Median Income
$88,750
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$231,100
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
387/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.2%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,082
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Dallas Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,058
Median Age38.4 yrs
Density380/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,750
Per Capita$37,513
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$231,100
Rent$1,082
Ownership80.5%
Zillow$305,460
Housing Units788
Rent Burden26.8%
Crime
F
Violent387/100K
Property2,202/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking13.5%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,056 ft (322 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.2%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+9.2%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute26 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Dallas Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dallas Center receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Dallas Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dallas Center is $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dallas Center is $231,100, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,082 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 387 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,202 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Dallas Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches, including 38.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dallas Center has a population of 2,058 with a density of 380 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age is 38.4 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.4yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dallas Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Dallas Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dallas Center is $88,750, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,513. The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 13.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Dallas Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,750 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,513 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 13.7% |
The median home value in Dallas Center is $231,100, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,460, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,082 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 788 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $231,100 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,460 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,082 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.5% |
| Housing Units | 788 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Dallas Center, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dallas Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 28.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Dallas Center has a violent crime rate of 387 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,202 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Dallas Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dallas Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 387.1/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,201.8/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dallas Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches. The area receives 38.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,056 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,056 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (11.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 380/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6855°N, 93.9807°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
715 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 376 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
65 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
54 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
30 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Dallas Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dallas Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Center
What is the population of Dallas Center?
Dallas Center has a population of 2,058 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 380 people per square mile, spread across 4.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.4 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Dallas Center expensive to live in?
Dallas Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $231,100 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,082 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dallas Center safe?
The violent crime rate in Dallas Center is 387 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,202 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dallas Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dallas Center?
Dallas Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches, with 38.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dallas Center?
The job market in Dallas Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 13.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dallas Center?
The median home value in Dallas Center is $231,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,460. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,082. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Dallas Center?
Schools in Dallas Center score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.2% of adults in Dallas Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 9.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dallas Center?
The obesity rate in Dallas Center is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Dallas Center?
The average commute in Dallas Center is 26 minutes. 79.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dallas Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dallas Center is 95.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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