countyscore
60.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 83.5Health 75.3

County Report Card

About Allamakee County, Iowa

Solid Performance on the National Stage

Allamakee County posts a 60.2 composite score, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-rounded community that provides better-than-average amenities and living conditions.

A Competitive Edge in Iowa

With a score of 60.2, Allamakee outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6. The county distinguishes itself as a reliable choice for residents seeking a balance of affordability and public services.

Affordable Living and Great Schools

The county shines in cost efficiency with a score of 65.4, bolstered by a low median rent of $717. Education is also a major draw, featuring a strong school score of 68.3 alongside high water quality at 86.0.

Income Growth and Tax Pressures

A tax score of 24.5 shows that while the effective rate is 1.223%, it remains a significant factor for residents. The income score of 56.8 suggests there is still room to improve local wage competitiveness.

Perfect for Families and Students

Allamakee County is an excellent fit for families who value quality education without the high cost of urban living. Its combination of low rent and strong schools makes it a standout for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax24.5Cost65.4Safety62.4Health75.3Schools68.3Income56.8Risk61.8Water86Weather50.4
🏛24.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.5
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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Deep Dives

Allamakee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Allamakee County

via TaxByCounty

Allamakee taxes are moderate nationally

Allamakee County's effective tax rate of 1.223% is below the national average, and its median property tax of $2,103 is about 78% of the national median despite homes worth significantly less than the national average of $281,900. The county sits in the favorable range for property tax burden compared to most U.S. regions.

Among Iowa's lowest-tax counties

Allamakee County's effective rate of 1.223% ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa's 99 counties, well below the state average of 1.344%. With a median tax of $2,103, Allamakee is slightly below Iowa's median of $2,160.

Tax leader in northeast Iowa

Allamakee County's 1.223% rate is the lowest in its region, beating nearby Benton County (1.324%) and placing it competitively against Audubon (1.226%) to the west. The county offers genuine tax advantage for northeast Iowa homeowners.

Allamakee property tax payments

A median home valued at $171,900 in Allamakee County incurs approximately $2,103 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect about $2,130; without one, about $2,078.

Consider appealing your assessment

Even in tax-friendly Allamakee County, assessment errors happen—your home might be valued higher than its true market value. A simple appeal to your county assessor could reduce your tax liability significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allamakee County

via CostByCounty

Allamakee's rentals are genuinely affordable

At 13.0% of income, Allamakee County renters spend below both the national sustainability ceiling and Iowa's 14.1% average. This county delivers superior housing affordability compared to median U.S. household earnings of $74,755.

Iowa's best rental affordability

Allamakee County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the absolute best in Iowa. The $717 median rent costs $95 less than the state average, reflecting genuine savings for the county's workforce.

Allamakee edges Adair for best value

Allamakee's $717 rent slightly undercuts Adair County's $730, while both crush Appanoose at $779 and Adams at $909. The median home value in Allamakee reaches $171,900—higher than peers—yet rents remain competitive and income-friendly.

Low rent, higher home values

Allamakee renters spend $717 monthly while homeowners commit $849 against a $66,000 annual median income. Remarkably, the county balances low rents with substantial home values ($171,900), suggesting strong ownership equity.

Renters seeking stability: Allamakee wins

If affordability and community stability matter, Allamakee County offers exceptional rental value with a strong homeowning base. Your housing dollars stretch further here than almost anywhere in Iowa, while the higher home values suggest a stable, invested community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allamakee County

via IncomeByCounty

Allamakee's income lags national mark

Allamakee County's median household income of $66,000 falls $8,755 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing an 11.7% gap. The county's rural character—popular for outdoor recreation and small farming—reflects income patterns typical of scenic but economically modest regions.

Allamakee below Iowa's average

Allamakee's $66,000 median household income ranks below Iowa's state average of $69,830, situating it in the lower portion of the state's counties. The per capita income of $34,692 trails the state average of $37,136, suggesting more dispersed earning across the population.

Allamakee earns modestly among peers

Allamakee ($66,000) sits below neighbors Adair County ($66,176) and well below the prosperous Benton and Boone counties to the south. However, it outpaces the lower-income counties of Appanoose and Audubon, reflecting Allamakee's tourism and outdoor recreation economy.

