival. Taking action now could add years to your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dallas County

via RiskByCounty

Dallas Faces Moderately Elevated Risk

Dallas County scores 70.77 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating while exceeding the national average. This position reflects meaningful exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes across the county.

Above-Average Risk Statewide

Dallas's 70.77 score sits about 9 points above Alabama's 61.54 state average, placing it in the upper-moderate range statewide. The gap indicates residents experience greater multi-hazard exposure than the typical Alabama county.

More Exposed Than Most Regional Peers

Dallas (70.77) faces higher composite risk than Colbert (80.66) to the north and Dale (67.75) to the south, though all three share significant tornado exposure. Compared to southern Alabama counties like Crenshaw (34.38), Dallas occupies a distinctly higher-risk position.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Lead Hazards

Tornado risk scores 83.27 while earthquakes rank second at 81.11, reflecting Dallas's location in a seismically active region with strong rotational storm exposure. Floods (75.19) and hurricanes (77.10) compound vulnerability throughout the year.

Earthquake and Tornado Insurance Essential

The 81.11 earthquake and 83.27 tornado scores demand comprehensive coverage; add earthquake insurance immediately, as standard policies exclude it entirely. Ensure wind damage protection in your homeowners policy and review flood coverage if you're in any mapped flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.