Dallas, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina, each have their unique vibe and advantages. Dallas offers true Texas hospitality with a bustling economy, contrasting with Raleigh being the heart of the North Carolina Research Triangle with a more laid-back atmosphere. Depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle, either city could make for a satisfying home or an intriguing visit. The following sections will delve into various aspects of both cities.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Raleigh, NC : 1,054.5 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 175%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Raleigh has grown by 193,031 people (69.9%) during that time.
Dallas reflects a higher crime rate compared to Raleigh, particularly in property crime. However, downtown Dallas and northern suburbs have lower crime rates compared to other neighborhoods. Raleigh boasts a safer environment with below-average crime rates for a city of its size. Both cities have initiatives to improve safety continually, a crucial factor for prospective residents or tourists.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 4,288 registered sex offenders living in Dallas and 2,186 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Raleigh is 210 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Dallas than in Raleigh.
Cost of Living
Dallas has a marginally higher cost of living than Raleigh, mainly driven by housing costs. Dallas attributes higher health care and grocery expenses; however, Raleigh's utilities and transportation expenses typically exceed those in Dallas.
Income Tax
Texas, including Dallas, does not levy a state income tax. On the contrary, North Carolina implements a flat 5.25% tax rate on its resident's income.
Property Tax
The median property tax rate for homeowners in Dallas is 2.07% of their home's assessed fair market value. Raleigh's median property tax rate for homeowners is significantly lower, at approximately 0.86% of their home's assessed value.
Sales Tax
Dallas city sales tax rate is 8.25% and Texas has no income tax. In contrast, Raleigh's sales tax is 7.25%, and North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 5.25%.
Income
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$74,612
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$44,001
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
95.1
If you make $50,000 in Raleigh, you will have to make $50,526 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is part of the Texas Plains and benefits from its relatively flat terrain. Raleigh is in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, providing a more varied landscape with rolling hills.
Dallas provides a wide array of school options, including notable public, charter, and private schools. The Dallas Independent School District is the 2nd largest in Texas. Raleigh, home to the top-rated Wake County Public School System and surrounded by premier colleges, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State, offer exceptional education options.
A diversified economy supports Dallas, with strong sectors in defense, financial services, information technology, telecommunications, and transportation. In contrast, Raleigh's economy gets bolstered by the "Research Triangle," making it a hub for high-tech and biotech research, as well as higher education opportunities.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, the biggest employers are American Airlines, Texas Health Resources, and Dallas ISD. Meanwhile, Raleigh's top employers include WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Duke University Health System, and IBM Corporation.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 1,354 building permits issued in Raleigh in 2012 (366 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Raleigh (Wake County), 54.9% voted for Democrats and 43.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
2020
65.1%
62.3%
33.4%
35.9%
1.4%
1.8%
2016
60.8%
57.4%
34.7%
37.2%
4.5%
5.5%
2012
57.3%
54.9%
41.8%
43.5%
1.0%
1.6%
2008
57.4%
56.8%
42.0%
42.3%
0.6%
0.9%
2004
49.0%
48.7%
50.4%
50.9%
0.5%
0.4%
2000
45.0%
46.1%
52.7%
53.2%
2.4%
0.7%
1996
46.0%
45.9%
46.8%
48.2%
7.2%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
11.0%
2.4%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
9.0%
31.1%
22.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
1.1%
1.1%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.1%
1.5%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.7%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.6%
0.9%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
0.7%
0.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.4%
0.2%
0.6%
Weather
Dallas experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. You can expect more sunshine throughout the year. On the other hand, Raleigh features a comparable humid subtropical climate, but with more rainfall and a slightly cooler average temperature.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
59.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
46.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
51%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Raleigh, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Raleigh
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
Dallas
Raleigh
2018
86
71
0.23
N/A
5.7
4.9
28.7
27.5
N/A
N/A
14.6
N/A
9.7
9.5
0.4
0.2
2017
84
70
0.23
N/A
5.5
5.5
28.6
25.8
N/A
N/A
14.7
N/A
9.1
9.3
0.3
0.2
2016
81
80
0.23
N/A
6.1
5.6
27.2
26.9
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
8.4
10.0
0.2
0.3
2015
85
79
0.27
N/A
6.5
5.7
26.7
28.6
N/A
N/A
12.4
N/A
8.9
11.0
0.3
0.3
2014
83
74
0.26
N/A
6.3
6.0
27.6
29.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
11.2
0.3
0.3
2013
97
72
0.26
N/A
7.3
N/A
28.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
10.7
0.2
0.4
2012
116
80
0.28
N/A
8.6
N/A
31.0
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.0
9.5
0.3
0.6
2011
98
84
0.27
N/A
9.4
N/A
30.9
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
10.3
0.6
0.7
2010
79
89
0.30
N/A
9.4
N/A
28.3
32.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
0.7
1.0
2009
88
77
0.30
N/A
9.2
N/A
28.8
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
0.5
1.0
