Dallas Center got its start in the year 1869, following construction of the railroad through the territory.

[8] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.58 square miles (11.86 km2), all land.

There were 755 housing units at an average density of 143.3 per square mile (55.3/km2).

27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Mound park, located on the west, includes sand volleyball courts, a gazebo, shelters, tennis court, playground equipment, and a rollerskating rink which is operational during the summer months.

Memorial Park, on the east, contains playground equipment, much open space for flying kites, letting dogs run, a nine-hole disc golf course, and a basketball area.

In 2009, the 33.1-mile (53.3 km) paved north loop of the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) added Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson and Jamaica as new trailheads.

The original Raccoon River Valley Trail, now known as the south loop, is a 56-mile (90 km) paved multi-use recreational trail which reaches from the Clive Greenbelt Trail to Jefferson, and passes through Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, Adel, Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, Herndon, and Cooper.

The shaded trailhead in Dallas Center is at 14th and Walnut and has seasonal restroom facilities, a water fountain, bicycle racks, several benches, and a picnic table.

[14][15] As of 2024 the mayor is Danny Beyer and members of the city council are Daniel Wilrich, Amy Strutt, Angie Beaudet, Beth Wright, and Bret Van De Pol.