Dallas County, Iowa

County in Iowa, United States

Not to be confused with Dallas County, Alabama; Dallas County, Arkansas; Dallas County, Missouri; or Dallas County, Texas.

U.S. county in Iowa

Dallas County

U.S. county

Dallas County Court House in Adel

Location within the U.S. state of Iowa

Iowa's location within the U.S.

Country|  United States
State|  Iowa
Founded| January 13, 1846
Named for| George M. Dallas
Seat| Adel
Largest city| Waukee
Area

• Total| 592 sq mi (1,530 km2)
• Land| 588 sq mi (1,520 km2)
• Water| 3.3 sq mi (9 km2)  0.5%
Population

(2020)

• Total| 99,678
• Density| 170/sq mi (65/km2)
Time zone| UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district| 3rd
Website| www.dallascountyiowa.gov

Dallas County is a county located in the U.S. state of Iowa. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 99,678, making it the seventh-most populous county in Iowa. Between 2010 and 2020, it was the fastest growing county in Iowa and one of the fastest growing in the country.[1] Its county seat is Adel,[2] and its largest city is Waukee. The county was named for George M. Dallas, Vice President of the United States under James K. Polk, the namesake of neighboring Polk County.

Dallas County is included in the Des Moines–West Des Moines, IA Metropolitan Statistical Area.[3]

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Geography
* 2.1 Major highways
* 2.2 Adjacent counties
* 3 Demographics
* 3.1 2020 census
* 3.2 2010 census
* 3.3 2000 census
* 4 Communities
* 4.1 Cities
* 4.2 Unincorporated communities
* 4.3 Townships
* 4.4 Population ranking
* 5 Politics
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 External links

## History[edit | edit source]

The land that now forms Dallas County was ceded by the Sac and Fox nation to the United States in a treaty signed on October 11, 1842.

On January 13, 1846, the legislative body of the Iowa Territory authorized the creation of twelve counties in the Iowa Territory,[4] with general descriptions of their boundaries.[5] Dallas County's name referred to United States Vice President George M. Dallas, who served from 1845 to 1849.

In 1847 the county residents voted to designate Penoch as the county seat (the name was changed to Adel in 1849). The county's population grew rapidly, with settlers coming to claim homesteads. By 1870, the population had crossed the 12,000 mark.

## Geography[edit | edit source]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 592 square miles (1,530 km2), of which 588 square miles (1,520 km2) is land and 3.3 square miles (8.5 km2) (0.5%) is water.[6]

### Major highways[edit | edit source]

* Interstate 80 – runs east-northeast across the southern portion of the county, passing Dexter and De Soto on its way to Des Moines
* U.S. Highway 6 – from its starting point in Adel, runs east across the midsection of the county on its way to Des Moines
* U.S. Highway 169 – runs north–south through the center of the county, from Bouton to Adel to De Soto
* Iowa Highway 17 – from its starting point (intersection with Iowa 141) at Granger, runs north along the county's eastern boundary, into Boone County
* Iowa Highway 44 – runs east–west through the center of the county, through Dallas Center
* File:Elongated circle 141.svg Iowa Highway 141 – runs east across northern portion of county, through Dawson, Perry, Bouton and Woodward, then southeast to exit into Polk County at Granger
* Iowa Highway 144 \- from its starting point (intersection w Iowa 141) at Perry, runs north into Boone County
* Iowa Highway 210 – from its starting point (intersection w Iowa 141), runs north to Woodward and continues into Boone County[7]

### Adjacent counties[edit | edit source]

* Adair County – southwest
* Boone County – north
* Greene County – north and northwest
* Guthrie County – west
* Madison County – south
* Polk County – east
* Warren County – southeast

