countyscore
42
County Score
Health 98.8Income & Jobs 96Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Dallas County, Iowa

Falling Below the National Median

Dallas County earns a composite score of 42.0, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. While it boasts high wealth, low affordability and safety scores drag down its overall ranking compared to thousands of counties nationwide.

Trailing the Iowa State Average

The county's overall score of 42.0 lags behind the Iowa state average of 55.6. Despite being one of the fastest-growing regions, its high costs and safety concerns create a gap between it and its state peers.

A Powerhouse for Health and Wealth

Dallas County excels in Health and Income, posting elite scores of 98.8 and 96.0 respectively. With a median household income of $102,349, residents enjoy a level of financial prosperity and medical access that few other counties can match.

Affordability and Safety Gaps

A low Cost Score of 9.7 reflects a challenging housing market where median home values reach $333,400. Additionally, a Safety Score of 12.4 suggests that infrastructure or crime metrics have room for significant improvement to match the county's wealth.

The Choice for High-Earning Professionals

This county is best suited for high-income families who prioritize top-tier healthcare and schools over low taxes or cheap housing. It offers a premium lifestyle for those who can navigate its high cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax15.1Cost9.7Safety12.4Health98.8Schools67.6Income96Risk39.4Water86Weather47.4
🏛15.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼96
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤98.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱84.3
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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Nearby counties

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Iowa
58.6
Guthrie County
Iowa
60.2
Polk County
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36.6
Boone County
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Greene County
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Adair County
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Warren County
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Story County
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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 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

Safety in Dallas County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Profile Above National Average

Dallas County maintains a solid safety score of 95.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 2573.6 per 100K residents is slightly higher than the national average of 2385.5.

A Busy Jurisdiction in Iowa

The county's crime rate sits significantly higher than the Iowa average of 1095.3 per 100K. This places Dallas County below the state's average safety score of 98.3, reflecting its rapid growth and urban activity.

Comparing Dallas to Regional Peers

With nine reporting agencies, Dallas County manages a higher volume of incidents than many of its rural neighbors. Its rate of 2573.6 represents a more active law enforcement environment compared to the surrounding farm-based counties.

Property Crimes Lead Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for 2155.1 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is much lower at 418.5. This means residents are statistically much more likely to experience theft than a physical confrontation.

Securing Your Growing Neighborhood

Since property crime is the primary concern, homeowners should focus on visible deterrents. Smart locks and motion-sensor lighting provide effective protection in this active suburban landscape.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Dallas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rapidly Growing Education Network

Dallas County manages a robust infrastructure of 38 public schools, including 18 elementary and 10 middle schools. Over 21,911 students enroll across seven distinct districts to form one of the state's largest educational communities.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county boasts an exceptional 97.3% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $6,920 is lower than the state average of $7,591, a high composite school score of 57.2 reflects strong academic outcomes.

Waukee Leads the Way

Waukee Community School District serves as the local powerhouse with 13,082 students across 17 schools. No charter schools currently operate in the county, leaving traditional public districts as the primary educational providers.

A Diverse Mix of Suburban and Rural

Education here spans 23 rural and eight suburban locales, with Northwest High School serving as the largest campus with 1,427 students. The average school size of 577 students reflects a blend of large-scale high schools and smaller neighborhood elementary buildings.

Invest in a High-Performing Future

With some of the highest graduation rates in Iowa, Dallas County is an ideal destination for education-focused families. Explore homes in the Waukee or Dallas Center-Grimes areas to secure proximity to these top-rated campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Dallas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Midwestern Continental Climate

Dallas County maintains an average annual temperature of 48.9°F, which sits below the national median for U.S. counties. This humid continental climate experiences distinct seasonal shifts and reliable precipitation, averaging 36.1 inches annually. Residents navigate a landscape that is notably cooler than the more temperate regions of the American South.

Warmer Than the Iowa Average

With an annual average of 48.9°F, Dallas County is nearly a full degree warmer than the statewide average of 48.0°F. While much of Iowa faces harsher northern winds, this central county enjoys a slightly more moderate thermal profile. It aligns perfectly with the state's average precipitation of 36.1 inches, supporting the region's productive agricultural roots.

