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While Abilene's overall cost of living remains below the national average, recent development and a surging housing marker are rapidly eroding its historical affordability. Cost of living indices are based on a U.S. average of 100 — an amount below 100 means cheaper than the U.S. average, and a cost of living index above 100 means more expensive. Overall, Abilene, Texas, cost of living is 89-90.
In 2025, the per capita income reported by the U.S. Census Bureau was $31,321 with a median household income of $62,648 per year. The August 2026 median sale price for homes in Abilene was reported between $292,000 and $310,495, and the average rent for a three-bedroom unit is between $1,622 and over $2,600, depending on location and amenities, which is a significant increase since the previous year.
For emergencies, please call 911, contact your First Shirt, or contact the Command Post at 325-696-1924. It is recommended to keep your sponsor informed of all changes that may come up.
For non-emergency issues, Dyess AFB Military and Family Readiness Center can be reached at 325-696-5999.
Base Newcomers Information
This website can assist you when arriving to Dyess AFB: Welcome to Dyess.
Base transportation
There are no shuttles or public transportation on Dyess. If using a taxi or Uber, ensure that they have base access first.
Housing
The Air Force Housing website is the one-stop-shop for housing information.
Financial Need or Emergencies
Air and Space Forces Aid Society supports in times of need or emergences. Obtain more information from their website or by calling 703-972-2604.
Childcare for PCS Program
A free childcare program, funded by Air and Space Forces Aid Society, offers up to 20 hours of free child care per child up to $1,000 per family. Families can take advantage of this program up to 60 days prior to departure or post arrival, at both departing and gaining station. See more details at Child Care for PCS.
DSN Dialing Instructions:
Deployment
Dyess AFB personnel are subject to frequent deployments, but programs such as Key Support Liaison Program provide support for members and their families. Contact the Military and Family Readiness Center for assistance.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families.
See more information at Air Force Personnel Center.
Abilene weather can be hazardous year long. Storms can happen at any time. Hail is expected especially March through June and flooding happens in town, so please stay away from areas that are dangerous. Use this website to learn how to stay safe in severe weather and sign-up for Code Red notifications that are sent by the city of Abilene. June through August are characterized by extreme heat, frequently exceeding 100 F. Learn extreme heat preparedness for adults, children, and pets here.
To learn more about safe areas in Abilene, use the website the city offers.
Hands-free driving on base is required, this policy is strictly enforced for both active duty and dependent personnel.
There is a dangerous dog restriction for housing residents. Please contact the base Military Housing Office at 325-696-2150 for more information.
Dyess Air Force Base is home to the 7th Bomb Wing (Air Force Global Strike Command) and the 317th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility Command). Together, Dyess Airmen deliver long-range strike and tactical airlift with the B-1B Lancer and C-130J Super Hercules. The 7th BW trains and equips B-1 crews and provides credible, decisive combat power; the 317th AW generates rapid, reliable mobility to support global operations and partners. Known as “America's Lift-and-Strike Base,” Dyess stands ready to support combatant commanders anytime, anywhere.
7th BW mission: Deliver decisive, long-range combat airpower to dominate any adversary, anytime, anywhere.
For more information about the base, access this link.
Originally known as Abilene Air Force Base, this Strategic Air Command base was dedicated by the city fathers and Air Force officials in September 1956. On December 1 of that same year, the base was renamed Dyess AFB in honor of Lt. Col William Edwin Dyess who was born in Albany, Texas in 1912. A survivor of the Bataan Death March, he died in an aircraft crash in Burbank, California, on December 22, 1943 following his repatriation from the Philippines.
Long a Strategic Air Command installation, Dyess at one time housed two bomb wings and a strategic missile squadron, in addition to several different C-130 units. On Oct 1, 1993, the base was restructured under the one-base, one-wing, one-commander concept, combining the 96th Wing and the 463d Wing as the 7th Wing which moved without personnel or equipment from Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, Texas, flying the B-1B Lancer and C-130 Hercules.
On April 1, 1997, Dyess' wing further restructuring resulted in move of Dyess’ C-130 Hercules to the Air Mobility Command. The 317th once more experienced a shift when it was activated as the 317th Airlift Wing on July 6, 2017. For a detailed history of Dyess Air Force Base, please see the installation homepage.
According to Dyess' FY 2025 Economic Impact Statement, the population is as follows:
According to the United States Census Bureau and American Community Survey, the population of Abilene, Texas, is approximately 131,000, while Taylor County's population is 150,000.