Rent affordable; home values appreciating

Allamakee's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the most affordable in the region, well below the 30% threshold. The median home value of $171,900 is notably high for a county with modest median income, driven by out-of-state buyers seeking rural retreats.

Leverage appreciating home values

The $8,755 income gap versus the national median can be addressed through home equity accumulation and strategic career investment. Strong property appreciation in Allamakee creates opportunities for home-equity financing of education or entrepreneurship—consult a financial planner to maximize this advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allamakee County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Marks in Northeast Iowa

Allamakee County reports a strong safety score of 98.6, outperforming the national average. The total crime rate of 868.5 per 100K is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Above the Iowa Safety Baseline

The county sits above the Iowa average safety score of 98.3, marking it as a secure place to live. Its crime rate remains lower than the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Allamakee vs Regional Peers

Allamakee's crime rate of 868.5 per 100K is slightly higher than Benton County's 631.5. However, it still maintains a profile that is much safer than more urbanized Iowa counties.

Theft and Vandalism are Primary Concerns

Most reported incidents involve property crime at 704.8 per 100K, while violent crime is limited to 163.7. This distribution suggests that property protection is the main area for local vigilance.

Secure Your Property Perimeter

Visible security systems and neighborhood watch programs effectively deter property crimes. Strengthening home perimeters helps keep Allamakee's safety score above the state average.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Allamakee County

via HealthByCounty

Allamakee leads on life expectancy

At 78.4 years, Allamakee County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 0.7 years beyond Iowa's state average. However, 15.6% report poor or fair health, suggesting longevity may mask underlying chronic conditions.

Top performer in Iowa rankings

Allamakee ranks among Iowa's healthiest counties by life expectancy, though its 7.7% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 5.7%. This gap suggests coverage challenges despite good longevity outcomes.

Best life expectancy in its region

At 78.4 years, Allamakee edges neighboring Audubon (79.2, but rural) and substantially outpaces Adair (77.0), Adams (77.6), and Appanoose (75.4). The county's higher uninsured rate (7.7%) stands out as a regional weakness despite strong longevity.

Good providers, rising uninsured rates

Allamakee delivers 57 primary care providers per 100,000 and 28 mental health providers per 100,000, solid capacity for a rural county. Yet the 7.7% uninsured rate—the highest in this comparison—suggests a subset of residents lack regular care access despite available providers.

Uninsured? Act now.

Allamakee's higher uninsurance rate points to residents missing out on preventive care and mental health services. Visit Healthcare.gov to explore coverage options, or contact your county health department for assistance navigating financial or eligibility barriers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Allamakee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Mix of Towns and Rural Schools

Allamakee County supports 11 public schools across three districts, serving a total student body of 2,145. The infrastructure is robust, featuring four elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools.

Academic Excellence Above State Averages

The county achieves a strong 92.8% graduation rate, surpassing both the state and national averages. With a school score of 57.1 and per-pupil spending of $7,959, the area demonstrates high performance relative to its investment.

Serving the Waukon and Postville Regions

The Allamakee Community School District is the largest in the area, enrolling 1,121 students across four schools. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's landscape, as no charter schools are currently in operation.

Blending Town and Country Life

Schools here are split between rural settings and small-town environments, with an average enrollment of 195 students. Waukon High School is the largest campus with 380 students, while several smaller schools provide the quiet of the Iowa countryside.

High Performance in a Scenic Setting

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Allamakee County is an ideal destination for families prioritizing academic results. View homes in the Waukon or Postville areas to secure a place in these well-regarded local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allamakee County

via RiskByCounty

Allamakee's Risk: Flood-Driven Profile

Allamakee County scores 38.20 overall, placing it just below Iowa's state average of 39.68 in the Very Low category. However, this modest composite masks significant flood vulnerability concentrated in specific areas due to the county's proximity to major river systems.

Below-Average Risk Statewide

Allamakee's Very Low rating positions it among Iowa's safer counties overall. However, the county's flood risk of 50.48 marks it as the clear outlier within its profile—a localized vulnerability that deserves focused attention.

Similar to Region but Wetter

Allamakee's 38.20 score aligns closely with neighboring Audubon at 38.58, but differs dramatically in hazard composition. While Audubon faces wildfire and tornado exposure, Allamakee's signature risk is flood danger from the Upper Iowa and Mississippi River systems.

