Dallas
Iowa

What stands out

If you had to describe Dallas County in numbers, start here: violent crime is among the lowest in America (2.7 per 1,000), the uninsured rate is among the lowest in America (4.1%), and life expectancy is in the top 2% of American counties (82.1 years). Within Iowa it ranks 1st of 99 counties for violent crime, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Dallas County, Iowa. 100,367 people live here with you. The population grew 2.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,908).

Iowa cut its income tax to a flat 3.8% in 2025 and stopped taxing retirement income for residents 55 and over in 2023, including pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals. It still has an inheritance tax, but that is being phased out and ends for deaths after 2024. Winters are long and the state's economy still moves with corn, soybean and hog prices.

Money

The typical household here brings in $99,533 a year, higher than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $76,316. Unemployment runs 2.0%, lower than 96% of American counties. 16% of workers work from home.

Iowa takes 3.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,782 a year.

Home

The median home costs $356K, pricier than 80% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,251 a month. Property tax is 1.48% of home value, roughly $4,664 a year on that median home, higher than 85% of American counties. 70% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 2.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 9 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 82.1 years, longer than 98% of American counties. There are 122 active physicians in the county, about 12.2 per 10,000 people. 4.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.50 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 97% of American counties. 96% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted almost evenly. 90% of eligible voters turned out. Under Iowa law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 51°F, highs near 62 and lows near 40, colder than 71% of American counties. About 39 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 73 out of 100, riskier than 73% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 249 Mbps down, faster than 74% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.