countyscore
49.1
County Score
Property Tax 92.4Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.7

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.

Score breakdown

Tax92.4Cost83.7Safety20.6Health18.3Schools43.7Income1.4Risk29.2Water86Weather42.9
🏛92.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Davis County
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Nearby counties

Perry County
Alabama
67.4
Wilcox County
Alabama
58.3
Lowndes County
Alabama
55.6
Autauga County
Alabama
41.9
Marengo County
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48.3
Chilton County
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45.9
Hale County
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66.4
Bibb County
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49.2

Deep Dives

Dallas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Dallas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education Network in Historic Selma

Dallas County manages a large network of 23 public schools, serving a total of 5,075 students. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 11 elementary schools and six high schools split between two districts. This system ensures that both town and rural residents have nearby access to public education.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves a 90.5% graduation rate, surpassing the national average of 87.0% and nearly matching the state's 90.7%. Spending is prioritized at $6,783 per student, which is over $500 higher than the Alabama state average. This investment supports a composite school score of 53.3, indicating a strong commitment to student success.

A Dual-District System for City and County

Selma City (2,587 students) and Dallas County (2,488 students) share the responsibility of educating the region's youth. There are no charter schools, though Selma High School serves as a major secondary hub with 719 students. The two districts work in tandem to provide diverse educational pathways for all residents.

Small Schools in Diverse Settings

The county is evenly split with 12 rural schools and 11 town-based schools, primarily in the Selma area. Average school size is quite small at 254 students, ensuring personalized attention and a tight community feel on most campuses. Even the largest schools, like Selma High, remain manageable in size compared to national averages.

Building a Future in Dallas County

With per-pupil spending that leads many neighboring counties, Dallas County offers a well-resourced environment for families. Homes in Selma or the surrounding Valley Grande area offer proximity to high-performing elementary and secondary schools. Consider the value of small class sizes and a dedicated teaching force when looking at properties here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 49.1 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 #45 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 $413, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Dallas County a tax score of 92.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dallas County?
The median household income in Dallas County, Alabama is $36,810 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dallas County earns an income score of 1.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dallas County, Alabama a good place to live?
Dallas County scores 49.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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