countyscore
61.1
County Score
Safety 88.6Water Quality 86Health 83.5

County Report Card

About Adams County, Iowa

Adams County Outpaces the National Median

Adams County achieves a composite score of 61.1, clearing the national median of 50.0 by a wide margin. This ranking signals a high level of resident satisfaction and resource availability compared to the typical American county.

Strong Standing Within the Hawkeye State

The county's overall score of 61.1 beats the Iowa state average of 55.6. This performance marks Adams as a competitive destination for those looking for the best that Iowa's rural landscape has to offer.

Superior Safety and Environmental Health

Safety is a hallmark here, evidenced by a high score of 88.6, while water quality remains excellent at 86.0. The county also benefits from a robust health score of 83.5 and a strong risk resilience rating of 79.7.

Taxes and School Funding Gaps

The tax score of 22.4 indicates a heavier local burden, with an effective rate of 1.265% impacting take-home pay. School quality also presents an opportunity for growth, as the current score sits at 46.1.

Ideal for Risk-Averse Homeowners

With a low median home value of $116,900 and exceptional safety scores, Adams County is a dream for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing security. It suits those who value stability and a quiet, low-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax22.4Cost50.8Safety88.6Health83.5Schools46.1Income63.8Risk79.7Water86Weather50.3
🏛22.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤83.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.6
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 →
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Nearby counties

Adair County
Iowa
62.5
Cass County
Iowa
42.7
Montgomery County
Iowa
53.5
Union County
Iowa
53.6
Taylor County
Iowa
64.2
Page County
Iowa
52.7
Ringgold County
Iowa
60.8
Worth County
Missouri
59.2

Deep Dives

Adams County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Adams County

via TaxByCounty

Adams has low property taxes nationally

Adams County's effective tax rate of 1.265% falls below the national average, making it a relatively tax-friendly option compared to most U.S. counties. At $1,479 in median annual tax, Adams residents pay roughly 55% of the national median property tax despite homes valued well below the national average of $281,900.

Below-average taxes in Iowa context

Adams County ranks in the lower tier of Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.265%, below the state average of 1.344%. The county's median tax of $1,479 is significantly lower than Iowa's median of $2,160, making it one of the state's more affordable property tax jurisdictions.

Lowest taxes in the south-central region

Adams County's 1.265% rate is the lowest among nearby rural counties—Adair (1.321%) and Appanoose (1.253%) are comparable, but Adams offers solid value. To the west, Audubon County matches at 1.226%, making this part of Iowa notably tax-competitive.

What Adams homeowners pay annually

A median home valued at $116,900 in Adams County generates an annual property tax bill of about $1,479. Whether you carry a mortgage or own outright, your taxes stay relatively stable at $1,483 with a mortgage and $1,474 without.

Check if you're overassessed

Even in lower-tax counties like Adams, some homeowners pay more than they should due to assessment errors. Filing an appeal with your county assessor is free and can save you hundreds annually if your property is valued above market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Adams County

via CostByCounty

Adams renters stretch thin nationally

Adams County renters spend 15.8% of income on housing—higher than the national sustainable threshold and above Iowa's 14.1% average. Against the national median income of $74,755, Adams households earn $68,828, intensifying affordability pressure.

Struggling in Iowa's affordability rankings

Adams County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio places it in the less affordable half of Iowa counties. The $909 median rent significantly exceeds the state average of $812, signaling tighter housing budgets for renters.

Priciest rents in this cluster

Adams County's $909 rent is the highest among comparable rural counties—$179 more than Adair's $730 and $192 above Audubon's $707. This premium creates measurably higher rent burdens despite a decent median income of $68,828.

Adams: rent-heavy, income-light

With median rent at $909 and income at $68,828 annually, renters dedicate nearly 16% to housing while homeowners spend $752 monthly. The rent-ownership gap reveals that buying remains substantially cheaper than renting in this market.

Homebuyers find value; renters beware

If you're considering Adams County, purchasing makes financial sense—mortgage costs run nearly $157 less than rent. Renters should weigh the premium against adjacent counties like Adair or Audubon, where affordability improves significantly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Adams County

via IncomeByCounty

Adams slightly below U.S. median income

Adams County's median household income of $68,828 trails the national median of $74,755 by $5,927, a 7.9% shortfall. The county still performs better than many rural counties nationwide, reflecting a relatively stable agricultural and small-business economy.

Adams ranks near the Iowa middle

At $68,828, Adams County falls just below Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 99 counties. The per capita income of $41,778 ranks above the state average of $37,136, indicating solid earning potential per person.

