Overview
Dallas, a sprawling metropolis in Texas, and Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, offer two distinctively different American living experiences. Although both cities are vibrant, they differ significantly in various areas including crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more. As we delve into these areas, whether you're contemplating moving or just visiting, you will get a deeper understanding of what life in these cities entails.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Lincoln, NE : 553.5 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 340%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Lincoln has grown by 67,076 people (29.7%) during that time.
Dallas has a higher crime rate than the national average, especially in specific neighborhoods. However, it is important to note that safety greatly improves in the suburban areas. Lincoln, on the other hand, boasts a lower crime rate than the national average, making it a safer city comparatively. Both cities have efficient police departments, but it's generally advisable for tourists and new residents to stay vigilant.
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 881 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Lincoln is 318 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Dallas is near to than in Lincoln.
Cost of Living
As for the cost of living, Dallas is more expensive than Lincoln. Dallas residents typically face higher costs in areas like housing, groceries, and health care. Lincoln's lower cost of living can be attributed to its more affordable housing options and lower overall consumer prices.
Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax, which is beneficial for residents of Dallas. Nebraska, meanwhile, has an income tax that ranges from 2.46% to 6.84%, affecting Lincoln residents.
Property Tax
Texas has high property taxes, with Dallas being no exception. Nebraska, including Lincoln, has slightly lower property taxes, making it easier for homeowners.
Sales Tax
Texas’ state sales tax rate is 6.25%, while Nebraska's state rate is 5.5%. Both Dallas and Lincoln have additional local taxes, making the total sales tax in Dallas slightly higher than Lincoln.
Income
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$62,294
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$34,008
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
84.5
If you make $50,000 in Lincoln, you will have to make $56,864 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is in a flat prairie with numerous lakes, while Lincoln is situated on the Great Plains, with a landscape dominated by gently rolling hills.
Both cities take pride in their educational systems. Dallas boasts a larger number of schools, colleges, and universities, attracting many students from across the globe. Lincoln, though smaller, is home to the reputable University of Nebraska-Lincoln, offering quality education in various fields.
Economically, Dallas offers a robust job market with opportunities in various sectors, including technology, banking, and healthcare. Lincoln, while not as economically diverse, has a strong economy built around education, healthcare, and government jobs.
Biggest Employers
Dallas is home to several Fortune 500 companies, with AT&T and American Airlines among the largest employers. In Lincoln, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and State of Nebraska are the biggest employers.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 1,093 building permits issued in Lincoln in 2012 (549 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Lincoln (Lancaster County), 48.7% voted for Democrats and 49.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Lincoln
Dallas
Lincoln
Dallas
Lincoln
2020
65.1%
52.3%
33.4%
44.6%
1.4%
3.1%
2016
60.8%
45.4%
34.7%
45.2%
4.5%
9.4%
2012
57.3%
48.7%
41.8%
49.0%
1.0%
2.3%
2008
57.4%
51.6%
42.0%
46.6%
0.6%
1.9%
2004
49.0%
42.6%
50.4%
56.3%
0.5%
1.1%
2000
45.0%
41.7%
52.7%
51.9%
2.4%
6.4%
1996
46.0%
44.4%
46.8%
45.9%
7.2%
9.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Lincoln
Dallas
Lincoln
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
14.9%
2.4%
6.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
0.7%
31.1%
3.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.2%
1.1%
0.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
1.5%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
1.4%
1.7%
3.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
5.0%
0.9%
6.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
4.6%
0.7%
5.9%
SALVATION ARMY
0.2%
0.4%
0.3%
0.4%
Weather
Dallas, Texas enjoys a hot, humid climate with mild winters, whereas Lincoln, Nebraska experiences a more diverse climate, marked by hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. In Dallas, you can expect a long stretch of sultry summer days, while in Lincoln, you'll experience all four seasons, with potential for snow in winter.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
51.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
75.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
35%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
29.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
53 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
19.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
65.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
73%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
50%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.6 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Lincoln, Nebraska
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Lincoln
Lincoln
Dallas
Dallas
Lincoln
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
2018
86
46
N/A
N/A
5.7
N/A
28.7
28.8
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
0.4
N/A
2017
84
47
N/A
N/A
5.5
N/A
28.6
27.6
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
0.3
N/A
2016
81
48
N/A
N/A
6.1
N/A
27.2
30.4
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
0.2
N/A
2015
85
54
N/A
N/A
6.5
N/A
26.7
31.3
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
0.3
N/A
2014
83
54
N/A
N/A
6.3
N/A
27.6
29.1
N/A
N/A
9.9
N/A
0.3
N/A
2013
97
46
N/A
N/A
7.3
N/A
28.8
29.1
N/A
N/A
13.0
N/A
0.2
N/A
2012
116
41
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
