Comparing Dallas, Texas, an energetic metroplex with a wide range of economic opportunities, and Fayette, Kentucky, a serene and relaxing setting with a distinctly rural essence, provides a fascinating contrast. Various factors, such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, industries and occupations, real estate, neighborhoods, and taxes shape the unique dynamic of each city. The distinctions in cultural aspects, sports teams, geography, and healthcare also majorly characterize the experiences of residents and visitors in both cities.
Dallas has higher crime rates compared to Fayette, including both property and violent crimes. However, Dallas does have more comprehensive law enforcement agencies and crime prevention programs. Fayette, being more rural and smaller in popula, reports lower crimes rates, thus can be considered safer. Both cities have community policing programs with a focus on keeping neighborhoods safe.
Cost of Living
Dallas has a higher cost of living compared to Fayette, factoring in transportation, housing, grocery, and healthcare costs. One can anticipate lower everyday expenses in Fayette, affirming it as a more affordable option for both residents and visitors.
Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax, thus, Dallas residents have the upper hand here. Fayette, being in Kentucky, subjects its residents to a state income tax, although at a relatively lower rate.
Property Tax
Both Dallas and Fayette have property taxes. Dallas generally has higher property taxes, in line with its higher property values, while Fayette's are comparably lower.
Sales Tax
Texas has a higher sales tax rate compared to Kentucky. Dallas adds a local sales tax which adds up to 8.25%. Fayette's sales tax is lesser, at a combined rate of 6%.
Income
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$60,942
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$37,011
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
94.6
If you make $50,000 in Fayette, you will have to make $50,793 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is generally flat with few natural lakes and is part of the Blackland Prairie region. Fayette, on the other hand, is characterized by its rolling hills, lush pastures, and horse farms.
Geographical information
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Land area
342.5 sq. miles
284.5 sq. miles
Population density
3,761.4 people per sq. mile
1,007 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Dallas, TX Fayette, KY
Education
Both cities offer strong educational systems. Dallas boasts of more recognized universities and colleges including Southern Methodist University, and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Fayette, while smaller, is home to the University of Kentucky and other community colleges.
Dallas is a business hub with a rich and diverse economy in fields such as technology, defense, financial services, and life sciences. Fayette's economy is more focused on agriculture, education, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, AT&T, Texas Health Resources, Dallas ISD, are among the biggest employers. In Fayette, the University of Kentucky, Fayette County Public Schools, and Lexmark are top employers.
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fayette (Fayette County), 49.3% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Fayette
Dallas
Fayette
Dallas
Fayette
2020
65.1%
59.4%
33.4%
38.6%
1.4%
1.9%
2016
60.8%
51.3%
34.7%
41.8%
4.5%
6.9%
2012
57.3%
49.3%
41.8%
48.3%
1.0%
2.3%
2008
57.4%
51.7%
42.0%
46.9%
0.6%
1.3%
2004
49.0%
46.3%
50.4%
53.1%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
45.0%
45.0%
52.7%
51.8%
2.4%
3.2%
1996
46.0%
47.1%
46.8%
46.3%
7.2%
6.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Fayette
Dallas
Fayette
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
8.8%
2.4%
3.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
13.7%
31.1%
19.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.2%
1.1%
0.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.9%
1.5%
2.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.7%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
1.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
0.6%
0.8%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
0.4%
0.0%
0.4%
Weather
Texas is generally hotter than Kentucky. Dallas experiences moderate winters and dramatically hot summers, whereas Fayette experiences four distinct seasons, with moderately cold winters and warm summers.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
55.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
75.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
35.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
59.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
25.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
66.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
40.7%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Fayette, Kentucky
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Fayette
Fayette
Dallas
Fayette
Dallas
Fayette
Dallas
Dallas