## Demographics[edit | edit source]

Historical population

Census | Pop. |  | %±
1850| 854| | —
1860| 5,244| | 514.1%
1870| 12,019| | 129.2%
1880| 18,746| | 56.0%
1890| 20,479| | 9.2%
1900| 23,058| | 12.6%
1910| 23,628| | 2.5%
1920| 25,120| | 6.3%
1930| 25,493| | 1.5%
1940| 24,649| | −3.3%
1950| 23,661| | −4.0%
1960| 24,123| | 2.0%
1970| 26,085| | 8.1%
1980| 29,513| | 13.1%
1990| 29,755| | 0.8%
2000| 40,750| | 37.0%
2010| 66,135| | 62.3%
2020| 99,678| | 50.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2018[12]

Population of Dallas County from US census data

### 2020 census[edit | edit source]

The 2020 census recorded a population of 99,678 in the county, with a population density of 168.7353/sq mi (65.1491/km2). 94.19% of the population reported being of one race. There were 41,125 housing units of which 38,291 were occupied.[1]

Dallas County Racial Composition[13] Race  | Num.  | Perc.

|
|

White (NH)  | 81,708  | 82%
Black or African American (NH)  | 2,657  | 2.7%
Native American (NH)  | 137  | 0.14%
Asian (NH)  | 4,987  | 5%
Pacific Islander (NH)  | 32  | 0.03%
Other/Mixed (NH)  | 3,642  | 3.7%
Hispanic or Latino | 6,515  | 6.54%

### 2010 census[edit | edit source]

The 2010 census recorded a population of 66,135 in the county, with a population density of 112.7698/sq mi (43.5407/km2). There were 27,260 housing units, of which 25,240 were occupied.[14]

### 2000 census[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail:

2000 Census Age Pyramid for Dallas County

As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 40,750 people, 15,584 households, and 11,173 families in the county. The population density was 70 inhabitants per square mile (27/km2). There were 16,529 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile (11/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.75% White, 0.74% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.79% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 5.40% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 15,584 households, 37.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.60% were married couples living together, 8.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.30% were non-families. 23.60% of households were one person and 8.20% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.08.

The age distribution was 28.20% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 32.10% from 25 to 44, 21.60% from 45 to 64, and 11.10% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.80 males.

The median household income was $48,528 and the median family income was $58,293. Males had a median income of $37,243 versus $27,026 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,970. About 4.00% of families and 5.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.10% of those under age 18 and 7.10% of those age 65 or over.

## Communities[edit | edit source]

### Cities[edit | edit source]

* Adel
* Bouton
* Clive ‡
* Dallas Center
* Dawson
* De Soto
* Dexter
* Granger‡
* Grimes ‡
* Linden
* Minburn
* Perry
* Redfield
* Urbandale ‡
* Van Meter
* Waukee
* West Des Moines ‡
* Woodward

‡ partly in Polk County

### Unincorporated communities[edit | edit source]

* Booneville

### Townships[edit | edit source]

* Adams
* Adel
* Beaver
* Boone
* Colfax
* Dallas
* Des Moines
* Grant
* Lincoln
* Linn
* Spring Valley
* Sugar Grove
* Union
* Van Meter
* Walnut
* Washington

### Population ranking[edit | edit source]

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2020 census of Dallas County.[1]

† county seat

Rank  | City/Town/etc.  | Municipal type  | Population (2020 Census)

|
|
|

1  | West Des Moines (mostly in Polk County)  | City  | 68,723
2  | Urbandale (partially in Polk County)  | City  | 45,580
3  | Waukee | City  | 23,940
4  | Clive (partially in Polk County)  | City  | 18,601
5  | Grimes (mostly in Polk County)  | City  | 15,392
6  | Perry | City  | 7,836
7  | † Adel | City  | 6,153
8  | Dallas Center | City  | 1,901
9  | Granger (partially in Polk County)  | City  | 1,654
10  | Van Meter | City  | 1,484
11  | Woodward | City  | 1,346
12  | De Soto | City  | 915
13  | Redfield | City  | 731
14  | Dexter | City  | 640
15  | Minburn | City  | 325
16  | Linden | City  | 200
17  | Dawson | City  | 116
18  | Bouton | City  | 127

## Politics[edit | edit source]

Prior to 1932, Dallas County was strongly Republican in presidential elections. From 1932 to 1996, it was a swing county, having a Republican lean until 1960 & a Democratic lean from 1964 to 1996, especially after 1980. Since 2000, it has been consistently Republican, though no Republican presidential candidate has won over 60% of the vote nor has a Democrat won less than 40% since then.