31.0
32.7
N/A
N/A
12.0
N/A
0.3
N/A
2011
98
30
0.32
N/A
9.4
N/A
30.9
26.3
N/A
N/A
11.9
N/A
0.6
N/A
2010
79
31
0.39
N/A
9.4
N/A
28.3
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
N/A
2009
88
58
0.42
N/A
9.2
N/A
28.8
23.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
N/A
2008
88
31
0.40
N/A
9.8
N/A
29.2
25.4
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
N/A
2007
94
35
0.47
N/A
11.0
N/A
25.7
27.8
0.070
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
N/A
2006
107
38
0.55
N/A
10.8
N/A
30.6
26.7
0.106
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
N/A
2005
108
40
0.62
N/A
13.0
N/A
29.7
28.2
0.142
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.9
N/A
2004
96
37
0.68
N/A
12.3
N/A
26.0
27.1
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
N/A
2003
102
43
0.63
N/A
13.6
N/A
27.1
29.2
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2002
100
39
0.62
N/A
14.0
N/A
25.2
27.3
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
N/A
2001
100
41
0.73
N/A
14.3
N/A
26.0
26.5
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2000
109
40
0.71
N/A
14.5
N/A
27.0
27.8
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
199.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
471.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
12%
Transportation
Dallas offers extensive public transit options, including buses, rail systems, and bike-sharing, while Lincoln mainly relies on buses and private vehicle commuting.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
240
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Bicycle
0.3%
0.8%
Bus
1.4%
1.1%
Carpooled
10.9%
10.2%
Car alone
83.9%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.6%
3.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Average
31.5 min
21.5 min
Other means
26.5 min
18.8 min
Public transportation
46 min
28.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
88.3%
In 2 person carpool
9%
10%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real-estate in Dallas is more expensive, with a wide range of options from upscale apartments to suburban houses. Lincoln offers more affordable housing, with many choices for apartments and single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
Dallas is characterized by diverse neighborhoods, such as the bustling Downtown or the artsy Deep Ellum. Lincoln, though smaller, offers a variety of neighborhoods from the historic Haymarket District to the peaceful family-friendly Highlands.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Houses
591,773
126,262
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1983
Median year house/condo built
1969
1979
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
120,407 (95.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
70,003 (58.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
50,404 (41.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$849.83
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,000
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$413,349
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$228,000
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
7
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$244,409
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$146,009
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$318,993
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$99,016
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$14,649
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$282,955
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$242,537
Median house age
40
40
Renting percentage
55.9%
41.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
1,691.6
House value disparities
41.3%
29.7%
Household income disparities
48.2%
43.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$97,001
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$72,157
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
1,686 (3.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
3,489 (7.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
44,764 (96.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
4,382 (9.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Lincoln
One, detached
41.8%
58.3%
One, attached
4.3%
8.0%
Two
1.5%
2.3%
3 or 4
4.9%
2.9%
5 to 9
7.9%
5.6%
10 to 19
12.1%
7.4%
20 to 49
8.1%
7.6%
50 or more
18.4%
6.4%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.5%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
9,332
State government workers
17,325
14,738
Unpaid family workers
754
298
Industries and Occupations
Dallas' economy is driven by sectors like technology, financial services, and healthcare. Lincoln’s economy, on the other hand, mainly revolves around education, public administration, and healthcare.
Dallas has an excellent healthcare system, with highly ranked hospitals, while Lincoln also offers quality healthcare, with notable facilities such as Bryan Health and CHI Health St. Elizabeth.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas boasts a modern and expanding infrastructure, with ongoing developments in transportation, housing, and digital connectivity. Lincoln has more traditional infrastructure, but still offers reliable utilities and transport connectivity.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Lincoln
Hospitals
74
11
TV stations
25
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
394
123
Bank institutions located here
80
21
Main business address for public companies
122
8
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Lincoln
1999
5,030
563
2000
3,390
394
2001
2,626
262
2002
2,657
246
2003
3,617
334
2004
5,460
357
2005
7,445
416
2006
7,397
374
2007
5,056
223
2008
2,200
149
2009
1,121
97
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Dallas is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, BBQ, lively music scene, and art events. Lincoln is renowned for its hearty Midwestern meals, beer breweries, college sports traditions, and supportive arts community.
Sports Teams
Dallas is home to popular professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL) and Dallas Mavericks (NBA); Lincoln is known for its enthusiastic support of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Dallas, TX
Lincoln, NE
Dallas, TX and 
Lincoln, NE : 553.5 miles