Adams holds its own regionally

Adams ($68,828) sits between lower-income counties like Audubon ($54,152) and higher-earning neighbors Boone ($79,741) and Benton ($84,742). The county's income profile is typical for south-central Iowa's mixed agricultural and small manufacturing base.

Rent-to-income ratio warrants attention

Adams's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio remains comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, though it's higher than several neighboring counties. The median home value of $116,900 offers relatively affordable homeownership compared to Iowa's larger metros.

Close the income gap with planning

The $5,927 shortfall versus the national median is achievable with intentional career moves or additional household income streams. Work with a financial advisor to maximize retirement contributions, leverage home equity strategically, and explore income-boosting opportunities in high-demand fields.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Adams County

via CrimeByCounty

Adams County Leads in National Security

Adams County earns a 99.6 safety score, positioning it as one of the safest areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 244.5 per 100K is a small fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

A Top Performer in the Hawkeye State

With a safety score well above the Iowa average of 98.3, Adams County stands out as a state leader. It reports far fewer incidents than the statewide average crime rate of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Consistent Safety Across Southwest Iowa

Data shows Adams maintains a crime rate comparable to Adair County's 240.6 per 100K. This suggests a consistent pattern of low crime across this specific agricultural region.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Property crimes account for 163.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 81.5. Because data comes from a single agency, these figures provide a focused look at local law enforcement activity.

Protect Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but basic home security habits prevent opportunistic theft. Monitoring your property ensures the county remains a bastion of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Adams County

via HealthByCounty

Adams outperforms national health benchmarks

At 77.6 years, Adams County life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years and sits nearly at Iowa's state average of 77.7 years. With 15.3% in poor or fair health, the county reflects solid overall wellness comparable to state norms.

Performing above Iowa's averages

Adams ranks in Iowa's upper-middle tier with a life expectancy just 0.1 year below state average and an uninsured rate of 5.1%, better than the state's 5.7%. The county demonstrates strong health insurance penetration and comparable longevity.

Competitive with regional peers

Adams's 77.6 years trails Allamakee (78.4) and Audubon (79.2) but beats Appanoose (75.4) and Adair (77.0). The county's strong mental health provider capacity at 56 per 100,000 exceeds most neighboring rural counties.

Strong primary care, excellent mental health access

Adams offers 55 primary care providers per 100,000 and an exceptional 56 mental health providers per 100,000, among the highest in the region. With just 5.1% uninsured, residents have good pathways to both routine and behavioral health care.

Maintain your health coverage

Adams's high mental health capacity means you have real options for treatment—but only if you're covered. Verify your insurance status at Healthcare.gov and take advantage of the county's strong provider network for preventive and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Adams County

via SchoolsByCounty

One District Serving the Entire County

Adams County keeps its education system simple with just two public schools operated by a single school district. These two facilities provide localized education for a total of 420 students.

Investing in the Local Classroom

The county invests $8,507 per pupil, outspending the state average by nearly $1,000 despite a graduation rate of 84.0% that trails both state and national benchmarks. Although data on higher education attainment is limited, the county maintains a school score of 53.6, which sits above the national median.

Cornerstone of the Corning Community

The Corning Community School District is the sole provider in the county, managing both local schools with no charter options available. This unified district approach ensures consistent curriculum and administration for all local students.

A Truly Rural Campus Experience

Both schools in Adams County are rural, creating a consistent environment with an average size of 210 students. Corning Elementary serves 211 students, while Southwest Valley High School is nearly identical in size with 209 students.

Find Your Home in a Unified District

For families who value a single, community-focused district with higher-than-average local investment, Adams County is a compelling choice. Start your home search here to join a community where every student attends the same local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Adams County

via RiskByCounty

Adams County: Iowa's Safest Profile

Adams County's composite risk score of 20.36 earns a Very Low rating, making it one of Iowa's safest communities and well below the state average of 39.68. This low-risk profile reflects minimal exposure across most major natural hazard categories compared to typical U.S. counties.

Among Iowa's Lowest-Risk Counties

Adams ranks at the bottom of Iowa's risk scale, significantly outperforming nearly all neighboring counties. The county's Very Low rating reflects consistently modest scores across flood, tornado, and earthquake hazards.

Safest in a Moderate-Risk Region

Adams' 20.36 score stands out sharply against Adair County's 49.49 to the east and Audubon's 38.58 to the north. This makes Adams a notable exception in a rural zone where most counties carry higher composite risk.

