Dallas, Texas and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are two diverse and culturally rich American cities with distinct features that make them unique. Dallas, known for its vibrant economy, dynamic food culture, and warm climate, contrasts with Milwaukee's cooler weather, waterfront orientation, and manufacturing-focused economy. These cities differ significantly in their crime rates, cost of living, job opportunities, and social scenes. This comparison, intended for those considering relocation or a visit, delves into each area to give a comprehensive understanding of what life might be like in Dallas or Milwaukee.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Milwaukee, WI : 855.3 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 126%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
According to statistics, Dallas tends to have a higher crime rate than Milwaukee. However, much like any other city, crime is concentrated in particular neighborhoods. Hence, many Dallas areas are safe, bustling, and tourist-friendly. Similarly, while Milwaukee has a lower crime rate overall, safety can vary greatly based on the specific neighborhood. Both cities have seen significant law enforcement efforts aimed at improving safety and reducing crime.
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 2,401 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Dallas is near to than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
Widely, the cost of living in Dallas is somewhat higher than in Milwaukee. This difference largely results from housing prices, which are typically higher in Dallas. However, both cities are generally considered more affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.
Income Tax
A significant difference between the two cities is in their state income tax. Texas does not impose a state income tax, which can make a noticeable difference for those working in Dallas. In contrast, Wisconsin does have a state income tax, which can be as high as 7.65% depending on income level.
Property Tax
Property tax rates can be high in both Dallas and Milwaukee. The average property tax rate in Dallas County is about 2.06%, while in Milwaukee, the rate is around 2.68%. These rates are significantly higher than the national average.
Sales Tax
Texas has a state sales tax rate of 6.25%, while Dallas adds an additional local sales tax, bringing the total to 8.25%. Wisconsin’s state sales tax is 5%, and with Milwaukee’s additional county and city sales taxes, the total sales tax is about 5.6%.
Income
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $50,728 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas is relatively flat, characterized by prairie, grasslands, and lakes. Milwaukee, located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, is known for its beautiful waterfront and rolling hills in the outlying areas.
Both Dallas and Milwaukee offer a variety of educational opportunities. Dallas is home to several universities, including Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. K-12 education in Dallas is provided by the Dallas Independent School District. Milwaukee also has numerous higher education institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Public School system serves the city's K-12 students.
Dallas’s economy is diverse, with strong sectors in information technology, defense, financial services, and life sciences. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's economy traditionally focused on manufacturing, but it has diversified over time to include healthcare, education, and finance. The job market in Milwaukee is less competitive than in Dallas, although salaries are comparatively lower.
Biggest Employers
Dallas is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. Milwaukee's biggest employers include healthcare providers, such as Aurora Health Care and Ascension Wisconsin, as well as manufacturers like Harley-Davidson and Briggs & Stratton.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Dallas
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
2020
65.1%
69.3%
33.4%
29.4%
1.4%
1.3%
2016
60.8%
65.6%
34.7%
28.6%
4.5%
5.8%
2012
57.3%
67.8%
41.8%
31.6%
1.0%
0.5%
2008
57.4%
67.8%
42.0%
31.7%
0.6%
0.5%
2004
49.0%
62.0%
50.4%
37.5%
0.5%
0.5%
2000
45.0%
58.5%
52.7%
37.9%
2.4%
3.6%
1996
46.0%
58.3%
46.8%
32.2%
7.2%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
21.0%
2.4%
10.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
1.3%
31.1%
4.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
1.0%
1.1%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
1.5%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.7%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
2.4%
0.9%
6.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
3.0%
0.7%
5.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.7%
0.2%
3.1%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
2.2%
0.1%
6.0%
Weather
Dallas experiences a warm, humid subtropical climate, with summer temperatures often surpassing 100°F. However, it leads to fantastic opportunities for year-round outdoor activities. On the other hand, Milwaukee experiences a humid continental climate characterized by four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The cooler, more variable climate may appeal to those who enjoy seasonal changes and winter sports.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
35%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
Dallas
Milwaukee
2018
86
84
N/A
N/A
5.7
8.8
28.7
28.2
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
9.7
7.8
0.4
0.2
2017
84
80
N/A
N/A
5.5
8.9
28.6
27.7
N/A
N/A
14.3
N/A
9.1
6.9
0.3
0.3
2016
81
86
N/A
N/A
6.1
9.4
27.2
27.0
N/A
N/A
15.0
N/A
8.4
7.4
0.2
1.2
2015
85
78
N/A
N/A
6.5
9.6
26.7
27.2