Presidential election results

Presidential election results[16] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties

|
|
|

2020 | 50.0% 27,987 | 48.0% 26,879 | 2.1% 1,156
2016 | 50.6% 19,339 | 41.1% 15,701 | 8.4% 3,212
2012 | 55.1% 20,988 | 43.5% 16,576 | 1.5% 552
2008 | 51.9% 16,954 | 46.4% 15,149 | 1.7% 540
2004 | 57.8% 15,183 | 41.5% 10,917 | 0.7% 193
2000 | 53.3% 10,306 | 44.3% 8,561 | 2.4% 463
1996 | 41.5% 6,647 | 50.1% 8,017 | 8.4% 1,346
1992 | 37.6% 5,587 | 44.1% 6,554 | 18.3% 2,720
1988 | 39.1% 4,858 | 60.4% 7,501 | 0.5% 60
1984 | 47.9% 6,080 | 51.7% 6,564 | 0.5% 63
1980 | 48.6% 6,296 | 41.0% 5,310 | 10.5% 1,358
1976 | 43.3% 5,308 | 54.9% 6,722 | 1.8% 217
1972 | 53.7% 6,143 | 44.5% 5,085 | 1.8% 208
1968 | 49.2% 5,549 | 44.9% 5,062 | 6.0% 676
1964 | 33.4% 3,763 | 66.1% 7,447 | 0.5% 52
1960 | 53.9% 6,566 | 46.0% 5,597 | 0.1% 13
1956 | 56.1% 6,619 | 43.9% 5,185 | 0.0% 2
1952 | 63.5% 8,008 | 35.7% 4,501 | 0.8% 101
1948 | 44.5% 4,810 | 52.3% 5,661 | 3.2% 348
1944 | 49.8% 5,413 | 48.9% 5,316 | 1.2% 135
1940 | 49.2% 6,218 | 49.7% 6,279 | 1.0% 131
1936 | 45.5% 5,442 | 53.0% 6,341 | 1.6% 190
1932 | 47.0% 4,516 | 50.9% 4,887 | 2.2% 208
1928 | 69.7% 7,294 | 29.7% 3,108 | 0.6% 58
1924 | 62.0% 6,359 | 9.1% 933 | 28.9% 2,969
1920 | 70.6% 6,677 | 27.3% 2,577 | 2.1% 200
1916 | 52.4% 2,900 | 45.1% 2,495 | 2.6% 143
1912 | 34.8% 1,825 | 32.7% 1,718 | 32.5% 1,706
1908 | 59.9% 3,132 | 35.8% 1,871 | 4.3% 222
1904 | 70.0% 3,499 | 23.2% 1,159 | 6.8% 341
1900 | 62.4% 3,601 | 33.6% 1,940 | 4.1% 234
1896 | 57.9% 3,326 | 40.3% 2,316 | 1.8% 105

## See also[edit | edit source]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Dallas County, Iowa
* Raccoon River Valley Trail

## References[edit | edit source]

1. ^ a b c "2020 Census State Redistricting Data". census.gov. United states Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ United States Office of Management and Budget. "Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses" (PDF). pp. 5, 36. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 14, 2006. Retrieved July 21, 2006.
4. ^ The counties were Boone, Clarke, Dallas, Decatur, Jasper, Lucas, Madison, Marshall, Polk, Story, Warren, and Wayne.
5. ^ The History of Polk County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, &c. Union Historical Co. 1880. pp. 419, 425.
6. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". US Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
7. ^ Dallas County, Iowa Google Maps (accessed 20 August 2018)
8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
10. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
12. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
13. ^ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Dallas County, Iowa".
14. ^ "Population & Housing Occupancy Status 2010" (PDF). US Census Bureau – American FactFinder. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
15. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
16. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved December 8, 2020.

