Performance
Score Breakdown
Dell Rapids
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dell Rapids is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
52% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dell Rapids's average rent is
100% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $1,412 | -100% |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 | +11% |
| Utilities | $200 | $281 | -29% |
| Transport | $150 | $126 | +19% |
| Healthcare | $300 | $135 | +122% |
| Monthly Total | $1,150 | $2,404 | -52% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dell Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dell Rapids is estimated at
$75,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,307 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,786 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $100,170 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dell Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dell Rapids | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,815 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 1.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dell Rapids
Advantages
Median household income of $100,170 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic well-being for residents.
High homeownership rate of 82.3% in 2024 suggests a stable and desirable housing market for residents.
The state of South Dakota, which Dell Rapids is part of, had a very low unemployment rate of 1.8% in 2024, indicating a healthy job market in the region.
The median sale price of homes increased by 15.1% over the three months ending May 2026, showing appreciation in property values.
Dell Rapids offers a strong sense of community and a peaceful, small-town lifestyle with access to natural amenities like the Big Sioux River.
Drawbacks
The city's population is projected to be declining at an annual rate of -0.96% in 2026.
Employment in Dell Rapids experienced a decline of -2.49% from 2023 to 2024.
The city is highly car-dependent, with limited public transit and walkability, necessitating personal vehicle ownership for most transportation needs.
Long-term care costs in South Dakota, including assisted living and nursing home care, are substantial, with assisted living averaging $5,341 per month in 2024.
Specific city-level data for various economic indicators like job growth rate and new business growth rate are not readily available, making detailed economic analysis challenging.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dell Rapids
#54South Dakota, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$58,307
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
75
Business
60
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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