Flooding Dominates Natural Hazard Profile

Allamakee's flood risk at 50.48 is more than double the state average, driven by river proximity and topography in this blufflands region. Tornadoes rank second at 55.66, while wildfire exposure remains minimal at 16.70.

Flood Insurance Is Essential Here

Allamakee residents in flood-prone areas must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program—standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding. Elevate utilities, maintain sump pumps, and know your evacuation routes before flood season arrives.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allamakee County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Climate in Allamakee

Allamakee County maintains a cool 45.7°F average, well below the national median. This northeastern county experiences a rugged and cold humid continental climate.

One of Iowa's Coldest Counties

This is one of Iowa's coldest spots, sitting more than two degrees below the state average of 48.0°F. It typically ranks near the bottom for temperature among Iowa's 99 counties.

A Cold and Wet Regional Standout

It is significantly colder than southern counties like Appanoose, which averages 50.1°F. It also receives 38.6 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the state average.

Harsh Winters with Minimal Heat

Winters are harsh with 35.3 inches of snow and January averages of 16.4°F. Conversely, residents only deal with 8 days of extreme heat per year.

Gearing Up for Long Winters

Prioritize heavy-duty winter gear and high-efficiency heating for the long, snowy seasons. Summer cooling needs are minimal compared to the rest of the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allamakee County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH for Versatile Farming

Allamakee County maintains a pH of 6.45, aligning closely with the national median of 6.5 and slightly exceeding the state average. This balance creates a versatile environment for a wide range of Midwestern crops.

A Sandy-Silt Mix with Good Workability

A sandier profile of 25.3% blends with 54.9% silt and 19.0% clay. This higher sand content compared to neighbors improves workability and allows for easier root penetration for new plants.

Lower Organic Matter but High Resilience

Organic matter levels are lower here at 2.51% compared to the state average of 3.81%. However, the available water capacity of 0.200 in/in still beats the state average, providing good drought resilience for local growers.

Efficient Water Movement Through Porous Soils

Formal drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this specific county dataset. The mix of over 25% sand suggests that water likely moves through these soils faster than in heavier clay regions.

Early Season Success in Zone 5a

Falling into Hardiness Zone 5a, Allamakee is perfect for short-season crops like peas and lettuce. Use the sandy-silt mix to your advantage by starting seeds early in the warming soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allamakee County

via LawnByCounty

Exceptional Lawn Growing in Allamakee

Allamakee County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 83.5, making it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than in the rest of the state. This Zone 5a region benefits from cooler temperatures and more consistent moisture than the southern counties. The environment is nearly ideal for cool-season turfgrasses.

Cooler Summers and Plentiful Rain

At 38.6 inches of annual precipitation, Allamakee receives significantly more rain than the Iowa state average of 36.1. The county only sees 8 extreme heat days per year, which is half the state average, protecting grass from heat stress. A shorter growing season with 2,604 growing degree days means less frequent mowing compared to southern Iowa.

Balanced Soils with Great Potential

The soil pH of 6.45 is near the perfect mark for healthy lawns, ensuring excellent nutrient accessibility. With a lower clay content of 19.0% and a higher sand percentage of 25.3%, these soils generally offer better drainage than the state average. This balance allows for deep root development and reduces the risk of waterlogged roots.

Low Drought Risk for Green Grass

Allamakee has experienced only 6 weeks in drought over the past year, and currently, 0% of the county faces dry conditions. This lack of drought stress makes it one of the most resilient counties in the state for natural lawn health. Supplemental irrigation is rarely needed here outside of exceptionally dry summer weeks.

Cool-Season Varieties Thrive Here

Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for the cooler Zone 5a climate of northeast Iowa. The spring frost typically lifts by May 2, with the first fall frost arriving around October 11. These dates provide a reliable window for spring seeding or late summer renovations when the soil is warm and the air is cool.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allamakee County's county score?
Allamakee County, Iowa has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Allamakee County rank among counties in Iowa?
Allamakee County ranks #34 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 Allamakee County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Allamakee County is $2,103, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Allamakee County a tax score of 24.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allamakee County?
The median household income in Allamakee County, Iowa is $66,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allamakee County earns an income score of 56.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allamakee County, Iowa a good place to live?
Allamakee County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Allamakee 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 Allamakee 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.