CountyScore

Dallas County

Iowa · IA

#90 in Iowa
64.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Dallas County, Iowa

Dallas County Outpaces National Average

With a composite score of 64.5, Dallas County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 65th percentile nationwide. This means Dallas County offers livability conditions better than roughly two-thirds of U.S. counties, reflecting solid fundamentals across multiple dimensions.

Slightly Below Iowa's Strong Performance

Dallas County scores 64.5 versus Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it in the middle tier of Iowa's county rankings. While not at the top, Dallas remains a reliable choice within a state known for good livability.

Health Outcomes Lead the Way

Dallas County excels with a health score of 86.4, significantly stronger than its overall composite. Its median household income of $102,349 also stands out as the highest among these eight counties, supporting solid financial capacity.

Income Growth and Risk Management Lag

The income score of 50.2 and risk score of 39.4 represent Dallas County's weakest dimensions, suggesting limited upward income mobility and elevated exposure to economic or environmental volatility. Housing costs at a median of $333,400 also place Dallas at the premium end, reducing affordability for budget-conscious buyers.

For Health-Focused, Higher-Income Families

Dallas County suits professionals and established families prioritizing strong health and social infrastructure over cutting-edge income growth or low-cost living. It's a stable, above-average choice for those with solid earnings and a preference for quality-of-life amenities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.4Cost60.3SafetyComing SoonHealth86.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome50.2Risk39.4WaterComing Soon
🏛61.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤86.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡39.4
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

Gila County
Arizona
64.5
Median income: $59,089
Washington County
Arkansas
64.5
Median income: $66,426
Del Norte County
California
64.5
Median income: $66,780
Elkhart County
Indiana
64.5
Median income: $65,617
Caddo Parish
Louisiana
64.5
Median income: $50,067

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 County taxes run high nationally

At 1.454%, Dallas County's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.1% by roughly a third, putting it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $4,849 annually, well above the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher local tax burdens and the county's above-average home values.

Ranking among Iowa counties

Dallas County's 1.454% effective rate sits above Iowa's state average of 1.344%, placing it in the higher-tax bracket within the state. The county's median tax bill of $4,849 significantly exceeds the statewide median of $2,160, a direct result of elevated property values and local rate structures.

How Dallas compares regionally

Among nearby central Iowa counties, Dallas County's tax burden ranks notably higher—its 1.454% rate outpaces Delaware County (1.343%) and Dubuque County (1.260%), though it's comparable to Des Moines County (1.531%). The county's higher median home value of $333,400 also contributes to substantially larger tax bills than most regional peers.

Your annual Dallas County tax bill

On a median home valued at $333,400, Dallas County homeowners pay approximately $4,849 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, escrow typically includes $5,168 annually; those without pay around $4,016.

Your tax bill may be too high

Many Dallas County homeowners are overassessed relative to current market values, especially as property markets shift. If your tax assessment hasn't been challenged in recent years, a professional review or formal appeal could uncover significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dallas County

via CostByCounty

Dallas County rents climb above national norm

At 14.5%, Dallas County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national average of 14%, meaning renters here dedicate a somewhat larger share of earnings to housing. The median household income of $102,349 is 37% higher than the national median of $74,755, but rental costs at $1,239 monthly reflect the county's growing prosperity and appeal.

Most expensive rents in Iowa

Dallas County's median rent of $1,239 significantly outpaces Iowa's state average of $812—a 53% premium that makes it the priciest rental market in the state. Its rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% exceeds Iowa's 14.1% average, placing the county among the least affordable for renters despite above-average incomes.

Dallas pulls ahead of neighboring counties

Compared to Dickinson County ($930/month) and Dubuque County ($944/month) to the north, Dallas County renters pay roughly $300 more monthly. Even compared to Des Moines County ($908/month), Dallas rents are 36% higher, reflecting the county's economic strength centered around the Des Moines metro area.

Where Dallas incomes go

Renters in Dallas County spend $1,239 monthly while homeowners face $1,672 in mortgage costs; together, these represent 14.5% and 16.4% of median household income respectively. The median home value of $333,400 is among the highest statewide, positioning Dallas as Iowa's most expensive housing market overall.

