Dallas, TX

Dallas TX scores 41/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 84% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 184 (100 = avg); violent crime index 178; property crime index 190. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Dallas. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Dallas is about $1,472/month (moderate). At $1,472/month for a typical unit, you need about $52,992+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $320,700.

Median household income is $70,518, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($70,518) clears the $52,992 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 74°F (highs near 82°F, lows near 66°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Hazard indexes (100 ≈ typical U.S.): weather hazard index 180. Ask insurers for a quote on the ZIP you want. Deductibles can move your monthly cost as much as a $50–$100 rent difference.

Who tends to thrive in Dallas: (1) Households earning $52,992+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,472/month (2) Movers with a locked job offer in Dallas who already priced rent and commute (3) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing (4) People who will visit on a weekday and a weekend before committing (not just a long weekend)

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 41/100) (2) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Dallas does not clear every bar) (3) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $52,992 household income for $1,472/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Dallas scores 41/100 on safety with $1,472/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.