How many cities are in Dallas, TX?
How Many Cities Are in Dallas, TX?
Imagine the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as a bustling mosaic of cities, each with its own personality, flair, and story. If Dallas County were a family reunion, it would be that overwhelmingly large gathering where you want to meet everyone but also need a GPS to find the potato salad. So, how many cities are packed into Dallas County, Texas, and what makes them tick? If you’ve ever wondered, “How many cities are in Dallas, TX?” get ready for a deep dive into this urban sprawl.
Quick Take: The Numbers Game
Dallas County is home to 10 fully incorporated cities and 3 incorporated towns, plus 18 cities that partially lie within Dallas County and stretch into neighboring counties. That means you’re looking at over 30 municipalities tied to Dallas County in one way or another.
Here's a concise snippet:
10 Cities entirely in Dallas County.
3 Towns entirely in Dallas County.
18 Cities partially in Dallas County (shared with other counties).
Dallas, TX itself—largest, sprawled, and includes many neighborhoods often mistaken for separate cities.
Coincidentally, this helps explain why the DFW metroplex is a giant patchwork of neighborhoods and suburbs, working together like an elaborate Texas stew, where sometimes you get unexpected ingredients.
What’s Dallas County?
Before we get into the cities themselves, some context: Dallas County is the second most populous county in Texas, with over 2.6 million residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census. It spans about 871 square miles and is the economic, cultural, and transportation hub of North Texas.
If the county were a person, it would be the one who never sleeps, thanks to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and a sprawling light rail system operated by DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit), connecting the cities within.
The 10 Cities Fully in Dallas County
Let’s zero-in on those cities fully located inside Dallas County, TX. Each has its own charm, size, and significance, but all contribute to the economic and social fabric of the region.
1. Dallas, TX
Population: 1.3 million
The heart and soul of Dallas County, Dallas is Texas’s third-largest city and the 9th largest in the US. It covers over 340 square miles (hello, urban sprawl!).
Known for iconic landmarks, like the Dallas Cowboys stadium and its arts scene.
Dallas acts as a major anchor for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
2. Irving
Population: ~256,000
Home to the Las Colinas district, featuring canals with gondola rides (yes, Texas gondolas!).
Headquarters for more than five Fortune 500 companies.
3. Garland
Population: ~246,000
Known for manufacturing, parks, and water recreation spots.
4. Grand Prairie
Population: ~196,000
Spanning Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis counties, known for family fun and outdoor activities including waterparks and horse racing.
5. Mesquite
Population: ~150,000
Famous for Rodeo performances and family-friendly entertainment complexes.
6. Carrollton
Population: ~133,000
Spread over Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties. Known for its golf courses, parks, and notably Koreatown Carrollton.
7. Richardson
Population: ~119,000
Partially in Collin County but mainly in Dallas County. Home to the Telecom Corridor and the University of Texas at Dallas.
8. Rowlett
Population: ~62,000
Partially in Dallas and Rockwall counties, affluent with high median household income.
9. DeSoto
Population: ~56,000
One of Dallas’s older suburbs, known for parks and green space.
10. Grapevine
Population: ~50,000
Known as the "Christmas Capital of Texas" and home to parts of the DFW International Airport.
3 Towns in Dallas County
The towns may be smaller, but they’re just as important—in fact, sometimes small towns punch above their weight in charm and influence.
Highland Park
University Park
Cockrell Hill
Highland Park and University Park together are often referred to as the "Park Cities" and are enclaves with distinct lifestyles, but all town residents still enjoy the full benefits and service of Dallas County.
18 Cities Partially in Dallas County
Then there’s a whole buncha cities overlapping county lines:
Cities like Plano, Allen, Sachse, and others fall partially into Dallas County but are also part of Collin or Denton counties.
Arlington, a major DFW player, is mostly in Tarrant County but partially touches Dallas County.
This overlapping is why navigating Dallas County’s cities feels sometimes like trying to assemble a puzzle where pieces come from two or three different boxes.
Why Does it Matter?
Whether you’re moving, visiting, or just nosy (like me), knowing how many cities are in Dallas, TX, helps you navigate everything from:
Home hunting: Realtors speak city to city when guiding buyers, so know your options.
Transit: Public transport routes (like DART) vary by city.
Culture: Each city hosts distinct events and attractions worth exploring.
Growth: Dallas County’s rapid expansion means city borders can shift and new developments spring up.
Fun Fact: Dallas County Has a Sweat Equity in the World
The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, partially in Grapevine, Irving, and other cities, ranks as the third busiest airport worldwide.
DART has the longest light rail system in the U.S., connecting many Dallas County cities (and beyond).
FAQs About Cities in Dallas County TX
How many cities are fully within Dallas County, TX?
There are 10 fully incorporated cities within Dallas County, plus 3 towns.
Are all the cities in Dallas County big?
Nope! The sizes vary from Dallas’s sprawling 1.3 million population to Grapevine’s cozy 50,000 residents.
What about cities in Dallas County that overlap with other counties?
There are 18 cities partially in Dallas County, also shared with Collin, Denton, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties.
Is Dallas the only city considered "Dallas, TX"?
No. “Dallas, TX” often refers specifically to the city of Dallas, but Dallas County includes many other cities and towns.
Summing Up with Style (and a Little Steve Jobs Flair)
Picture Dallas County as a brilliant operating system running a complex program called “Metroplex.” Each city is an app, uniquely designed but interconnected, contributing to an ecosystem that's greater than the sum of its parts. From the skyscrapers of Dallas to the calm lakesides of Rowlett, knowing how many cities there are—and where they are—gives you the power to navigate this Texas tech marvel like a pro user.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, explore these cities, or just need a guide through this sprawling digital map of neighborhoods and communities — remember, it's not about how many cities there are but how you connect with them.
Ready to Explore Dallas, TX Real Estate?
Whether you’re eyeing a charming home in the heart of Dallas or a suburban gem in Richardson, I’m here to help you get started on your journey.
📞 Contact: Evan Downey
📍 Title: Real Estate Broker
📲 Phone: 214-997-4929
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: evandowneyrealestate.com
Found this helpful? Share your favorite city in Dallas County below or ask your burning questions! After all, the city’s waiting… maybe with a warm Tex-Mex plate.
