countyscore
60.6
County Score
Property Tax 93.5Cost of Living 86.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Dallas County, Missouri

Strong National Standing

Dallas County impresses with a composite score of 59.0, beating the national median of 50.0 by a wide margin. This high score suggests the county provides a superior quality of life compared to many peers.

Among Missouri’s Elite Counties

Scoring a 59.0, Dallas County far exceeds the Missouri state average of 50.3. It stands out as a highly desirable location for those seeking value and efficiency within the state.

Leading the Way in Tax Savings

Taxpayers enjoy one of the best setups in the state with a tax score of 87.8 and an incredibly low 0.480% effective rate. Cost of living is also excellent, scoring 82.3 with home values averaging $151,200.

Income and Healthcare Hurdles

Despite low costs, the income score remains low at 21.1, reflecting a $53,177 median income. Health outcomes also lag, with a score of 23.5 indicating a need for more wellness infrastructure.

Best for Value-Driven Homeowners

This county is a dream for those who prioritize low taxes and affordable housing above all else. It is an ideal fit for remote workers or those with outside income looking to stretch their dollars.

2040608010093.586.450.323.554.318.458.38656.9Tax93.5Cost86.4Safety50.3Health23.5Schools54.3Income18.4Risk58.3Water86Weather56.960.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Dallas County DNA

Doverall

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

Dallas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (93.5/100) but notably weak in Income (18.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.5+41.5
Cost
86.4+38.400000000000006
Safety
50.3
Health
23.5-26.5
Schools
54.3
Income
18.4-32.6
Risk
58.3+11.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
56.9
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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

$190,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$642/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$190,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,464/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.1

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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Nearby counties

Polk County
Missouri
44
Hickory County
Missouri
59.5
Laclede County
Missouri
44.5
Webster County
Missouri
50.2
Camden County
Missouri
48.9
Greene County
Missouri
54.2
Wright County
Missouri
63.8
St. Clair County
Missouri
59.4

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 County Offers Lowest Tax Burden

At 0.480%, Dallas County boasts an exceptionally low effective tax rate—less than half the national median—making it one of America's most affordable property tax jurisdictions. Homeowners here enjoy substantial savings compared to typical U.S. counties.

Missouri's Most Tax-Friendly County

Dallas County's 0.480% effective rate is dramatically lower than Missouri's state average of 0.733%, ranking it among the state's most affordable counties for property taxes. The median tax of $726 is just 39% above the state median, despite serving a smaller median home value.

Clear Tax Leader in Its Region

Dallas County (0.480%) substantially undercuts all neighboring counties, including Dade County (0.650%), Crawford County (0.609%), and Daviess County (0.708%). For families prioritizing low property taxes, Dallas County stands as the region's clear winner.

Minimal Annual Property Tax Bill

On Dallas County's median home value of $151,200, homeowners pay only about $726 per year in property taxes—roughly $61 monthly. This exceptionally low bill makes Dallas one of Missouri's most affordable counties for property owners.

Confirm Your Assessment Is Fair

Even in the lowest-tax county, inaccurate assessments can still result in overpayment if your home is valued above market reality. Dallas County homeowners should periodically check their assessments to ensure they reflect current property values.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dallas County

via IncomeByCounty

Dallas County faces significant income challenges

Dallas County's median household income of $53,177 trails the national median of $74,755 by 28.9%, reflecting economic headwinds affecting rural Missouri. This substantial gap indicates limited wage growth and job diversity compared to national trends.

Below average across Missouri

Dallas County's median income of $53,177 falls 10.6% short of Missouri's state average of $59,503, ranking it among the state's lowest-earning counties. This $6,326 shortfall signals structural economic challenges requiring intervention.

Lowest in this county survey

Dallas County ($53,177) ranks among the lowest-earning counties surveyed, exceeding only Dade County ($49,899) but trailing Crawford County ($56,345). This positioning reflects Dallas's acute economic vulnerability relative to regional peers.

Housing affordability is strained

Dallas County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits near the affordability threshold, leaving households little financial flexibility for non-housing expenses. The median home value of $151,200 remains challenging to afford for families earning the county median.

Build resilience through multiple income streams

Dallas County residents should prioritize securing stable employment and consider supplemental income to accelerate wealth building. Start with a modest emergency fund of $250–500 and explore free financial literacy programs, then gradually invest in skills that unlock higher-wage opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dallas County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety performance in Dallas County

Dallas County earns a safety score of 98.2, significantly higher than many other U.S. regions. Its total crime rate of 1,119.1 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This makes it a statistically safe place to live and work.