The total population of Dyess AFB is approximately 15,000 personnel including officers, enlisted, retirees, civilian employees, and family members. Most of the population is Air Force but a few detachments of Marines, Reservists, and Army National Guardsmen are also located on base.
Dyess AFB is located in the city of Abilene in Taylor County, Texas. Abilene is a military-friendly city in West-Central Texas located about 183 miles west of Dallas and 250 miles north of San Antonio. Nicknamed the Key City, it is the center of a 19-county area called "The Big Country" and is considered the economic hub of this part of Texas.
Near the geographic center of the state, Abilene is easily accessible by five major highways: Interstate 20, which runs east-west north-south; Highways 36, 83, 84, and 277, which converge in the city; and Loop 322.
Abilene Regional Airport services the Abilene and Dyess Air Force Base community and is located about 15 miles from Dyess AFB. Many rental car services are provided in the lower level of the terminal. Otherwise, taxi or ride services can be hired - ensure your driver has base access when requesting a car.
The next closest airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
If your sponsor does not meet you at the airport, a taxi or rental car is recommended. If you are taking a taxi, ensure your driver has base access.
Directions from Abilene Regional Airport
Upon exiting the airport, turn left onto Highway 36 (South 11th). Get on Highway TX-322 Loop on the left side right after the overpass, follow TX-322 Loop W and US-83N - 84W and exit on S7th St. on Danville Dr. Take a left at the light and follow the road to its end, where you will take a left on Arnold Blvd. The base entrance will be at the next light to the right.
Directions Driving to Dyess AFB from the North
Take U.S. Highway 277 or 83 south to the S. 7th St. exit. Turn right (west) onto S. 7th St. and continue to Arnold Blvd. Turn left (south) onto Arnold Blvd. The Dyess AFB main gate will be on your right.
Directions Driving to Dyess AFB from the South
Take U.S. Highway 277, 83, or 84 north to the S. 7th St. exit. Turn left (west) onto S. 7th St. and continue to Arnold Blvd. Turn left (south) onto Arnold Blvd. The Dyess AFB main gate will be on your right.
If you are coming in on Highway 36, follow the directions from the airport.
Directions Driving to Dyess AFB from the East
From Dallas, take I-20 West for approximately 200 miles. Upon reaching Abilene, continue on I-20 (not Business 20) until you reach the interchange with U.S. Highway 277/83. Merge south onto Highway 277/83 and take the S. 7th St. exit. Turn right (west) onto S. 7th St. then left (south) onto Arnold Blvd. The Dyess AFB gate will be on your right.
Directions Driving to Dyess AFB from the West
Take I-20/84 east to Arnold Blvd. Turn south on Arnold Blvd, and the Dyess AFB gate will be on your right.
Directions from Bus Station
The Greyhound Bus Line comes into Abilene at 1657 State Highway 351, Abilene, Texas 79601. The city bus, CityLink of Abilene, does pass by the Greyhound bus station; however, pick-up is across the street at the Walmart location. The CityLink bus does not come onto the base; however, a bus stop is located near the gate. Please use the CityLink website to locate their route map and schedule.
What to Do When you Arrive at the Dyess AFB Front Gate
When arriving at the front gate, military ID card and identification for each family member/passenger will need to be presented. You may be asked to enter the Visitor Control Center to get a visitor's pass should anyone accompanying you need one. There, you might need to show your military ID card, your driver's license and a copy of your orders. They may also request to see your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
The Visitor Control Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Restricted area badges as well as contractor passes/badges can be issued during open hours. Visitor passes are also available on weekends and after hours from on-duty security forces personnel at Arnold Gate.
To get to the Dyess Inn from the front gate, as you proceed down Arnold Blvd. to the traffic circle, stay in the left lane so you can exit on 5th Street (third exit of the traffic circle). Lodging is located at 441 5th Street (about halfway down the block on your left). Their phone number is 325-696-2681/1874 or DSN 312-461-2681/1874.
Dyess does not have a shuttle bus service, which can make traveling off base difficult due to the distance to the gate. The distance from the main gate to lodging is 1.7 miles. From lodging, many base facilities, such as Army & Air Force Exchange Service, commissary, finance, Transportation Management Office, Military and Family Readiness Center, the chapel, Dyess Lanes Bowling Center and Deadwood Cafe, Shoppette, base gym, the library and dining facility are within walking distance.
Based on availability and for official business only, members may call the Base Taxi Dispatch at 325-696-2265.