Dallas and Fort Worth are two major Texan cities that are part of the expansive Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They have unique characteristics that separate them albeit being close geographically. Dallas projects a bustling, cosmopolitan vibe with higher costs of living and wider employment opportunities. Fort Worth, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back lifestyle associated with a significantly traditional Texan charm and lower living costs. It all boils down to one's preference, both cities offer desirable qualities for relocation or tourism.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Fort Worth, TX : 32.0 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 38%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Fort Worth has grown by 400,814 people (75.0%) during that time.
In a relative comparison, Dallas has a higher crime rate than Fort Worth. However, it's essential to point out that crime is localized and heavily dependent on the neighborhood in both cities. In Dallas, neighborhoods like University Park and North Dallas are known for their safety. In Fort Worth, neighborhoods like Tanglewood and Mistletoe Heights have lower crime rates. Tourists are typically safe in most areas and major tourist attractions in both cities.
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 4,297 registered sex offenders living in Dallas and 3,166 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Fort Worth is 270 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Dallas is near to than in Fort Worth.
Cost of Living
Dallas is generally more expensive than Fort Worth. This includes housing, grocery items, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. However, the cost of living in both cities is still below the US average. For those considering relocation, Fort Worth may offer more affordable options.
Income Tax
Texas is one of seven states that does not collect state income tax. This applies to both Dallas and Fort Worth, making them attractive for those who want to save on income taxes.
Property Tax
Despite the absence of state income tax, Texas has one of the highest average property tax rates in the country. Both Dallas and Fort Worth share similar rates, which can be a significant factor to consider when purchasing property.
Sales Tax
Dallas and Fort Worth share the same state sales tax rate, which is 6.25%. However, with local taxes, the total sales tax is 8.25% in Dallas and 8.25% in Fort Worth.
Income
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$68,235
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$34,106
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
95.4
If you make $50,000 in Fort Worth, you will have to make $50,367 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is relatively flat with some hilly areas, while Fort Worth is characterized by a more uneven topography and affords residents with scenic views of the West Fork Trinity River and multiple lakes in the city.
Both Dallas and Fort Worth have excellent education systems. Dallas Independent School District is the second largest in Texas and offers top-ranked schools. Meanwhile, Fort Worth has plenty of quality schools under the Fort Worth Independent School District. For higher education, Dallas offers globally renowned universities like Southern Methodist University. Fort Worth is home to Texas Christian University.
The economy of both cities is robust with Dallas being more diverse. Dallas's economy is ever-expanding and offers numerous career opportunities in tech, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, among others. Fort Worth's economy focuses more on sectors like government, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Both cities see a regular influx of professionals seeking job opportunities.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, some of the biggest employers are AT&T, Texas Health Resources, and Dallas ISD. In Fort Worth, the major employers are Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, American Airlines, and NAS Fort Worth JRB/City of Fort Worth.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 7,236 building permits issued in Fort Worth in 2012 (4810 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fort Worth (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Fort Worth
Dallas
Fort Worth
Dallas
Fort Worth
2020
65.1%
49.3%
33.4%
49.1%
1.4%
1.6%
2016
60.8%
43.2%
34.7%
51.8%
4.5%
5.0%
2012
57.3%
41.4%
41.8%
57.1%
1.0%
1.4%
2008
57.4%
43.8%
42.0%
55.5%
0.6%
0.7%
2004
49.0%
37.0%
50.4%
62.5%
0.5%
0.5%
2000
45.0%
36.9%
52.7%
60.9%
2.4%
2.3%
1996
46.0%
41.6%
46.8%
50.9%
7.2%
7.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Fort Worth
Dallas
Fort Worth
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
11.1%
2.4%
1.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
17.3%
31.1%
33.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
2.2%
1.1%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.3%
1.5%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.7%
1.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
0.7%
0.9%
Weather
The weather in both cities is quite similar and characterized by a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, and winters are mild. Both cities receive moderate rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Dallas might have more ozone pollution as compared to Fort Worth. Hence individuals with respiratory problems may find Fort Worth's cleaner air more comfortable.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
71.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
34.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
82.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
35 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
54%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Fort Worth, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Fort Worth
Fort Worth
Dallas
Fort Worth
Dallas
Fort Worth
Dallas
Dallas
Fort Worth
Dallas
Fort Worth
2018
86
67
N/A
N/A
5.7
5.8
28.7
27.1
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
0.4
N/A
2017
84
67
N/A
N/A
5.5
6.2
28.6
27.2
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
0.3
N/A
2016
81
56
N/A
N/A
6.1
6.3
27.2
25.5
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
0.2
N/A
2015
85
61
N/A
N/A
6.5
6.5
26.7
24.8
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
0.3
N/A
2014
83
56
0.22
N/A
6.3
6.8
27.6
26.6
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.3
N/A
2013
97
64
0.25
N/A
7.3
6.4
28.8
26.5
N/A
N/A
13.0
N/A
0.2
N/A
2012
116
87
0.26
N/A
8.6
7.8
31.0
30.3
N/A
N/A
12.0
N/A
0.3
N/A
2011
98
79
0.23
N/A
9.4
7.9
30.9
30.7
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
0.6
N/A
2010
79
70
0.23
N/A
9.4
8.5
28.3