Coming to Dallas County? Know the costs

If relocating to Dallas, expect to pay premium prices: rents run $400+ above the state average and homes cost $190,000 more than the state norm. The strong local income base ($102,349 median) can offset these costs, but housing affordability here is tighter than it appears statewide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dallas County

via IncomeByCounty

Dallas County outpaces national income

Dallas County's median household income of $102,349 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755—a 37% premium that ranks this county in the top tier nationally. This strong performance reflects a robust local economy that pulls ahead of most American communities.

Iowa's highest-earning county

At $102,349, Dallas County leads all Iowa counties by a substantial margin, earning 47% more than the state average of $69,830. This position underscores the county's economic strength and appeal as a prosperity hub within Iowa.

Clear income advantage over neighbors

Dallas County's $102,349 median income substantially outpaces nearby Davis County ($79,505) and Dickinson County ($74,570). The $22,844 income gap with Davis County demonstrates Dallas's concentrated economic advantage in the region.

Housing easily fits the budget

With a rent-to-income ratio of 14.5%, Dallas County residents spend well below the 30% affordability threshold, leaving substantial room for savings and discretionary spending. The median home value of $333,400 is achievable for households earning this county's strong incomes.

Build wealth with strong income base

Dallas County's exceptional income provides a foundation for retirement planning and investment portfolios that can weather economic downturns. Consider directing the income surplus beyond housing toward long-term wealth-building vehicles like 529 college savings plans or tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dallas County

via HealthByCounty

Dallas County lives longer than most

With a life expectancy of 81.9 years, Dallas County residents live substantially longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a difference of 5.5 years. Just 10.9% of Dallas County residents report being in poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18%, signaling strong overall health outcomes.

Among Iowa's healthiest counties

Dallas County's 81.9-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, ranking it among the state's top performers. The county's low poor/fair health rate of 10.9% further demonstrates that Dallas residents enjoy above-average health compared to most Iowans.

Outpacing neighboring counties

Dallas County's life expectancy of 81.9 years substantially exceeds nearby Delaware County (79.3 years) and Dubuque County (78.7 years). The county also boasts robust access to providers, with 42 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents and 41 mental health providers per 100,000—competitive with stronger rural healthcare systems.

Excellent insurance coverage, strong access

Just 3.8% of Dallas County residents lack health insurance, well below both the state average of 5.7% and the national average of 10.9%, ensuring most residents can access preventive care. With 42 primary care and 41 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county maintains solid healthcare infrastructure for a rural community.

Keep Dallas County healthy and covered

Dallas County's strong insurance rate shows what's possible when coverage is accessible. If you're among the 3.8% without insurance, explore options through Healthcare.gov or the Iowa Department of Human Services—maintaining coverage protects your health and family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dallas County

via RiskByCounty

Dallas County's Risk Above National Average

Dallas County scores 60.59 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category but notably higher than Iowa's state average of 39.68. This elevation reflects concentrated tornado exposure and moderate flood risk that outpace much of the Midwest. Understanding your local hazards is the first step toward effective preparation.

Middle of the Pack in Iowa Risk Rankings

Among Iowa's 99 counties, Dallas County ranks in the upper-middle tier for overall disaster risk, driven primarily by its 84.70 tornado risk score—one of the state's highest. While flood and wildfire risks remain moderate, the tornado threat distinguishes Dallas as a county where severe weather preparedness matters most. This positioning reflects Dallas's geography and history with spring and summer storm activity.

Higher Risk Than Surrounding Counties

Dallas County's 60.59 composite score exceeds neighboring Polk, Madison, and Warren counties, primarily due to elevated tornado exposure. Decatur County to the south scores significantly lower at 23.60, representing Iowa's lowest-risk profile. Dallas residents face notably steeper natural disaster risks than their immediate neighbors across most hazard types.

Tornadoes and Flooding Lead Your Threats

Tornado risk dominates Dallas County at 84.70—a level that warrants a reliable weather alert system and a designated safe room in your home. Flood risk scores 60.43, reflecting the county's drainage patterns and proximity to Des Moines River tributaries, making flood insurance essential for properties in low-lying areas. Wildfire risk at 40.65 remains manageable but worth monitoring during drought conditions.

Prepare for Tornadoes and Floods Now

Given Dallas County's extreme tornado exposure, ensure your homeowner's policy covers storm damage and consider installing a safe room or basement shelter. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is critical if you're in a flood-prone zone—standard homeowner's policies exclude flood damage. Review your coverage annually and sign up for local emergency alerts through your county emergency management office.

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.