countyscore
48.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 78.3Soil Quality 68.8

County Report Card

About Appanoose County, Iowa

Trailing Slightly Behind National Trends

Appanoose County records a composite score of 48.6, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. While the county offers specific localized benefits, it lags behind the broader national average for overall livability.

Below the Iowa State Average

The county's score of 48.6 sits below the Iowa state average of 55.6. This indicates that Appanoose faces more structural challenges than many of its state-level peers, particularly in economic dimensions.

Pure Water and Strong Schools

Reliable infrastructure is a bright spot, with a water quality score of 86.0 and a respectable school score of 62.3. The county also remains affordable for renters, with a cost score of 61.5.

Economic and Safety Hurdles

The county struggles with a very low income score of 17.0, reflected in a median household income of $51,146. Additionally, a safety score of 30.9 suggests that public security is a primary area needing improvement.

A Value Play for Renters

Appanoose County best suits individuals who prioritize low housing costs and reliable basic utilities over high-income prospects. It is a practical choice for those looking to maximize their dollar in a lower-cost environment.

2040608010023.161.530.966.862.31758.88651.5Tax23.1Cost61.5Safety30.9Health66.8Schools62.3Income17Risk58.8Water86Weather51.548.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Appanoose County DNA

Foverall

How Appanoose County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Appanoose County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Income (17/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.1-28.9
Cost
61.5+13.5
Safety
30.9-24.1
Health
66.8+16.799999999999997
Schools
62.3+8.299999999999997
Income
17-34
Risk
58.8+11.799999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
51.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Appanoose County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$119,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,146/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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 Appanoose County with Baldwin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Baldwin County
Alabama
Median income: $75,019
48.6
Montgomery County
Alabama
Median income: $58,153
48.6
North Slope Borough
Alaska
Median income: $86,313
48.6
Nassau County
Florida
Median income: $88,900
48.6
Brantley County
Georgia
Median income: $47,801
48.6
Bingham County
Idaho
Median income: $76,842
48.6
Atchison County
Kansas
Median income: $62,164
48.6
Noxubee County
Mississippi
Median income: $38,814
48.6

Nearby counties

Putnam County
Missouri
62.9
Schuyler County
Missouri
55.5
Davis County
Iowa
56
Wayne County
Iowa
62.9
Monroe County
Iowa
59.1
Wapello County
Iowa
33.1
Adair County
Missouri
44.3
Sullivan County
Missouri
62.4

Deep Dives

Appanoose County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Appanoose County

via TaxByCounty

Appanoose taxes below national median

Appanoose County's effective tax rate of 1.253% falls below the national average, with residents paying a median of $1,501 in annual property tax. This is roughly 56% of the national median property tax despite homes valued well below the $281,900 national average.

Lower-tier property taxes in Iowa

Appanoose County ranks below Iowa's state average with an effective rate of 1.253%, compared to the state average of 1.344%. The median tax bill of $1,501 is significantly lower than Iowa's median of $2,160.

Competitive taxes in south-central Iowa

Appanoose County's 1.253% rate is nearly identical to neighboring Adams County (1.265%) to the north and lower than Adair (1.321%). The county sits in the region's affordable range for property taxation.

What Appanoose residents pay in taxes

A median home valued at $119,800 in Appanoose County generates a property tax bill of roughly $1,501 annually. With a mortgage, taxes climb to $1,583; without one, they drop to $1,435.

Your assessment might be too high

Property assessment errors are common statewide, and Appanoose County is no exception. If you believe your home is overvalued, file a free appeal with your county assessor—many homeowners recover hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Appanoose County

via CostByCounty

Appanoose faces serious affordability strain

Appanoose County renters spend 18.3% of income on housing—well above the 30% crisis threshold and significantly above Iowa's 14.1% average. With a median income of $51,146, the county's lowest earnings among these peers create real housing hardship.

Among Iowa's least affordable counties

Appanoose County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio places it in Iowa's most strained housing markets. The combination of below-average income and above-average rent creates measurable affordability challenges for renters.

Appanoose rents pinch hardest

At $779, Appanoose County's median rent is $62 above Adair, $179 below Adams, yet paired with the region's lowest income of $51,146. This toxic combination—high rent, low wages—makes Appanoose objectively the least affordable in this cluster.

Income crisis meets housing cost

Renters earning $51,146 annually spend $779 monthly on housing—18.3% of gross income—while homeowners pay $800. Both renting and owning consume large portions of household budgets, leaving limited margin for other essentials.

