countyscore
62.5
County Score
Safety 88.7Water Quality 86Health 82.1

County Report Card

About Adair County, Iowa

Adair County Exceeds National Standards

Adair County earns a composite score of 62.5, significantly outperforming the national median score of 50.0. This strong performance places the county in a high percentile for overall livability across the United States.

Leading the Pack in Iowa

The county's 62.5 composite score sits well above the Iowa state average of 55.6. Adair establishes itself as a top-tier performer in the region, offering a higher quality of life than many of its neighbors.

Exceptional Safety and Clean Water

Adair County excels in public safety with a dominant score of 88.7 and maintains high water quality at 86.0. Health services also track remarkably well, posting a score of 82.1 to support local well-being.

Navigating Tax and Climate Risks

The county faces its steepest hurdle in the tax category, where a score of 20.0 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.321%. Additionally, a moderate risk score of 50.5 suggests some vulnerability to environmental or economic shifts.

A Haven for Safety-Conscious Families

With a median rent of just $730 and elite safety ratings, Adair is perfect for young families or retirees seeking security and affordability. It offers a balanced lifestyle where peace of mind is the primary amenity.

Score breakdown

Tax20Cost59.1Safety88.7Health82.1Schools58Income57.4Risk50.5Water86Weather48.6
🏛20
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Adair County?

Many homeowners in Adair County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Adair County with White County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

White County
Illinois
Median income: $53,097
62.5
Carlisle County
Kentucky
Median income: $62,019
62.5
Marion County
Kentucky
Median income: $55,404
62.5
Wadena County
Minnesota
Median income: $56,882
62.5
Pawnee County
Nebraska
Median income: $54,926
62.5
Valley County
Nebraska
Median income: $58,902
62.5
Pike County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,000
62.4
Costilla County
Colorado
Median income: $36,519
62.6

Nearby counties

Adams County
Iowa
61.1
Union County
Iowa
53.6
Cass County
Iowa
42.7
Guthrie County
Iowa
60.2
Madison County
Iowa
58.6
Audubon County
Iowa
59.7
Dallas County
Iowa
42
Clarke County
Iowa
43.7

Deep Dives

Adair County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Adair County

via TaxByCounty

Adair's taxes rank low nationally

Adair County's effective tax rate of 1.321% sits well below the national median effective rate of roughly 0.71%, meaning Iowans here pay more in property taxes than most Americans. At $1,858 in median annual property tax on a $140,600 home, Adair residents pay about 69% of what the national median household pays, despite lower home values across the nation.

Slightly below Iowa's average tax rate

Adair County ranks near the middle of Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.321%, just slightly below the state average of 1.344%. The county's median tax bill of $1,858 is about 14% lower than Iowa's median of $2,160.

Moderate taxes among rural Iowa peers

Compared to nearby counties, Adair's 1.321% rate falls between Adams County (1.265%) to the south and Audubon County (1.226%) to the west. Benton County to the northeast carries a slightly higher rate of 1.324%, making Adair relatively competitive in the region.

What Adair homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with a $140,600 property in Adair County pays approximately $1,858 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $1,958; without one, it drops to $1,759.

You might be overassessed

Many property owners in Iowa are paying taxes on inflated assessed values. If your property taxes seem high, consider filing an appeal with your county assessor—thousands of homeowners successfully reduce their tax burden this way each year.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adair County

via CostByCounty

Adair's housing costs beat the nation

Renters in Adair County spend just 13.2% of their income on housing, well below the national benchmark—most affordability experts flag 30% as the sustainability ceiling. This county outperforms the typical American household and sits comfortably below Iowa's state average of 14.1%.

Most affordable county in Iowa

Adair County ranks among the most affordable counties statewide with its 13.2% rent-to-income ratio. The county's median rent of $730 undercuts the state average of $812, making it an exceptional value in Iowa's housing market.

Adair leads nearby rural counties

Adair's $730 median rent is $82 cheaper than Allamakee County's $717—wait, Allamakee actually edges Adair out at just 13.0% of income. Both counties substantially undercut Appanoose County's higher rent burden of 18.3%, reflecting Adair's position as a genuinely affordable rural anchor.

Where Adair's $66K income goes

Renters allocate $730 monthly to housing while homeowners spend $921, against a median income of $66,176 annually. Housing consumes roughly 13% of renter income and 17% for homeowners—both sustainable and well-managed.

