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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Dallas

Dallas is a major city in North Texas and one of the largest cities in the United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dallas is a major city in North Texas and one of the largest cities in the United States. It is the ninth-most populous city in the country and the third-most populous in Texas. The city is known for its business center, sports culture, Tex-Mex and barbecue, arts scene, and landmarks such as Dealey Plaza and Reunion Tower.

Overview

Dallas is a large city in northern Texas and a central city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. It has grown into a major commercial, cultural, and transportation hub. The city was founded in 1841 and incorporated in 1856, and it is located in Dallas County.

Economy and identity

Dallas is commonly described as a business center with a strong concentration of corporate activity. It is widely associated with business, finance, and corporate headquarters. The city is also known for its association with cowboy culture, professional sports, and a prominent skyline.

Culture and attractions

The city is known for museums, performing arts, shopping, and dining. Major cultural attractions include the Dallas Arts District, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and the Dallas Museum of Art. Popular sites also include Reunion Tower, Klyde Warren Park, and the Dallas Arboretum.

Food and sports

Dallas is especially associated with barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Sports culture is a major part of the city’s identity, particularly through the Dallas Cowboys and other professional teams. The city has a strong sports identity, with football being a central part.

Key facts

  • Dallas is the ninth-most populous city in the United States and the third-most populous in Texas.
  • The city is a major business center with a strong concentration of corporate headquarters.
  • Dallas is known for Tex-Mex cuisine, barbecue, and a strong sports culture, particularly football.
  • Major cultural attractions include the Dallas Arts District, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and the Dallas Museum of Art.
  • Dallas is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the US, and is served by a major airport hub.
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Canadian context

Dallas is a major U.S. destination for Canadian travellers, especially for business travel, sports, shopping, and connecting flights through the Dallas–Fort Worth airport hub.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dallas known for?
Dallas is known for business and corporate headquarters, football, Tex-Mex and barbecue, its skyline, and cultural attractions such as Dealey Plaza and the Dallas Arts District.
What county is Dallas in?
Dallas is in Dallas County.
What is the population of Dallas?
The city’s population was 1,304,379 in the 2020 U.S. census.
Is Dallas safe?
Dallas has both safer and higher-crime neighbourhoods, like many large U.S. cities. Safety varies by area, time of day, and activity, so local crime data and neighbourhood-specific sources matter.
What is the cost of living in Dallas?
Dallas is generally considered less expensive than many coastal U.S. major cities, but housing, transportation, and insurance costs can still be significant. Exact costs vary by neighbourhood and household size.
What to do in Dallas?
Common activities include visiting the Sixth Floor Museum, Reunion Tower, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Dallas Arboretum, Klyde Warren Park, Deep Ellum, and the Dallas Arts District.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Dallas
    Supports: Dallas as a cosmopolitan city, cultural activities, restaurants, shopping, and general city description.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas
    Supports: Population, county, founding, incorporation, nickname, and city overview.
  3. Tripadvisor — https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g55711-Activities-Dallas_Texas.html
    Supports: Popular attractions and things to do in Dallas.
  4. Viator — https://www.viator.com/Dallas/d918
    Supports: Common visitor associations including football, arts district, JFK-related sites, nightlife, and food tours.
  5. Landing — https://www.hellolanding.com/blog/what-is-dallas-known-for/
    Supports: Dallas known for BBQ, football, Tex-Mex, and cowboy heritage.
  6. Happy To Be Texas — https://www.happytobetexas.com/facts-about-dallas-texas/
    Supports: Dallas founding date, incorporation date, city size ranking, and metro area context.