2008
88
99
0.36
N/A
9.8
N/A
29.2
32.3
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.5
0.5
1.4
2007
94
98
0.40
N/A
11.0
N/A
25.7
35.7
0.070
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
0.3
1.2
2006
107
90
0.44
N/A
10.8
N/A
30.6
31.9
0.106
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
0.7
0.9
2005
108
80
0.38
N/A
13.0
N/A
29.7
33.9
0.142
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.9
2.5
2004
96
82
0.40
N/A
12.3
N/A
26.0
28.4
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
2.6
2003
102
82
N/A
N/A
13.6
N/A
27.1
29.9
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
3.0
2002
100
89
N/A
N/A
14.0
N/A
25.2
36.1
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2.6
2001
100
128
N/A
N/A
14.3
N/A
26.0
34.5
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2000
109
115
0.64
N/A
14.5
N/A
27.0
34.1
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
95.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
52.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
18%
Transportation
Dallas provides an extensive network of public transportation with DART. Commute times can be higher due to traffic and city's size. Raleigh, on the other hand, relies heavily on cars with a less comprehensive public transport system. The average commute time is shorter than Dallas.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
499
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Bicycle
0.3%
0.2%
Bus
1.4%
1.1%
Carpooled
10.9%
8.5%
Car alone
83.9%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.6%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Average
31.5 min
29.4 min
Other means
26.5 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
46 min
39.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
90.1%
In 2 person carpool
9%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Dallas provides diverse real-estate options from urban lofts to suburban homes but comes with a higher price tag. Raleigh's real estate is somewhat more inexpensive, but with the city's growing popularity, prices are on an uptrend.
Neighborhoods
Dallas's neighborhoods exhibit unique architectural styles and vibes, from the historic charm of Swiss Avenue to the trendy Bishop Arts District. Raleigh offers an array of neighborhoods, each with its distinct personality, from the historic Oakwood to the modern North Hills.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Houses
591,773
217,866
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1995
Median year house/condo built
1969
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
11.5 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
194,917 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
103,367 (53%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
91,550 (47%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,740
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,298
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$302,120
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$340,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$446,507
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$403,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$170,635
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$306,998
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$31,622
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$292,086
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$404,828
Median house age
40
26
Renting percentage
55.9%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
1,901.1
House value disparities
41.3%
30.8%
Household income disparities
48.2%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$114,680
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$81,716
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
1,689 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
6,627 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
78,923 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
7,783 (9.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Raleigh
One, detached
41.8%
45.0%
One, attached
4.3%
14.0%
Two
1.5%
1.2%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.6%
5 to 9
7.9%
6.3%
10 to 19
12.1%
12.4%
20 to 49
8.1%
6.0%
50 or more
18.4%
9.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
12,488
State government workers
17,325
19,792
Unpaid family workers
754
523
Industries and Occupations
Dallas's leading industries are banking, commerce, telecommunications, computer technology, and healthcare. Raleigh has a robust economy driven by sectors like biotechnology, telecommunications, healthcare, and education thanks to the Research Triangle Park.
Dallas has a myriad of top-rated hospitals like UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center. Raleigh's healthcare scene, albeit smaller, is no less outstanding with top-rated hospitals like the Duke University Hospital and UNC Healthcare.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas boasts excellent infrastructure with an expanding transport system, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest airports worldwide. In comparison, Raleigh still retains much of its small-town charm despite city advancements, leading to concerns about growing traffic issues due to its burgeoning population.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Raleigh
Hospitals
74
19
TV stations
25
20
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
394
136
Bank institutions located here
80
27
Main business address for public companies
122
21
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Raleigh
1999
5,030
1,618
2000
3,390
890
2001
2,626
557
2002
2,657
510
2003
3,617
564
2004
5,460
700
2005
7,445
1,083
2006
7,397
1,097
2007
5,056
859
2008
2,200
424
2009
1,121
253
Culture and Food
Dallas boasts a vibrant arts scene, and its food culture is more than just Tex-Mex and barbecue. On the other hand, Raleigh is known for its Southern charm, inviting arts scene, and an exciting, diverse culinary landscape that extends beyond traditional Southern fare.
Sports Teams
Dallas is a powerhouse for sports enthusiasts, being home to the Dallas Cowboys(NFL), Dallas Mavericks(NBA), and Dallas Stars(NHL). Raleigh hosts the Carolina Hurricanes(NHL) and supports a massive college basketball fandom.