Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dallas Center, IA
Considering a move to Dallas Center, IA? With a friendly population of around 1,950, this small city offers affordable living—median home prices are $250,000 and average rents about $1,120. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (56 per 100k), short 23-minute average commutes to the Des Moines metro, and highly rated local schools. With 62% sunny days, a strong sense of community, and proximity to healthcare and colleges, Dallas Center is a great place to settle down and enjoy Iowa living.
Demographics - Dallas Center, IA
Demographics - Dallas Center, IA
Dallas Center is a close-knit community of about 1,950 residents with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of nearly 39. The city is predominantly White (96.5%), and only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, making it a welcoming and familiar environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,950
Density:
1,070 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.9
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dallas Center, IA?
Living in Dallas Center is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $250,000. Utility and rent costs are reasonable, and state taxes remain moderate, making the city an attractive choice for families and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$250,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.0
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
83.2
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
90.9
Health Care:
96.5
Miscellaneous:
89.7
Crime
Is Dallas Center, IA a safe place to live?
Dallas Center is a safe place to live, boasting a low violent crime rate of just 56 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,785 chance of being affected by violent crime. Property crime rates are also relatively low, contributing to the city’s peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
56
Property Crimes Per 100k:
720
Crime Index:
776
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,785
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 139
Weather
What is the weather like in Dallas Center, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching average highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 13°F. The city sees about 36.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Dallas Center is home to well-educated and prosperous residents, with high school graduation rates at nearly 97% and a median household income exceeding $91,000. The low poverty and unemployment rates reflect a stable and welcoming community ideal for settling down.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$91,500
Family Income:
$104,200
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$40,500
Poverty Rate:
5.6%
Non English Speakers:
3.6%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.8%
Bachelors or More:
34.2%
Education
How are the schools in Dallas Center, IA?
Dallas Center offers excellent educational opportunities with local public schools known for favorable student-teacher ratios and strong enrollment. Residents also benefit from proximity to higher education institutions like Des Moines Area Community College and Drake University, both just a short drive away.

Public Schools
Name:
Dallas Center-Grimes High School
Street:
2555 W 1st St
Phone:
515-986-9747
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
Dallas Center Elementary School
Street:
1205 13th St
Phone:
515-992-3838
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Colleges
Name:
Des Moines Area Community College
City:
Ankeny
State:
IA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
22,500
Name:
Drake University
City:
Des Moines
State:
IA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare is convenient, with major hospitals like Dallas County Hospital nearby and a high health insurance coverage rate of 93.1%. The community benefits from 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring reliable medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Dallas County Hospital
Address:
610 10th St, Perry, IA 50220
Phone:
(515) 465-3547
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center
Address:
1755 59th Pl, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Phone:
(515) 358-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dallas Center, IA?
The housing market in Dallas Center is strong, with a median home price of $250,000 and most residents owning their homes. Home values have appreciated by over 8% in the past year, and the area maintains a low foreclosure rate, indicating a healthy market.
Median Home Price:
$250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, located in nearby Ankeny. The office provides a range of DMV services, and more information is available on their official website.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.