Outperforming Missouri's safety metrics

The county's safety score of 98.2 beats the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate is also much lower than the statewide average of 1,926.2 per 100,000. Dallas County remains one of the safer jurisdictions within the state of Missouri.

Dallas County vs nearby regions

Dallas County's crime rate of 1,119.1 is slightly higher than Clinton County's 1,063.6. However, it is much safer than Dade County, which has more than double the crime rate at 2,329.6. It maintains a competitive safety profile among its neighbors.

Understanding violent vs property crime

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 880.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low at 239.0, staying well below the national average of 369.8. The majority of local offenses involve non-violent property disputes or theft.

Keeping your Dallas County home safe

Property protection is the best focus for residents given the local crime breakdown. Secure your vehicles and lock your doors consistently to prevent opportunistic crimes. Low-cost security measures like motion lights can go a long way in this safe community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dallas County

via WeatherByCounty

A typical American climate profile

Dallas County’s 55.0°F annual average temperature aligns closely with the national median. The region experiences a standard four-season continental climate with moderate variations.

Matching the Missouri baseline

The county’s average temperature of 55.0°F almost perfectly matches the state average of 54.9°F. Its 45.3 inches of annual rainfall is also near the state’s typical 43.8-inch mark.

Milder summers than western neighbors

Dallas County sees 34 extreme heat days per year, fewer than the 42 recorded in nearby Dade County. It also receives about 3.8 inches less snow than Dade annually.

Moderate snow and warm July peaks

Winter snowfall averages 9.0 inches, which is relatively light for the Midwest. July highs push the monthly average to 77.3°F, creating 34 days of 90°F temperatures.

Balance your home’s seasonal needs

A standard HVAC system is sufficient for the 34 days of extreme heat and mild 31.3°F January lows. Residents should keep a basic snow shovel ready for the occasional 9-inch annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dallas County

via SoilByCounty

Distinctive Acidic Profile

Dallas County soil has a pH of 5.93, falling below the Missouri state average and the 6.5 national median. While the overall soil score is 54.4, these soils remain capable of supporting diverse local vegetation.

High Silt Composition

Silt makes up 61.2% of the soil, with sand accounting for 20.9% and clay at 17.0%. This mix indicates a soil that feels smooth to the touch and offers moderate workability for agricultural use.

Reliable Organic Content

Organic matter stands at 2.60%, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, suggesting a need for supplemental irrigation during dry weeks.

Water-Influenced Subaqueous Soils

The dominant drainage is subaqueous, indicating that many soils in the county are prone to saturation. This requires careful management for farming and specialized engineering for any significant building projects.

Hardy Growth in Zone 6b

Hardiness zone 6b supports a variety of native Missouri plants and cool-season vegetables. With a bit of lime to balance the pH, your Dallas County garden can produce a bountiful harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dallas County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Lawn in Dallas County

Dallas County has a lawn difficulty score of 58.5, indicating a slightly more demanding environment than the state average of 63.7. Situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, the conditions are fair but require active management to stay ahead of the weather. Residents can expect a standard level of maintenance that rewards consistent care.

Plentiful Rain with Manageable Heat

The county enjoys 45.3 inches of annual precipitation, providing ample moisture for most grass species throughout the year. While heat is a factor, the 34 extreme heat days are slightly below the Missouri average of 37, reducing some mid-summer stress. These 3,919 growing degree days ensure a productive season with a typical mowing cycle.

Improving Acidity and Drainage Issues

The soil pH of 5.93 is just below the ideal threshold, so a light lime application may be beneficial to maximize nutrient absorption. The soil mix of 17.0% clay and 20.9% sand is classified as subaqueous, which can sometimes lead to poor aeration or ponding. Monitoring your lawn's drainage after heavy rains is key to preventing root diseases.

Facing Long-Term Dry Spells

Dallas County has experienced 31 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently in an abnormally dry state. Consistent, deep watering twice a week is better than frequent light misting for keeping turf hydrated. Keep your mower blades sharp and high to protect the grass crowns from the drying sun.

Planting Windows for Dallas County

Tall Fescue is the most reliable choice for this region’s moisture levels and soil types. The frost-free window typically runs from April 23 to October 15, giving you a solid six months of active growth. For new lawns, mid-September is the golden window for seeding before the first frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dallas County's county score?
Dallas County, Missouri has a composite county score of 60.6 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 Missouri?
Dallas County ranks #16 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Dallas County is $756, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Dallas County a tax score of 93.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dallas County?
The median household income in Dallas County, Missouri is $53,464 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dallas County earns an income score of 18.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dallas County, Missouri a good place to live?
Dallas County scores 60.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Missouri. 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.