Fayette
Dallas
Fayette
2018
86
63
N/A
N/A
5.7
3.1
28.7
31.6
N/A
N/A
9.7
9.7
0.4
0.1
2017
84
64
N/A
N/A
5.5
4.9
28.6
32.1
N/A
N/A
9.1
7.2
0.3
0.1
2016
81
68
N/A
N/A
6.1
6.6
27.2
33.3
N/A
N/A
8.4
6.9
0.2
0.1
2015
85
71
N/A
N/A
6.5
6.7
26.7
31.4
N/A
N/A
8.9
7.3
0.3
0.1
2014
83
68
N/A
N/A
6.3
6.8
27.6
34.1
N/A
N/A
9.9
7.6
0.3
0.3
2013
97
69
N/A
N/A
7.3
7.3
28.8
31.7
N/A
N/A
13.0
10.0
0.2
0.2
2012
116
81
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.1
31.0
34.9
N/A
N/A
12.0
10.6
0.3
0.8
2011
98
78
N/A
N/A
9.4
8.3
30.9
34.6
N/A
N/A
11.9
11.3
0.6
2.1
2010
79
76
N/A
N/A
9.4
9.5
28.3
34.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
0.7
2.2
2009
88
75
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.5
28.8
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
0.5
2.7
2008
88
72
N/A
N/A
9.8
7.8
29.2
36.4
0.121
N/A
N/A
9.1
0.5
2.4
2007
94
92
N/A
N/A
11.0
10.9
25.7
37.9
0.070
N/A
N/A
12.9
0.3
4.0
2006
107
65
N/A
N/A
10.8
11.8
30.6
32.8
0.106
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
3.8
2005
108
77
N/A
N/A
13.0
12.1
29.7
34.0
0.142
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.9
4.4
2004
96
60
N/A
N/A
12.3
11.6
26.0
28.6
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
3.2
2003
102
67
N/A
N/A
13.6
12.2
27.1
30.3
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
3.5
2002
100
76
0.04
N/A
14.0
12.1
25.2
31.3
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
3.6
2001
100
69
0.07
N/A
14.3
13.2
26.0
30.9
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
4.4
2000
109
79
0.14
N/A
14.5
13.4
27.0
32.7
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
5.0
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
126.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
171.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
14%
Transportation
Dallas has a more extensive public transportation network with DART, including buses and light rail. Fayette has a basic public transit system, suitable for its smaller population.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
2
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Bicycle
0.3%
0.6%
Bus
1.4%
1.2%
Carpooled
10.9%
11.2%
Car alone
83.9%
79.9%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Average
31.5 min
20.2 min
Real Estate
Real estate is generally more expensive in Dallas, given its urban setting and higher demand. Fayette, with its smaller population and rural setting, offers more affordable housing options.
Neighborhoods
Dallas is known for its vibrant neighborhoods each with its unique flair including Uptown, Oak Lawn, and Deep Ellum. Fayette, while smaller, boasts of peaceful neighborhoods that offer a countryside charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Fayette
Houses
591,773
116,167
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
108,288 (93.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
59,915 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
48,373 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$911.33
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$229,178
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$242,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
7
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
408.3
Household income disparities
48.2%
46.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
12,909 (23.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
179 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
41,461 (76.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
6,586 (12.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
5,023 (9.2%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
6,793
State government workers
17,325
13,814
Unpaid family workers
754
385
Industries and Occupations
Dallas has a diversified industry base in sectors like defense, financial services, IT, and life sciences. Fayette, on the other hand, is majorly dominated by agricultural, educational, and healthcare sectors.
Dallas is a healthcare hub with reputed institutions like UT Southwestern Medical Centre. Fayette, although smaller, offers decent healthcare with institutions like the University of Kentucky Healthcare.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Fayette
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas offers advanced infrastructural facilities, including high-end hospitals, schools, shopping centers, and an international airport. Fayette, being smaller, has comparatively less grandeur, but provides essential infrastructure suited to its size.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Fayette
TV stations
25
6
Culture and Food
Dallas boasts a diverse culture and is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, barbecues, and cowboy culture. Fayette enjoys a laid back, country-life atmosphere and is known for its southern comfort food.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to multiple professional sports teams including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and Texas Rangers (MLB). Fayette residents mainly support college sports teams from the University of Kentucky.
Dallas, TX
Fayette, KY
