Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dallas, TX
Thinking of moving to Dallas, TX? With a vibrant population of 1.3 million, Dallas offers an affordable median home price of $295,000 and average rents around $1,325—lower than many major U.S. cities. Expect warm, sunny weather most of the year, diverse neighborhoods, and a median commute of about 28 minutes. While the city has higher crime rates than average, Dallas features a dynamic job market, plenty of educational opportunities, and a thriving arts and dining scene. Explore more below to see if Dallas is your next home!
Demographics - Dallas, TX
Demographics - Dallas, TX
Dallas is a diverse city of 1.3 million residents, with a median age of 33.6 and a nearly even gender ratio. The population is a mix of ethnic backgrounds, including significant White, Black, and Hispanic communities, and over a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. This multicultural environment offers newcomers a rich blend of traditions and experiences.
Population:
1,299,544
Density:
3,950 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
28.8%
Black:
24.3%
Asian:
3.9%
Others:
43.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dallas, TX?
Living in Dallas is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $295,000 and average rent around $1,325 per month. The city benefits from no state income tax, though utility and transportation costs are slightly higher than the national average. Overall, Dallas provides a cost-of-living index close to the U.S. average, making it attractive for both renters and homeowners.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,325
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,930
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
102.2
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
89.3
Utilities:
108.2
Transportation:
109.9
Health Care:
101.4
Miscellaneous:
100.7
Crime
Is Dallas, TX a safe place to live?
Dallas experiences higher crime rates compared to many U.S. cities, with about 864 violent crimes and 3,454 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Residents have a 1 in 116 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 29 chance for property crime, so it's wise to research neighborhoods before moving. Despite these challenges, many neighborhoods remain vibrant and welcoming.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
864
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,454
Crime Index:
4,318
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 116
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 29
Weather
What is the weather like in Dallas, TX year-round?
Dallas offers a sunny climate with mild winters and hot summers, featuring winter lows around 37°F and summer highs near 96°F. Residents enjoy about 61% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of 39 inches. The weather supports an active outdoor lifestyle most months of the year.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
58°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Dallas neighborhoods reflect a range of incomes, with median household income at $61,500 and a poverty rate of 17.7%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and about 36% of residents speak a non-English language at home, adding to the city's vibrancy. Average commute times are just under 28 minutes, and public transport is available but not widely used.
Median Income:
$37,600
Household Income:
$61,500
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$35,900
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
17.7%
Non English Speakers:
36.0%
Rent:
$1,325
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
4.7%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.3%
Bachelors or More:
35.8%
Education
How are the schools in Dallas, TX?
Dallas offers a wide range of educational options, from highly rated public and private schools to notable universities like Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Dallas. Public schools serve diverse student bodies and provide specialized programs, while private schools offer alternative curricula. Higher education is easily accessible, making Dallas an excellent choice for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
Street:
2501 Flora St
Phone:
972-925-1200
Students:
1,070
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
Lakewood Elementary School
Street:
3000 Hillbrook St
Phone:
972-749-7300
Students:
890
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
The Hockaday School
Street:
11600 Welch Rd
Phone:
214-363-6311
Students:
1,090
Colleges
Name:
Southern Methodist University
City:
Dallas
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
12,000
Name:
University of Texas at Dallas
City:
Richardson
State:
TX
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
29,500
Healthcare
Dallas is home to major hospitals like UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center, offering comprehensive emergency and specialty services. The city has about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and roughly 75% of people have health insurance. Residents benefit from a robust healthcare system and a wide range of medical providers.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Address:
6201 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390
Phone:
(214) 645-8300
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Baylor University Medical Center
Address:
3500 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75246
Phone:
(214) 820-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
75.4%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dallas, TX?
The Dallas housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $295,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,325. Homeownership rates are lower than the national average, with many residents opting to rent. The market remains stable, with modest home appreciation and a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,325
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Dallas are handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Residents can access services online or visit nearby DMV offices, with the main office based in Austin. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the Texas DMV website.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
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.