Balanced Weather in Central Iowa

Dallas County's 48.9°F average temperature makes it warmer than northern neighbors like Dickinson, which sits at 45.9°F. It provides a middle ground between the colder northern tier and the warmer southern counties like Davis. This positioning results in a climate that avoids the extreme cold of the border while maintaining manageable summer peaks.

Sharp Seasonal Swings and Summer Heat

Summers in Dallas County are intense, with an average of 20 days per year reaching or exceeding 90°F. Winter brings a significant chill as the January average drops to 19.8°F and the seasonal average hovers at 23.2°F. While specific local snowfall data is unavailable, the county's winter profile suggests consistent frozen precipitation throughout the season.

Prepare for High-Efficiency Living

The 20 days of extreme heat require robust HVAC systems to handle the 74.5°F July average. Since winter temperatures frequently drop below 20°F in January, high-quality home insulation and heavy-duty winter gear are essential for local comfort. Residents should plan for a wide range of outdoor conditions given the county's nearly 55-degree spread between winter and summer lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dallas County

via SoilByCounty

A Balanced pH Profile in Central Iowa

Dallas County features a balanced soil profile with an average pH of 6.58, sitting just above the national median of 6.5. This neutral environment provides an ideal foundation for nutrient availability, outperforming the Iowa state average of 6.43. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this area, the chemical balance suggests a versatile growing environment.

Silt-Driven Soil for Easy Management

The county's soil consists of 43.0% silt, 33.5% sand, and 23.5% clay. This high silt content ensures a smooth texture that is easy to work while maintaining enough clay for essential structural integrity. The significant sand percentage aids in basic aeration, though the mix requires careful management to prevent compaction.

Reliable Organic Matter for Local Crops

With an organic matter content of 3.59%, Dallas County stays well above the national average of 2.0% but slightly trails the Iowa state average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.190 in/in indicates a steady ability to hold moisture for plants. This combination supports a high soil score of 74.7, exceeding the state benchmark of 72.9.

Consistent Moisture for Farming Success

While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the soil's composition suggests moderate permeability. The available water capacity is nearly on par with the state average of 0.195, indicating that the land manages water effectively for most agricultural needs. Gardeners should still monitor for localized runoff during heavy Iowa rainstorms.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5b

Dallas County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, making it a prime spot for corn, soybeans, and hearty perennials. The neutral pH and high soil score mean your garden is already ahead of the curve. Start a vegetable patch this spring to take advantage of some of the state's most balanced earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dallas County

via LawnByCounty

Dallas County: One of Iowa's Easiest Lawns

Dallas County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 84.3, far surpassing the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 77.2. Situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, this area provides an exceptionally favorable environment for residential turf to thrive with minimal intervention.

Ample Rain Meets Strong Heat

Lawns benefit from 36.1 inches of annual precipitation, which perfectly aligns with the state average. While 20 extreme heat days each year stress grass more than the Iowa average of 16, the 3139 growing degree days ensure robust growth throughout the season.

Ideal pH Levels for Nutrient Intake

The soil pH of 6.58 sits squarely within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass nutrient absorption. With a composition of 23.5% clay and 33.5% sand, the soil provides a stable base, though specific drainage data for the county is currently unavailable.

Recent Resilience Despite Drying Trends

The county recorded zero weeks in drought over the past year, though 81.0% of the area currently shows abnormally dry conditions. To maintain this resilience, homeowners should focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems before summer heat peaks.

Kickstart Growth After April Frosts

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are top choices for this 5b zone, especially when seeded after the last spring frost on April 25. Aim to establish new sod or seed well before the first fall frost hits around October 10 for best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dallas County's county score?
Dallas County, Iowa has a composite county score of 42 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 Iowa?
Dallas County ranks #87 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Dallas County is $4,849, with an effective tax rate of 1.45%. This earns Dallas County a tax score of 15.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dallas County?
The median household income in Dallas County, Iowa is $102,349 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dallas County earns an income score of 96/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dallas County, Iowa a good place to live?
Dallas County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #87 in Iowa. 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.