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
N/A
2009
88
81
0.25
N/A
9.2
8.7
28.8
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
N/A
2008
88
69
0.25
N/A
9.8
9.6
29.2
25.8
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
N/A
2007
94
75
0.30
N/A
11.0
10.6
25.7
24.6
0.070
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
N/A
2006
107
90
0.34
N/A
10.8
10.2
30.6
29.7
0.106
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
N/A
2005
108
102
0.34
N/A
13.0
10.9
29.7
28.4
0.142
N/A
11.0
11.3
0.9
0.9
2004
96
78
0.39
N/A
12.3
10.6
26.0
25.4
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
N/A
2003
102
82
0.40
N/A
13.6
11.1
27.1
27.2
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2002
100
94
0.37
N/A
14.0
11.8
25.2
25.8
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
N/A
2001
100
16
0.48
N/A
14.3
N/A
26.0
N/A
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2000
109
17
0.55
N/A
14.5
N/A
27.0
N/A
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
249.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
562.8%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
23%
Transportation
Both Dallas and Fort Worth have their public transportation systems, Dallas with DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) and Fort Worth with the Trinity Metro. Both cities are car-centric, and many residents opt to drive. Traffic in Dallas may be busier than Fort Worth due to its larger population size.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
2
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
19
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Bicycle
0.3%
0.1%
Bus
1.4%
0.4%
Carpooled
10.9%
11%
Car alone
83.9%
85.8%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Average
31.5 min
28.5 min
Other means
26.5 min
25.3 min
Public transportation
46 min
41.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.8%
87.6%
In 2 person carpool
9%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
1.1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing in Dallas tends to be more expensive than in Fort Worth. Dallas offers more luxury condos and upscale townhouses, while Fort Worth offers more affordable, traditional family homes. Property values in both cities have been increasing throughout the years, making them great for real estate investment.
Neighborhoods
Dallas boasts posh neighborhoods like Highland Park and Uptown known for trendy shopping, exquisite restaurants and stunning homes. Fort Worth has an impressive lineup of neighborhoods like Tanglewood and Mistletoe Heights that stand out for their friendly community vibe and charming architecture.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Houses
591,773
361,341
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.8
Median year apartment built
1987
1991
Median year house/condo built
1969
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
334,286 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
185,197 (55.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
149,089 (44.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,068
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,328
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$288,576
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$249,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$279,885
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$337,081
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$298,062
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$58,470
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$279,957
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$279,281
Median house age
40
29
Renting percentage
55.9%
40.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
1,235.2
House value disparities
41.3%
31.8%
Household income disparities
48.2%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$106,170
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$72,147
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
2,986 (2.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
3,696 (3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
121,099 (97.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
66 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
5,171 (4.2%)
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%
1.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Fort Worth
One, detached
41.8%
65.4%
One, attached
4.3%
2.9%
Two
1.5%
1.6%
3 or 4
4.9%
4.1%
5 to 9
7.9%
5.8%
10 to 19
12.1%
6.5%
20 to 49
8.1%
4.6%
50 or more
18.4%
7.0%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
27,257
State government workers
17,325
8,587
Unpaid family workers
754
392
Industries and Occupations
In Dallas, the majority of jobs are in sectors such as tech, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. Dallas is also home to a multitude of Fortune 500 companies. In contrast, Fort Worth has a more industrial focus, with various opportunities in government services, education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Both cities have top-rated healthcare facilities with Dallas having a slight edge. Dallas is home to the internationally recognized UT Southwestern Medical Center while Fort Worth has the excellent John Peter Smith Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas is a cosmopolitan city with modern infrastructure. It showcases high-rise buildings, corporate headquarters, and modern homes. On the other hand, Fort Worth has held onto its old western charm with traditional architecture. Fort Worth's downtown is renowned for its beautifully preserved Western heritage buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Fort Worth
Hospitals
74
76
TV stations
25
25
Arenas or stadiums
2
7
Bank branches located here
394
175
Bank institutions located here
80
42
Main business address for public companies
122
24
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Fort Worth
1999
5,030
3,575
2000
3,390
2,473
2001
2,626
2,109
2002
2,657
1,701
2003
3,617
2,183
2004
5,460
3,202
2005
7,445
4,261
2006
7,397
4,161
2007
5,056
2,871
2008
2,200
1,256
2009
1,121
585
Culture and Food
Dallas is known for its vibrant nightlife, cultural diversity, world-class museums, and upscale dining options. On the other hand, Fort Worth embraces its cowboy heritage and offers traditional Texan cuisine at its finest like BBQ and Tex-Mex dishes. Both cities have a diverse food scene that caters to everyone's palate.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Stars (NHL). Fort Worth residents typically support the same teams since these cities are part of the same metro area. Sports fans will not lack thrilling games to watch in either city.
Dallas, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Dallas, TX and 
Fort Worth, TX : 32.0 miles
