countyscore
50
County Score
Property Tax 92.2Cost of Living 88.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Dallas County, Alabama

Dallas County below national livability median

Dallas County's composite score of 49.1 falls short of the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 49th percentile nationally. The county faces modest livability headwinds compared to typical American counties.

Below Alabama average, lower-third tier

Dallas's 49.1 score trails Alabama's state average of 52.9 by 3.8 points, ranking it in the lower third of Alabama's 67 counties. Significant improvement would be needed to reach state average performance.

Housing affordability and water quality impress

Dallas County offers strong cost competitiveness with a score of 83.7 and outstanding water quality at 86.0. Housing proves extremely affordable at just $749/month rent and $97,400 median home value—among the lowest in the nation.

Severe income and health deficits constrain opportunity

Dallas faces a critical income crisis with an income score of just 1.4 and median household income of only $36,810—lowest in this entire group. Health (18.3) and school (43.7) scores lag substantially, limiting family advancement.

Only suitable for those with independent means

Dallas County suits only those with secure income sources outside the local job market—retirees, remote workers, or those on fixed benefits. For job seekers or families dependent on local wages, the limited economic opportunity and health infrastructure make this county impractical.

2040608010092.288.520.618.343.7129.28642.9Tax92.2Cost88.5Safety20.6Health18.3Schools43.7Income1Risk29.2Water86Weather42.950/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Dallas County DNA

Foverall

How Dallas County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Dallas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.5/100) but notably weak in Income (1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.2+40.2
Cost
88.5+40.5
Safety
20.6-34.4
Health
18.3-31.7
Schools
43.7-10.299999999999997
Income
1-50
Risk
29.2-17.8
Water
86+28
Weather
42.9-13.100000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Dallas County

Whether buying or refinancing in Dallas County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$94,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$733/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$94,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $35,627/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,619
50
Randolph County
Georgia
Median income: $28,380
50
Wilson County
Kansas
Median income: $60,677
50
Lincoln Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $39,172
50
Allegany County
Maryland
Median income: $59,603
50
Frederick County
Maryland
Median income: $122,002
50
Missaukee County
Michigan
Median income: $66,194
50
Otsego County
Michigan
Median income: $68,183
50

Nearby counties

Perry County
Alabama
68.2
Wilcox County
Alabama
57.7
Lowndes County
Alabama
56.1
Autauga County
Alabama
41.7
Marengo County
Alabama
48.3
Chilton County
Alabama
46.2
Hale County
Alabama
66.7
Bibb County
Alabama
51.2

Deep Dives

Dallas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Dallas County

via CrimeByCounty

Dallas County Matches National Crime Trends

Dallas County reports a total crime rate of 2,061.3 per 100,000 residents, staying slightly below the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a safety score of 96.7.

Evaluating Safety Against Alabama Norms

The county's safety score of 96.7 is just under the state average of 97.3. While total crime is lower than the national average, the violent crime rate of 532.3 exceeds the state average of 312.6.

Security Realities in the Black Belt

Dallas County experiences higher violent crime rates than many of its immediate neighbors. However, its property crime rate of 1,529.0 remains more favorable than the national average of 2,015.7.

Violent Crime Concerns in Dallas County

Violent crime represents a significant portion of local activity at 532.3 per 100,000, which is higher than the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is more common, totaling 1,529.0 incidents per 100,000 people.

Enhancing Safety for Dallas County Homes

With violent crime rates exceeding the state average, prioritizing personal and home safety is key. Use high-quality lighting and secure fencing to create a more protected environment for your household.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dallas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Central Alabama Climate

Dallas County averages 64.6°F annually, placing it comfortably above the national median temperature. It experiences the classic humid subtropical weather typical of the American South.

Typical of the Alabama Interior

The county's 64.6°F average is slightly warmer than the state average of 63.2°F. It bridges the gap between the cooler northern hills and the hot southern plains.

Warmer Than Its Northern Neighbors

Dallas is over two degrees warmer than Coosa County, which sits at 62.5°F. However, it remains cooler than the extreme heat found in Dale County at 67.8°F.

Seventy-Five Days of Extreme Heat

Summer temperatures average 80.4°F with 75 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are mild at 48.3°F, and snowfall is rare, averaging just 0.3 inches per year.

Prepare for Long Summer Seasons

With 75 extreme heat days, residents need reliable cooling and attic insulation. The 54.5 inches of annual rainfall also necessitates regular maintenance of home drainage systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dallas County

via SoilByCounty

Dallas County's River-Valley Acidity

Dallas County's soil has an average pH of 5.33, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.21. However, it still falls well below the national 6.5 median, suggesting a need for lime in many agricultural applications.

A Balanced Blend of Soil Textures

The soil mix features 54.7% sand, 25.3% silt, and 16.6% clay. This composition offers better nutrient retention than sandier neighboring counties while still providing enough drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Strong Water Capacity for Crops

The available water capacity is 0.133 in/in, which is very close to the Alabama state average of 0.138. While organic matter is 1.48%, below the state average, the soil's structure provides a solid foundation for plant health.

Water Management in the Black Belt

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the mix of silt and clay indicates moderate drainage qualities. This makes the county versatile for both row crops and pasture land, provided water is managed during wet seasons.

Prime Growing in Zone 8b

Dallas County resides in Hardiness Zone 8b, allowing for a long growing season of southern staples like collards and pecans. With a Soil Score of 20.1, your land is well-positioned for a successful and productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dallas County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Stress in Dallas County

Dallas County scores a 23.1 for lawn difficulty, reflecting the challenges of gardening in Zone 8b. It is more difficult than the Alabama average of 29.5, largely due to soil characteristics and prolonged dry periods.

Hot Summers and Ample Rainfall

Residents face 75 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 64. While 54.5 inches of rain falls each year, the 5,902 growing degree days mean that water is consumed quickly by active turf.

Managing Sandy and Acidic Soils

The soil here is acidic with a pH of 5.33 and contains 54.7% sand. You will need to apply lime to bring the pH closer to the 6.0-7.0 range and add compost to help the soil retain moisture during the hot July months.

High Frequency of Drought Weeks

Dallas County experienced a staggering 31 weeks of drought over the past year. While only Abnormally Dry currently, the frequency of drought means you should invest in drought-tolerant species like Bermuda grass.

Spring Planting in Central Alabama

Establish your lawn after the last frost on March 21 to take full advantage of the long growing season. Ensure your grass is well-rooted before the first fall frost arrives on November 09.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dallas County's county score?
Dallas County, Alabama has a composite county score of 50 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Dallas County rank among counties in Alabama?
Dallas County ranks #42 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Dallas County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Dallas County is $392, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Dallas County a tax score of 92.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dallas County?
The median household income in Dallas County, Alabama is $35,627 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dallas County earns an income score of 1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dallas County, Alabama a good place to live?
Dallas County scores 50/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Dallas County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Dallas County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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