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Moving to Dallas, Texas? There are several aspects to consider before taking this step. For starters, you need to decide whether to move to the northern or southern part of the city. So, is North Dallas better than South Dallas?
North Dallas is better than South Dallas, including education, safety, employment rate, and median income. However, South Dallas is better regarding the cost of living, housing, and real estate prices.

North Dallas vs. South Dallas: Livability
Life isn’t the same in North and South Dallas. According to Area Vibes, the livability score is much higher in North Dallas.
North Dallas has an excellent livability score of 74 as it’s better than 73% of other areas in Texas. In fact, it ranks as the ninth neighborhood in Dallas and the 280th in Texas.
On the other hand, South Dallas features a poor livability score of 55. It’s only better than 10% of other areas. South Dallas ranked 38th in Dallas and 657th in Texas.
This vast gap between the Northern and the Southern part of the city is due to many different aspects, including:
The Cost of Living
Interestingly, the cost of living in North Dallas is 38% above the national average. It’s even 50% higher than Dallas’s average cost of living.
In this respect, South Dallas is better since it has a cost of living that’s 13% less than the national average. This is about 5% less than the average living cost in Dallas.
Employment
North Dallas shines bright with an unemployment rate of 50% lower than the national average. At $120,158, the median household income in North Dallas is 168% above the national average. Moreover, the income per capita is $79,875, about 117% higher than the national average.
On the contrary, South Dallas has an unemployment rate of 33% above the national average. The median household income is 45% lower at $34,588. In addition, the median income per capita is $16,332, 37% lower than that of America.
Housing
This is another aspect where South Dallas wins. The percentage of homeowners in South Dallas is 59%, about 8% lower than the national average. In North Dallas, it’s only 55%, which is 13% lower than the national average.
The median home value in North Dallas is $466,340. That’s 152% higher than the national average. In addition, at $1,291, the median rent is 36% above the national average.
On the other hand, South Dallas has a median home value of $60,262, which is about 67% lower than the national average. Moreover, the median rent is 15% below the national average at about $810.
Aspect | North Dallas | South Dallas |
Livability | 74 | 55 |
Cost of Living | 50% above national average | 13% below national average |
Unemployment | 50% below national average | 33% above national average |
Median Income Per Capita | 117% above national average | 37% below national average |
Median Household Income | 168% above national average | 45% below national average |
Rent | 36% above national average | 15% below national average |
North Dallas vs. South Dallas: Safety and Crime Rates
Generally speaking, North Dallas is much safer. The total crime rate is 50% above the national average in North Dallas and 183% in South Dallas.
You can see the main difference in the rate of violent crimes. While it’s 2% lower than the national average in North Dallas, it’s 343% higher in South Dallas!
The possibility of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 29 in North Dallas and 1 in 16 in South Dallas. This makes North Dallas safer than 56% of other cities in Texas.
On the other hand, the chance of being a victim in South Dallas is 1 in 16, which makes it safer than only 17% of Texan cities.
North Dallas vs. South Dallas: Education
Education is perhaps one of the most important aspects when comparing the two areas, especially if you have children.
To compare the education in North and South Dallas in relation to the national average, let’s explore these criteria:
- High school education
- Average test scores
- College education
- Best school districts
High School Education
The percentage of high school graduates in North Dallas reaches 93%, which is 13% above the national average.
However, in South Dallas, it’s only 76%, about 9% lower than the national average.
Average Test Scores
The average test score in North Dallas is 54%, which is about 13% higher than the national average.
In contrast, the scores come lower in South Dallas at only 32%, which is 34% lower than the national average.
College Education
Similarly, North Dallas goes way above South Dallas when it comes to the holders of bachelor degrees. About 66% of the people in North Dallas hold a bachelor’s degree. This is 118% above the national average.
In South Dallas, on the other hand, only 10% of the population has a bachelor’s degree. This is about 66% lower than the national average.
Best School Districts
Both North and South Dallas have their fair share of schools. However, North Dallas has a better ranking and more reputable school districts.
Here’s a list of the top school districts in North and South Dallas:
In North Dallas
- Coppell Independent School District
- Highland Park Independent School District
- Wylie Independent School District
In South Dallas
- Lancaster Independent School District
- Cedar Hill Independent School District
North Dallas vs. South Dallas FAQs
Are the museums better in North or South Dallas?
When it comes to museums, both North and South Dallas compete fiercely. In North Dallas, in addition to the traditional cultural and historical museums, you can see non-conventional themes such as The Dinosaur Company and Sweet Tooth Hotel.
On the other hand, the museums of South Dallas feature a more scientific and cultural feel. They include Texas Discovery Gardens, Nasher Sculpture Center, as well as the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
Is nightlife better in North or South Dallas?
Both areas feature a great night scene. No matter which part of Dallas you choose to reside in, you can find dance clubs, sports bars, cocktail bars, and nightclubs.
References
- Livability Score of North Dallas: areavibes.com
- Livability Score of South Dallas: areavibes.com
- Best schools in Dallas: getbellhops.com
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.