countyscore
57.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 81.3Lawn Care 76.5

County Report Card

About Audubon County, Iowa

Exceeding National Livability Benchmarks

Audubon County earns a composite score of 59.7, which is nearly ten points higher than the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that surpasses much of the country.

Outperforming the Iowa Average

Audubon's score of 59.7 places it above the Iowa state average of 55.6. In a state known for high livability, Audubon holds its own as a premier rural destination.

Top-Tier Affordability and Health

The county boasts an impressive cost score of 78.5, driven by a median home value of $110,400 and rent of $707. Health services are also a major asset, achieving a high score of 81.3.

Wage Growth and Schooling Needs

Economic opportunity is the main challenge, as the income score sits at a low 23.3. Education also sees lower marks with a school score of 42.9, suggesting a need for more academic investment.

A Sanctuary for Retirees

With some of the lowest housing costs in the state and high health scores, Audubon is a perfect match for those on a fixed income. It offers a comfortable, healthy lifestyle at an unbeatable price point.

2040608010017.272.369.981.342.928.661.48650.1Tax17.2Cost72.3Safety69.9Health81.3Schools42.9Income28.6Risk61.4Water86Weather50.157.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Audubon County DNA

Foverall

How Audubon County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Audubon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (81.3/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (17.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.2-34.8
Cost
72.3+24.299999999999997
Safety
69.9+14.900000000000006
Health
81.3+31.299999999999997
Schools
42.9-11.100000000000001
Income
28.6-22.4
Risk
61.4+14.399999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
50.1
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Audubon County?

Many homeowners in Audubon 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

$121,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$759/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$121,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,229/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.8

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 Audubon County with Conecuh County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Conecuh County
Alabama
Median income: $41,327
57.6
Calhoun County
Arkansas
Median income: $66,809
57.6
Pitkin County
Colorado
Median income: $102,645
57.6
Daviess County
Indiana
Median income: $68,503
57.6
Washington County
Indiana
Median income: $64,641
57.6
Cedar County
Iowa
Median income: $80,602
57.6
Ballard County
Kentucky
Median income: $66,164
57.6
Harlan County
Kentucky
Median income: $41,693
57.6

Nearby counties

Guthrie County
Iowa
60.5
Shelby County
Iowa
68
Cass County
Iowa
42.6
Carroll County
Iowa
61.3
Adair County
Iowa
61.3
Greene County
Iowa
58.7
Crawford County
Iowa
55.2
Adams County
Iowa
61.9

Deep Dives

Audubon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Audubon County

via TaxByCounty

Audubon offers favorable national comparison

Audubon County's effective tax rate of 1.226% sits below the national average, with a median property tax of $1,353—just 50% of the national median. Homeowners here enjoy some of the lowest tax burdens in the nation relative to their property values.

Iowa's lowest-tax county tier

Audubon County ranks among Iowa's lowest-tax counties with an effective rate of 1.226%, well below the state average of 1.344%. At $1,353 in median annual tax, Audubon is the lowest median tax among our profiled counties and 37% below Iowa's state median.

Tax champion of western rural Iowa

Audubon County's 1.226% rate edges out Allamakee (1.223%) as one of the state's lowest and beats nearby Adair (1.321%), Adams (1.265%), and Appanoose (1.253%). It's the clear tax value leader in west-central Iowa.

Audubon property tax calculations

A median home valued at $110,400 in Audubon County incurs approximately $1,353 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,383; without one, it drops to $1,331.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even Audubon's lowest-in-class rates don't guarantee accurate assessments—errors occur in every county. A quick appeal review could confirm whether your assessment is truly fair or if you deserve a reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Audubon County

via IncomeByCounty

Audubon's income trails national average

Audubon County's median household income of $54,152 falls $20,603 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 27.5% shortfall. This rural agricultural county reflects the persistent income challenges facing Midwestern farm-dependent economies.

Audubon ranks low among Iowa counties

Audubon's $54,152 median household income ranks well below Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it among the lowest-earning counties in the state. The per capita income of $34,615 also trails the state average of $37,136, reflecting limited earning across the population.

Audubon earns less than most regional peers

Audubon ($54,152) underperforms most neighbors except Appanoose ($51,146), and significantly lags Boone ($79,741), Benton ($84,742), and Adams ($68,828). The county's reliance on commodity agriculture and small manufacturing limits income growth compared to more diversified regional economies.

Rent-to-income ratio at the edge

Audubon's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, though rising costs could strain some households. The median home value of $110,400 offers affordable homeownership, but low incomes limit savings for down payments.

Bridge the gap with diverse income

The $20,603 income gap versus the national median requires household diversification: explore off-farm income, side businesses, or higher-wage employment in neighboring counties. Prioritize building an emergency fund and consult a financial advisor about maximizing available tax credits and retirement savings options.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Audubon County

via CrimeByCounty

Audubon County's Strong National Standing

Audubon County earns a 98.9 safety score, reflecting a community significantly safer than the national average. Its total crime rate of 707.8 per 100K is less than one-third of the national figure of 2,385.5.