Appanoose demands fiscal clarity

Before relocating to Appanoose County, run detailed numbers on your income against these housing costs. If your job doesn't match the county's wage levels, you'll feel the squeeze—nearby counties like Adair offer substantially better affordability for the same region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Appanoose County

via IncomeByCounty

Appanoose faces steepest income challenge

Appanoose County's median household income of $51,146 falls $23,609 below the national median of $74,755, a striking 31.6% gap. This marks the lowest income among the eight profiled counties and reflects deep economic challenges in this south-central Iowa community.

Appanoose ranks among Iowa's lowest

At $51,146, Appanoose's median household income ranks among the lowest in Iowa, trailing the state average of $69,830 by nearly $19,000. The per capita income of $28,911 severely underperforms the state average of $37,136, indicating limited earning capacity across the population.

Appanoose significantly trails all neighbors

Appanoose ($51,146) substantially underperforms every profiled neighbor, including lower-income Adams ($68,828) and Audubon ($54,152) counties. This income disparity signals structural economic challenges distinct from the broader rural Iowa pattern, likely tied to coal mining legacy and industrial decline.

Rent burden is dangerously high

Appanoose's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among the eight counties and approaches the critical affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $119,800 is affordable, but renters and lower-wage households face genuine housing stress.

Economic transformation requires bold action

The $23,609 income gap demands urgent household and community strategies: pursue higher-wage job training, consider relocation for opportunity, and maximize available assistance programs. Connect with local workforce boards and financial counselors to identify paths to better-paying careers and build emergency savings as a financial cushion.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Appanoose County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Realities in Appanoose County

Appanoose County holds a safety score of 97.4, which falls below the national average for high-performing counties. The total crime rate of 1,636.9 per 100K stays below the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Higher Activity Than State Average

The county's safety score sits below the Iowa average of 98.3, indicating more law enforcement activity than typical for the state. Its crime rate of 1,636.9 exceeds the state average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Comparing Appanoose to Similar Counties

Appanoose faces a higher crime rate than nearby Boone County, which reports 681.7 incidents per 100K. It shares a similar high-activity profile with Black Hawk County.

Property Protection is a Priority

Property crime drives the local statistics at 1,392.6 per 100K, while violent crime occurs at a rate of 244.3. These numbers highlight property protection as a key priority for local residents.

Invest in Home Defense

Higher property crime rates make home security systems and motion-activated lighting essential tools. Taking these steps helps mitigate the risks identified in the 2022 crime data.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Appanoose County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Backbone of Appanoose

Appanoose County manages eight public schools across three districts, educating a total of 1,885 students. The system is well-distributed, including three elementary schools and three high schools to serve local communities.

Top-Tier Graduation Performance

The county boasts an impressive 94.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% benchmark and the Iowa average. This high performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,166, showcasing a high return on educational investment.

Centerville Schools Lead the Way

Centerville Community School District is the largest provider, serving 1,339 students across four schools. Public education in Appanoose is entirely district-based, with no charter schools operating in the county.

A Mix of Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

Schools are divided between town and rural locales, with an average school size of 236 students. Lakeview Elementary in Centerville is the largest school with 575 students, providing a contrast to smaller rural facilities like those in the Moravia district.

Invest in a Community with Results

Appanoose County stands out for its high graduation rates and focused school districts. Families looking for academic success should consider exploring homes near the Centerville or Moravia districts today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Appanoose County

via RiskByCounty

Appanoose Faces Above-Average Hazard Mix

Appanoose County's composite score of 41.19 ranks it Relatively Low but above Iowa's state average of 39.68, signaling elevated natural disaster exposure. The county contends with a particularly acute combination of tornado and wildfire risk that demands serious preparedness investment.

Higher-Risk Profile Within Iowa

Appanoose ranks among Iowa's most hazardous counties, with risk scores elevated across multiple categories. Its Relatively Low rating reflects the state's generally moderate disaster exposure, but Appanoose residents face notably above-average vulnerability.

Riskiest County in Its Region

Appanoose's 41.19 score substantially exceeds neighboring Adair (49.49 to north) when comparing similar communities, and dramatically outpaces Adams to the west at 20.36. The county stands out as a pocket of elevated risk in southern Iowa.

Tornadoes and Wildfires Peak Here

Appanoose experiences Iowa's highest tornado risk at 73.09, combined with a wildfire score of 59.51 that far exceeds the state average. Earthquake exposure of 31.46 also ranks among the state's highest, creating a uniquely hazardous convergence of three major threats.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Strategy Needed

Appanoose homeowners face exceptional tornado and wildfire exposure requiring comprehensive wind, hail, and fire coverage beyond basic policies. Consider reinforced safe rooms, defensible space landscaping, and a household emergency plan that addresses all three major hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Appanoose County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Violations for Appanoose Water Systems

Appanoose County earns a Grade A for drinking water compliance with zero health violations recorded in the EPA SDWIS database. This puts the county ahead of the state average of 25.9 violations per 100,000 residents.

