RANK #884 / 996 · POP 100,367 · IA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.4%
Dallas County, Iowa, stands out as one of the fastest-growing counties in the Midwest, known for its blend of agricultural roots and expanding urban amenities. Located west of Des Moines, the county seat is Adel, while Waukee is its largest city. Commuters to Des Moines typically face an average travel time of around 21 minutes. The Raccoon River Valley Trail, a popular destination for biking and hiking, runs through the county, offering extensive outdoor recreation opportunities alongside numerous parks and wildlife areas.
Life in Dallas County often appeals to families and young professionals, drawn by highly-rated public schools and a variety of housing options. The economy is experiencing growth, with increasing employment across various sectors. Recent developments indicate significant investment in technology infrastructure, including data centers, alongside continued expansion in manufacturing and the agricultural industry. This economic activity contributes to a changing landscape, balancing residential growth with ongoing business development.
Above national median
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.7x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft Data Center Campus (Van Meter)
Microsoft
|
$6,000M | Planned |
|
Apple Data Center Campus
Apple
|
$1,300M | Operating |
|
JBS Sausage Plant
JBS
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
ADR Axles Facility
ADR Axles
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Dallas County Administration Building
Dallas County
|
$26M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Dallas County has a Boom Town Index score of 11/100, ranking #884 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.7% and a median household income of $99,533, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Dallas County is $314,900 with median rent at $1,198/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3161, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +3.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.7%. Home values changed -0.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.84% of Dallas County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.