Tornadoes Remain Top Concern

Even in low-risk Adams, tornadoes score 38.04—the county's highest single hazard—though still below state average. Wildfire exposure at 31.68 and flood risk at 11.51 remain minimal, making tornado preparedness the primary focus for residents.

Maintain Basic Storm Coverage

Adams residents benefit from low overall risk, but should still carry standard wind and hail insurance and maintain a tornado safety plan. Annual policy reviews ensure coverage stays current with home improvements and inflation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Adams County

via WeatherByCounty

Adams Stays Cooler Than National Average

Adams County averages 49.4°F, positioning it below the national median but within the typical Midwestern range. The local climate features moderate precipitation of 35.3 inches annually.

Among Iowa's Warmer Southern Tier

Adams is over a degree warmer than the statewide average of 48.0°F. This makes it one of the more temperate counties in the southern part of the state.

Consistent Weather with Regional Neighbors

It shares similar heat patterns with Adair, though it records slightly more annual snowfall at 27.8 inches. Its annual precipitation of 35.3 inches is slightly lower than the state benchmark.

High Summer Heat and Chilly Winters

Summer heat peaks with 17 days above 90°F, while July averages 74.2°F. Winter remains cold with an average temperature of 24.9°F from December through February.

Maintenance for Snowy Adams County Winters

Plan for significant winter maintenance to manage the 27.8 inches of average snowfall. Cooling costs likely peak during the 17 extreme heat days in mid-summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Adams County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soil with High Productivity Scores

Adams County features a pH of 6.30, making it more acidic than the Iowa state average of 6.43. This soil score of 77.6 ranks among the higher tiers for regional agricultural potential.

Heavy Silt and Clay Mixtures

The soil consists of 56.8% silt and 29.4% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 13.8%. This heavy silt-clay blend provides a sturdy foundation for roots and maintains high structural integrity.

Exceptional Moisture Retention for Plants

Organic matter sits at 3.34%, trailing the state average of 3.81% but remaining significantly richer than the 2.0% national norm. With an available water capacity of 0.208 in/in, these soils hold more moisture for plants than the typical Iowa field.

Stable Soil Structure for Farm Management

Specific drainage classes for this county are not formally recorded in the latest survey data. Despite this, the composition suggests the soil likely handles water slowly due to the nearly 30% clay content.

Confidently Planting in Zone 5b

Hardiness Zone 5b gardeners can confidently plant perennials like peonies or fruit trees. The high soil score encourages residents to make the most of this fertile, water-retaining land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Adams County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Performance for Adams County Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 74.6, Adams County is slightly more challenging than the Iowa state average of 77.2 but remains much easier than the national median. This Zone 5b area provides a stable foundation for traditional Iowa turf. Homeowners here can expect a productive growing season despite slightly drier conditions than neighboring counties.

A Drier, Warmer Growing Season

Annual precipitation of 35.3 inches sits just below the state average of 36.1 inches, making efficient irrigation a priority. The county experiences 17 days of extreme heat annually, slightly higher than the state norm of 16. These factors, combined with 3,122 growing degree days, necessitate careful monitoring of soil moisture during the peak of summer.

High Clay Content Needs Management

The soil in Adams County contains 29.4% clay, which is higher than many neighbors and requires attention to drainage. A healthy soil pH of 6.30 ensures that fertilizers and natural nutrients remain available to the grass. Homeowners should focus on organic matter additions to improve the soil's physical structure and prevent heavy crusting.

Navigating Significant Dry Periods

Adams County has endured 19 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the county currently labeled as abnormally dry. While severe drought levels remain at 0%, the extended dry duration can weaken untreated turf. Maintaining a higher mowing height of 3 to 4 inches helps shade the soil and retain what little moisture is available.

Autumn Planting for Zone 5b

Tall Fescue is a resilient choice for Adams County due to its deep root system and drought tolerance. Target the window between the April 27 spring frost and the October 12 fall frost for major maintenance. Early September is the optimal time to overseed, giving new blades a head start before the winter dormancy begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Adams County's county score?
Adams County, Iowa has a composite county score of 61.1 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 Adams County rank among counties in Iowa?
Adams County ranks #30 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 Adams County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Adams County is $1,479, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Adams County a tax score of 22.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Adams County?
The median household income in Adams County, Iowa is $68,828 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Adams County earns an income score of 63.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Adams County, Iowa a good place to live?
Adams County scores 61.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Adams 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 Adams 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.