Secure Living in Rural Iowa

The county exceeds the Iowa average safety score of 98.3, ranking it among the state's more secure jurisdictions. Its crime rate of 707.8 remains well below the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Safe Relative to Neighboring Hubs

While Audubon's crime rate is higher than Adair's 240.6, it remains much lower than the rates seen in Appanoose County. This makes it a relatively quiet enclave in the regional landscape.

Violent Offenses are Minimal

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at just 17.7 per 100K, while property crime sits at 690.1. Residents primarily deal with property-related issues rather than threats to personal safety.

Prioritize Outbuilding and Home Security

Focusing on securing outbuildings and vehicles can further reduce the property crime rate. Maintaining high visibility around your home supports the county's strong 98.9 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Audubon County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Midwestern Continental Climate

Audubon County averages 47.0°F, placing it roughly 6 degrees below the national median. The climate is defined by typical Midwestern seasonal extremes.

Below the Iowa Temperature Average

Its average temperature sits exactly one degree below the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. This places Audubon in the cooler half of the state's counties.

Cooler than Southern Adjacent Counties

The 47.0°F average is cooler than neighbors like Adair at 49.1°F. Precipitation is slightly below the state average at 35.0 inches.

Eleven Days of Peak Summer Heat

The county experiences 11 extreme heat days each year, mainly during the 72.1°F July peak. While snowfall data is limited for this area, winter temperatures average a chilly 21.6°F.

Insulation for Chilly Winter Nights

Focus on home insulation to combat the winter average of 21.6°F. Prepare for a dozen days of high heat during the peak summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Audubon County

via SoilByCounty

The Rich Mollisols of Audubon

Audubon County's soil belongs to the Mollisols order, characterized by a dark, fertile surface layer and a pH of 6.19. This pH is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, reflecting its prairie-derived heritage.

Heavy Silty Clay Loam Soils

Classified as silty clay loam, the soil contains 57.8% silt and 29.4% clay. The low 12.7% sand content means the soil holds nutrients tightly but can be difficult to work when wet.

Exceptional Reservoirs for Thirsty Crops

Organic matter stands at 3.04%, which is lower than the state average of 3.81% but still very productive. A high available water capacity of 0.210 in/in makes this soil an exceptional reservoir during dry weeks.

Well Drained with Moderate Runoff

These soils are well drained and fall into hydrologic group C. This combination means water moves through the profile effectively, though the group C rating suggests some runoff potential during heavy rains.

Moisture-Loving Perennials for Zone 5a

Gardeners in Zone 5a can take advantage of the high water capacity to grow lush leafy greens and moisture-loving perennials. Start a compost pile to boost that organic matter even further.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Audubon County

via LawnByCounty

Audubon County's Reliable Growing Environment

Audubon County matches the state's hospitable growing conditions with a lawn difficulty score of 76.5. Situated in Zone 5a, the climate supports traditional cool-season lawns with a manageable level of effort. It remains significantly easier than the national median, offering a friendly landscape for beginners and experts alike.

Temperate Summers with Moderate Rain

With 35.0 inches of annual precipitation, the county is slightly drier than the state average of 36.1 inches. However, only 11 extreme heat days occur per year, which is significantly better than the state average of 16. This moderate heat helps grass survive on less water during the peak of the 2,779 growing degree day season.

Ideal Drainage in Silty Clay Loam

The county features silty clay loam soil that is classified as well-drained, a major advantage for healthy root systems. While the clay content is 29.4%, the structure allows water to move efficiently compared to heavier soils. A pH of 6.19 is near the sweet spot for nutrient availability, though it leans slightly toward the acidic side.

Resilient Against Prolonged Dryness

Only 7 weeks of drought were recorded over the past year, and current conditions show only 0.4% of the county is abnormally dry. This makes Audubon much more resilient than its southern neighbors. The well-drained soil and low frequency of drought mean that standard rain and occasional watering are usually sufficient.

Plan Around the Late Spring Frost

Kentucky Bluegrass blends perform exceptionally well in Audubon’s well-drained loamy soils. The typical growing window runs from the last spring frost on May 2 to the first fall frost on October 3. Aim to finish any major seeding by mid-September to ensure the silty clay loam settles before the first freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Audubon County's county score?
Audubon County, Iowa has a composite county score of 57.6 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 Audubon County rank among counties in Iowa?
Audubon County ranks #53 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 Audubon County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Audubon County is $1,634, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Audubon County a tax score of 17.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Audubon County?
The median household income in Audubon County, Iowa is $58,229 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Audubon County earns an income score of 28.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Audubon County, Iowa a good place to live?
Audubon County scores 57.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Audubon 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 Audubon County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.