## External links[edit | edit source]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dallas County, Iowa.

* Dallas County government's website Archived April 4, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
* HISTORY OF DALLAS COUNTY, IOWA 1879 Online book

Places adjacent to Dallas County, Iowa

| Greene County | Boone County |

|
|

|  |
Guthrie County |

Dallas County, Iowa

| Polk County
|  |
Adair County | Madison County | Warren County

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Dallas County, Iowa, United States

County seat: Adel

Cities|

* Adel
* Bouton
* Clive‡
* Dallas Center
* Dawson
* De Soto
* Dexter
* Granger‡
* Grimes‡
* Linden
* Minburn
* Perry
* Redfield
* Urbandale‡
* Van Meter
* Waukee
* West Des Moines‡
* Woodward

Townships|

* Adams
* Adel
* Beaver
* Boone
* Colfax
* Dallas
* Des Moines
* Grant
* Lincoln
* Linn
* Spring Valley
* Sugar Grove
* Union
* Van Meter
* Walnut
* Washington

Unincorporated
communities|

* Booneville
* Xenia
* Zook Spur

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

State of Iowa

Des Moines (capital)

Topics|

* Archaeology
* Area codes
* Attorney General
* Auditor of State
* Capitol
* Code
* Congressional districts
* Crime
* Delegations
* Representatives
* Senators
* Elections
* Caucuses
* Environment
* Flag
* Governor
* History
* Historic Places
* Index
* Legislature
* House
* Senate
* Museums
* People
* Native Americans
* Political parties
* Democratic
* Libertarian
* Republican
* Seal
* Secretary of Agriculture
* Secretary of State
* State Parks
* Supreme Court
* Symbols
* Treasurer of State

Regions|

* Coteau des Prairies
* Des Moines metropolitan area
* Dissected Till Plains
* Driftless Area
* Great River Road
* Honey Lands
* Iowa Great Lakes
* Loess Hills
* Omaha–Council Bluffs metropolitan area
* Quad Cities
* Siouxland

Largest cities|

* Ames
* Ankeny
* Bettendorf
* Burlington
* Cedar Falls
* Cedar Rapids
* Clinton
* Council Bluffs
* Davenport
* Des Moines
* Dubuque
* Fort Dodge
* Iowa City
* Marion
* Marshalltown
* Mason City
* Muscatine
* Ottumwa
* Sioux City
* Urbandale
* Waterloo
* West Des Moines

Counties|

* Adair
* Adams
* Allamakee
* Appanoose
* Audubon
* Benton
* Black Hawk
* Boone
* Bremer
* Buchanan
* Buena Vista
* Butler
* Calhoun
* Carroll
* Cass
* Cedar
* Cerro Gordo
* Cherokee
* Chickasaw
* Clarke
* Clay
* Clayton
* Clinton
* Crawford
* Dallas
* Davis
* Decatur
* Delaware
* Des Moines
* Dickinson
* Dubuque
* Emmet
* Fayette
* Floyd
* Franklin
* Fremont
* Greene
* Grundy
* Guthrie
* Hamilton
* Hancock
* Hardin
* Harrison
* Henry
* Howard
* Humboldt
* Ida
* Iowa
* Jackson
* Jasper
* Jefferson
* Johnson
* Jones
* Keokuk
* Kossuth
* Lee
* Linn
* Louisa
* Lucas
* Lyon
* Madison
* Mahaska
* Marion
* Marshall
* Mills
* Mitchell
* Monona
* Monroe
* Montgomery
* Muscatine
* O'Brien
* Osceola
* Page
* Palo Alto
* Plymouth
* Pocahontas
* Polk
* Pottawattamie
* Poweshiek
* Ringgold
* Sac
* Scott
* Shelby
* Sioux
* Story
* Tama
* Taylor
* Union
* Van Buren
* Wapello
* Warren
* Washington
* Wayne
* Webster
* Winnebago
* Winneshiek
* Woodbury
* Worth
* Wright

Coordinates: 41°40′58″N 94°02′06″W﻿ / ﻿41.68278°N 94.03500°W﻿ / 41.68278; -94.03500
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