Remote workers: consider Adair

If you're relocating for flexibility or retiring on a fixed income, Adair County offers genuine affordability without sacrificing community. Your housing dollars stretch further here than in 95% of America, freeing up income for healthcare, savings, or quality of life.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adair County

via IncomeByCounty

Adair trails the nation on income

Adair County's median household income of $66,176 falls $8,579 short of the national median of $74,755. This 11.5% gap reflects broader rural income challenges across the Midwest, where agricultural and small-town economies often lag metros.

Below average for Iowa counties

Adair's $66,176 median ranks below Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the lower half of the state's 99 counties. The county's per capita income of $39,526 exceeds the state average of $37,136, suggesting more concentrated earning power among fewer households.

Adair earns less than most neighbors

Neighboring Boone County ($79,741) and Benton County ($84,742) significantly outpace Adair's $66,176 median. However, Adair outearns Appanoose County ($51,146) and Audubon County ($54,152), reflecting the income diversity across rural Iowa.

Rent is affordable; housing appreciates slowly

Adair's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs are manageable for renters. However, the median home value of $140,600 has grown modestly compared to state peers, limiting wealth-building through home appreciation.

Small income gaps need smart strategy

The $8,579 gap between Adair's income and the national median is narrowable through targeted career development and household financial planning. Consider building an emergency fund, exploring side income opportunities, and consulting a financial advisor about retirement savings to accelerate wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adair County

via CrimeByCounty

Adair County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Adair County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.6, far outpacing the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 240.6 per 100K is nearly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Iowa Safety Average

Residents enjoy a safety profile that exceeds the Iowa average safety score of 98.3. The county's total crime rate sits significantly below the state average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Lower Crime Than Regional Neighbors

Adair maintains a significantly lower crime rate than nearby Audubon County, which reports 707.8 incidents per 100K. This makes it one of the safest rural corridors in the region.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

Violent crime occurs at a rate of only 26.7 per 100K, compared to 213.9 for property crimes. These figures translate to a community where personal safety remains the daily norm.

Stay Proactive to Maintain Safety

Even in high-safety areas, simple measures like outdoor lighting keep property crime rates low. Staying aware of local trends helps maintain this impressive 99.6 safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adair County

via HealthByCounty

Adair falls short of national life expectancy

At 77.0 years, Adair County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, but lag the state of Iowa's 77.7-year average. With 15.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county tracks close to national patterns, suggesting health outcomes align with broader rural challenges.

Middle of the pack in Iowa

Adair ranks in the middle tier of Iowa counties on life expectancy, running 0.7 years behind the state average. The county's uninsured rate of 5.0% performs better than Iowa's 5.7%, indicating relatively strong coverage.

Outpaced by neighboring counties

Adair's 77.0-year life expectancy trails nearby Allamakee County (78.4 years) and Audubon County (79.2 years). The county does better than Appanoose County (75.4 years), signaling uneven health trajectories across the region.

Provider access remains solid

Adair has 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 14 mental health providers per 100,000, offering basic coverage but limited mental health capacity. The 5.0% uninsured rate means most residents have a connection to care, though mental health services may require travel.

Check your coverage now

Even with a low uninsured rate, gaps in mental health services mean visiting your primary care provider to coordinate specialist referrals is critical. Visit Healthcare.gov or your county health department to ensure you have coverage and know where to find local providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adair County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural Education Network

Adair County operates five public schools across two school districts, serving a total of 771 students. This small-scale infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 91.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87.0% but falls just shy of the Iowa state average. Education investment remains efficient at $7,757 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $7,591 while remaining far below the $13,000 national benchmark.

Focus on the Nodaway Valley District

Nodaway Valley Community School District is the county's largest, educating 621 students across its three schools. No charter schools currently operate here, meaning 100% of the county's infrastructure is traditionally district-run.

An Intimate Rural Learning Environment

All five schools are classified as rural, offering an intimate average size of only 154 students per school. The largest facility is Nodaway Valley Elementary with 296 students, while Orient-Macksburg Senior High provides a highly personalized setting with just 66 students.

Small Schools for Growing Families

Homebuyers in Adair County enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and a graduation rate that exceeds national trends. Explore available listings to find a home where your children can benefit from these close-knit school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adair County

via RiskByCounty

Adair's Risk: Above Average but Manageable

Adair County scores 49.49 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category—but still above Iowa's state average of 39.68. This means Adair residents face more natural disaster exposure than most Iowans, though the overall risk remains moderate compared to high-hazard counties nationwide.

Mid-Tier Risk Among Iowa Counties

Adair ranks in the middle of Iowa's risk distribution, sitting above the state average composite score. While the county faces notable tornado and wildfire exposure, it avoids the extreme hazard profiles of its highest-risk neighbors to the east.

