Dallas County

History of Dallas County

Dallas County was officially formed in 1846 and is said to be named after the 11th Vice President of the United States, George Mifflin Dallas. Just 14 years later, Dallas County had blossomed into a thriving farming community of 8,665 people, and the majority of crops grown were corn and wheat and some cotton. By that time, Dallas had become the major food-producing hub for all of North Texas.

During the Civil War, the Confederate government headquarters for the Trans-Mississippi Department army were located in Dallas County and after the war, the county blossomed once more and the population increased to 13,414.

Agriculture remained the primary economic factor after the war, but all goods had to be transported via oxen. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the Texas and Pacific Railroad ran through Dallas, resulting in a rapid expansion and sprouting of nearby communities along the railway.

Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, Dallas County transformed into a manufacturing community, with factories drawing young workers from the rural areas into the more urban center of Dallas County.

Between the years of 1947-1987, farming and livestock in Dallas County decreased immensely and manufacturing became the main industry and employer. By 1989, the population was booming and the retail, service, hotel and manufacturing industries employed the most people.

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Dallas County Today

According to the 2015 U.S. Census, Dallas County is the ninth most populous county in the U.S. and the second most populous county in Texas with an estimated population of 2,553,385. The median household income in Dallas County is $49,925 and the median age is 31. Most common industries include healthcare, construction, retail trade and social assistance.

The average commute time for Dallas County residents is 26.2 minutes and 77.9 percent of people commute alone in their own vehicles every day, while 3.3 percent of people use the public transit.

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers convenient bus and rail service to most places in Dallas County, and the Trinity Railway Express shuttles riders to Tarrant County. Drivers enjoy easy access to several main highways including Interstate 20, Interstate 30, Interstate 35E, the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) and many more.

For domestic and international travel, Love Field and the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport are also located in Dallas County. The DFW International airport is a sight to see, ranking as the second largest airport in the U.S. according to acreage. It is close to the size of Manhattan Island and is like a small city within Texas, itself!

What People Are Saying About Dallas County:

  • In 2015, WalletHub ranked Carrollton, Texas as the sixth healthiest housing market.

Large Corporations in Dallas County:

There are several large corporations operating in Dallas County, Texas, including:

  • McKesson Corporate Office
  • 7-Eleven Corporate Office
  • Exxon Mobil Corp. Headquarters
  • Fluor Corp. Headquarters
  • Kimberly-Clark Corp. Headquarters
  • Commercial Metals Company Headquarters
  • Michaels Stores, Inc. Headquarters

If you would like to learn more about living in a thriving county such as Dallas County, would like to schedule a home viewing or sell your current home, contact an experienced real estate agent. Brian S. Curry is a knowledgeable real estate agent with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs and Collin County Homes. He would be glad to help you discover the home of your dreams or sell your existing home.

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Living in Dallas County

Dallas cityscape

Dallas County plays host to a number of large events, bringing droves of visitors to the area every year. Residents of the area also enjoy plenty of local attractions, shopping, restaurants and dozens of highly esteemed museums.

Popular Attractions & Landmarks:

  • Dallas Museum of Art: One of the largest art museums in the U.S., the Dallas Museum of Art is nestled in the arts district of downtown Dallas, TX and is home to a collection featuring more than 23,000 works of art from all over the world, popular events and ongoing exhibitions.
  • Dallas Zoo: The Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas, spanning 106-acres and offering more than 30 exhibits for visitors to enjoy.
  • Dallas World Aquarium: This large aquarium is home to many different species of aquatic animals and is focused on animal conservation and education. This attraction is filled with exhibits, restaurants, feedings/talks and more.
  • AT&T Stadium: Home to the Dallas Cowboys and the largest domed stadium in the world, seating 80,000 people, the AT&T stadium draws hundreds of thousands of people to Dallas County each year with professional sports games, concerts and other events. 
  • George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum: This attraction is dedicated to the career of former president, George W. Bush, as well as the education of presidency, American history, and public policy.

Special Events & Festivals:

  • State Fair of Texas: One of the largest annual events in Dallas County, the State Fair of Texas is a one-of-a-kind experience filled with live music, incredible food, family-friendly attractions and more. Since 1886, the State Fair of Texas usually occurs in the Fall, lasting around 24 consecutive days! According to the State Fair, 3 to 3.5 million people attend the fair each year.
  • Cotton Bowl Classic: An American college football tradition, the Cotton Bowl is held every January 1 or 2 at AT&T Stadium.
  • AT&T Byron Nelson Golf Classic: The ninth-longest-running stop on the PGA Tour, the Byron Nelson Golf Classic is one of the most anticipated golf events in Dallas County. It is held at the Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas.

Resources for Residents:

Independent School Districts: 

Towns & Cities in Dallas County

Unincorporated Communities:

Sand Branch

Contact Brian S. Curry with RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs and Collin County Homes if you’re interested in learning more about living in Collin, Denton or Dallas County. He can assist in scheduling a viewing to see a home or sell your existing home. He is a RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs real estate agent and would be happy to help you find the perfect home or sell your existing home.

Disclaimer: Information as of December 23, 2016. All of the information is deemed reliable, however, some information including dates, statistics, and quotes may be subject to change.