Official Watershed Health Data Unavailable

Federal authorities have not yet assessed the local water bodies in Appanoose County under §303(d) standards. As a result, no impairment percentages or causes are currently reported.

Concentrated Monitoring at Three Key Sites

Three monitoring sites have produced a substantial 2,026 measurements over five years. Data collection is intensive for nutrients, metals, and physical water characteristics.

Critical Low Flow on Chariton River

The Chariton River near Moulton is flowing at just 53 cfs, a mere 12% of its long-term mean. This significant drop suggests potential drought conditions or upstream management affecting the 740-square-mile drainage area.

Prepare for Low Flow Impacts

The extremely low flow in the Chariton River can concentrate contaminants and stress source water supplies. Residents should monitor for changes in water taste or odor and ensure efficient water usage during this dry period.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Appanoose County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Profile on the Southern Border

Appanoose County records a 50.1°F average, making it one of the warmest areas in Iowa. While still below the national median, it represents the state's warmer southern edge.

A Leader in Statewide Warmth

It exceeds the Iowa state average of 48.0°F by over two degrees. It consistently ranks as one of the warmest counties in the state.

Warmer and Drier than Northern Neighbors

Appanoose is notably warmer than Allamakee, which sits over four degrees cooler. It receives 37.3 inches of precipitation, which is slightly wetter than the state average.

Intense Summers and Light Snow

Summers are intense with 18 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winter snowfall is relatively light for the region, averaging only 21.5 inches annually.

Summer Cooling is a Top Priority

Invest in robust air conditioning to navigate the nearly 20 days of extreme heat. Light winter equipment usually suffices for the modest snowfall levels.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Appanoose County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Southern Iowa

With a pH of 6.08, Appanoose County soil is noticeably more acidic than the state average of 6.43. This chemistry may require lime applications for gardeners looking to grow pH-sensitive plants like asparagus.

Balanced Texture for Diverse Uses

The soil profile contains 52.3% silt, 26.0% clay, and 20.6% sand. This balanced texture provides a mix of drainage and moisture retention suitable for diverse agricultural and landscaping uses.

Reliable Hydration for Summer Crops

Organic matter reaches 3.25%, which is healthy by national standards but below the Iowa average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in sits just above the state average, indicating reliable hydration for local flora.

Navigating Regional Soil Challenges

Local hydrologic groups and drainage classes are currently not specified in available records. The soil score of 68.8 suggests that while productive, the land faces more structural challenges than some northern neighbors.

Heat-Tolerant Planting in Zone 5b

This Zone 5b region is well-suited for heat-tolerant summer vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. Gardeners should monitor the acidic pH to ensure their soil remains hospitable for heavy feeders.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Appanoose County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Conditions in Southern Iowa

Appanoose County scores a 78.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, indicating it is slightly easier than the state average to maintain a healthy lawn. Located in Zone 5b, this county provides a long growing season for local enthusiasts. The balance of temperature and precipitation supports a wide variety of turf options.

Extended Growth and Summer Heat

The county receives 37.3 inches of rain annually, which is well within the ideal range for midwestern lawns. However, 18 extreme heat days—higher than the state average of 16—can push cool-season grasses toward dormancy in mid-summer. A high count of 3,256 growing degree days translates to a fast-paced growing season that requires active management.

Acidity and Compaction Concerns

The soil pH of 6.08 is on the lower end of the ideal range, so some lawns may benefit from a light lime application. A clay content of 26.0% suggests that soil can become compacted, potentially slowing drainage. Monitoring for moss or poor drainage can help determine if soil amendments are needed to improve the foundation.

Managing Dryness in the South

Appanoose has faced 11 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry. While severe drought is absent, the consistent dry spells require a proactive approach to irrigation. Focus on early morning watering to maximize absorption before the 18 heat days take their toll.

Extended Windows for Lawn Care

The long frost-free period, from April 28 to October 23, offers one of the longest growing windows in Iowa. Use this extended season to establish Heat-Tolerant Bluegrass or Tall Fescue blends. Early autumn remains the premier time to seed, taking advantage of the late October frost to let new grass mature.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Appanoose County's county score?
Appanoose County, Iowa has a composite county score of 48.6 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 Appanoose County rank among counties in Iowa?
Appanoose County ranks #74 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 Appanoose County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Appanoose County is $1,501, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Appanoose County a tax score of 23.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Appanoose County?
The median household income in Appanoose County, Iowa is $51,146 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Appanoose County earns an income score of 17/100 on CountyScore.
Is Appanoose County, Iowa a good place to live?
Appanoose County scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #74 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Appanoose 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 Appanoose County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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