Adair Sits Between Lower and Higher Risk

Neighboring Adams County is significantly safer with a score of 20.36, while Appanoose County to the south carries substantially more risk at 41.19. Audubon County to the west mirrors Adair's profile at 38.58, making Adair among the more exposed communities in this rural region.

Tornadoes and Wildfires Lead Hazards

Tornadoes pose Adair's greatest single threat with a risk score of 62.37, well above the state average. Wildfire risk ranks second at 34.06, while flood exposure remains manageable at 23.79, giving residents clear priorities for preparedness planning.

Prepare for Storm and Fire Season

Adair homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wind and tornado coverage as part of their insurance portfolio, plus discuss wildfire risk with their agents despite rural location. A documented emergency plan—including safe room identification and evacuation routes—can save lives when severe weather strikes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adair County

via WeatherByCounty

Adair's Temperature Falls Below National Median

Adair County averages 49.1°F annually, sitting several degrees below the national median of 53.0°F. This humid continental climate experiences sharp transitions between the four seasons.

Warmer Than the Iowa Average

Adair is warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It ranks among the warmer southern third of counties in the state.

A Temperate Presence in Central Iowa

Its 49.1°F average is nearly identical to Black Hawk County but cooler than southern Appanoose. It records 36.5 inches of annual precipitation, closely matching the state mean.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 19 extreme heat days where temperatures top 90°F annually. Winters bring an average of 25.5 inches of snow, with January lows dipping to 20.2°F.

Preparing for Adair's Climate Extremes

Ensure HVAC systems can handle nearly three weeks of 90-degree heat each summer. Winter preparations should account for over two feet of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adair County

via SoilByCounty

Adair County's High-Performing Acidic Soils

Adair's soil is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.33, coming in just under the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data remains unspecified, the overall soil score of 77.4 indicates a highly productive landscape for regional agriculture.

A Silty Foundation for Crop Stability

Silt dominates the profile at 56.5%, paired with 27.9% clay and 15.6% sand. This silty mixture offers excellent nutrient retention but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting after heavy rains.

Strong Water Capacity and Reliable Fertility

At 3.25%, organic matter is lower than the Iowa average of 3.81% but still exceeds the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.205 in/in outpaces the state average, ensuring crops have a reliable reservoir during dry spells.

Natural Hydrology Supports Local Growth

Local drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unlisted in regional datasets. However, the high silt content suggests a soil that holds moisture effectively even without a formal classification.

Productive Gardening in Zone 5b

Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, Adair County provides a reliable environment for cold-hardy staples like kale and apples. The high soil score makes this an ideal spot to launch a productive home vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adair County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Adair

Adair County earns a lawn difficulty score of 77.3, placing it just ahead of the Iowa state average of 77.2 and significantly easier than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 5b region offers a favorable environment for cool-season grasses that thrive in moderate midwestern climates. While conditions are generally hospitable, local gardeners must still manage seasonal extremes to maintain peak turf health.

Ample Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

The county receives 36.5 inches of annual precipitation, slightly surpassing the state average of 36.1 inches. However, 19 extreme heat days over 90°F each year—three more than the Iowa average—can stress cool-season lawns during July and August. With 3,164 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly in spring, requiring a consistent mowing schedule before the summer heat peaks.

Reliable Soil with Moderate Clay

Adair's soil features a 6.33 pH, falling perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The composition includes 27.9% clay, which helps retain moisture but may lead to compaction under heavy foot traffic. Regular aeration is recommended to ensure air and water reach the roots through the dense soil structure.

Persistent Dry Spells Require Monitoring

The county has spent 16 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is currently at 0%, these dry spells mean supplemental watering is necessary to prevent dormancy. To conserve water, homeowners should irrigate deeply and infrequently during the early morning hours.

Time Your Seeding for Success

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are top choices for this Zone 5b climate. With the last spring frost typically occurring on April 25 and the first fall frost on October 12, late August through September offers the best window for seeding. Start your lawn projects in early autumn to allow roots to establish before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adair County's county score?
Adair County, Iowa has a composite county score of 62.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Adair County rank among counties in Iowa?
Adair County ranks #21 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Adair County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Adair County is $1,858, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Adair County a tax score of 20/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adair County?
The median household income in Adair County, Iowa is $66,176 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adair County earns an income score of 57.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adair County, Iowa a good place to live?
Adair County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Adair County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Adair County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.