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
8.9
7.8
0.3
1.1
2014
83
89
N/A
N/A
6.3
9.9
27.6
26.0
N/A
N/A
15.4
N/A
9.9
9.2
0.3
1.0
2013
97
81
N/A
N/A
7.3
10.4
28.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
15.4
N/A
13.0
9.6
0.2
0.7
2012
116
108
N/A
N/A
8.6
11.5
31.0
28.3
N/A
N/A
17.2
N/A
12.0
9.6
0.3
1.0
2011
98
95
N/A
N/A
9.4
11.4
30.9
27.3
N/A
N/A
16.2
N/A
11.9
10.1
0.6
1.2
2010
79
83
N/A
N/A
9.4
12.9
28.3
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
N/A
2009
88
69
N/A
N/A
9.2
12.2
28.8
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
N/A
2008
88
61
N/A
N/A
9.8
12.4
29.2
24.6
0.121
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
N/A
2007
94
80
N/A
N/A
11.0
14.2
25.7
24.1
0.070
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
N/A
2006
107
66
0.35
N/A
10.8
14.7
30.6
22.8
0.106
0.017
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
2.6
2005
108
99
0.36
N/A
13.0
16.6
29.7
25.1
0.142
0.015
25.4
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.9
3.1
2004
96
75
0.41
N/A
12.3
16.6
26.0
21.2
0.099
0.011
21.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
3.3
2003
102
76
0.41
N/A
13.6
16.7
27.1
27.1
0.121
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
3.3
2002
100
92
0.40
N/A
14.0
N/A
25.2
28.9
0.080
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
3.7
2001
100
96
0.34
N/A
14.3
15.8
26.0
28.3
0.069
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
3.0
2000
109
84
0.29
N/A
14.5
16.5
27.0
27.0
0.092
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
19%
Transportation
Public transit in Dallas is provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which operates buses and light rail. Commutes can be relatively long given Dallas’s expansive geography. Milwaukee’s public transit system includes buses and a streetcar. Its smaller size generally results in shorter commutes.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
2
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.3%
0.5%
Bus
1.4%
4.2%
Carpooled
10.9%
8.4%
Car alone
83.9%
81.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Average
31.5 min
24.2 min
Other means
26.5 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
46 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.8%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
9%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Dallas has seen significant growth in recent years, driven in part by the city's growing economy. When compared to Milwaukee, it is not unusual to find higher property prices. The Milwaukee real estate market, while more stable, offers affordable options, particularly for those interested in historic homes.
Neighborhoods
Dallas is known for its upscale neighborhoods like Highland Park and University Park. The city also has a bustling downtown area. Milwaukee has diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Third Ward to the lively East Side. It's unique for its neighborhoods that are close to the lakefront, providing beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Houses
591,773
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.5
Median year apartment built
1987
1956
Median year house/condo built
1969
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$176,965
Median house age
40
68
Renting percentage
55.9%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
2,683.8
House value disparities
41.3%
33%
Household income disparities
48.2%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Milwaukee
One, detached
41.8%
38.9%
One, attached
4.3%
4.5%
Two
1.5%
23.5%
3 or 4
4.9%
6.3%
5 to 9
7.9%
6.3%
10 to 19
12.1%
4.1%
20 to 49
8.1%
6.6%
50 or more
18.4%
9.5%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
10,069
State government workers
17,325
7,334
Unpaid family workers
754
199
Industries and Occupations
In Dallas, job seekers will find opportunities in IT services, defense, medical research, and financial services. In contrast, Milwaukee's economy leans more toward manufacturing, food and beverage production, education, social assistance, and healthcare.
Dallas is renowned for its high-quality healthcare facilities, like the UT Southwestern Medical Center. Milwaukee also boasts a robust healthcare system, with leading institutions such as the Froedtert Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Dallas boasts modern, expansive infrastructure and is well connected with highways, airports, and rail services. The city is known for its skyline, filled with modern architecture. Milwaukee also has solid infrastructure, including an efficient public transit system, but it is known more for its preserved historical buildings and less for modern development.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Milwaukee
Hospitals
74
29
TV stations
25
17
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
394
146
Bank institutions located here
80
29
Main business address for public companies
122
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Milwaukee
1999
5,030
1,506
2000
3,390
1,666
2001
2,626
1,410
2002
2,657
1,157
2003
3,617
1,641
2004
5,460
2,251
2005
7,445
3,325
2006
7,397
4,218
2007
5,056
2,555
2008
2,200
719
2009
1,121
456
Culture and Food
Dallas is known for its rich Southern culture, rodeos, and Tex-Mex and barbecue food. Arts district is the country's largest urban arts district. Milwaukee, on the other hand, has strong German and Polish influences and is globally acclaimed for its breweries. The city also hosts the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find much to celebrate in both cities. Dallas hosts the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Stars (NHL), and Dallas Mavericks (NBA). Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), and Green Bay Packers (NFL) located nearby.
Dallas, TX
Milwaukee, WI
Dallas, TX and 
Milwaukee, WI : 855.3 miles
