countyscore
59.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 81.3Cost of Living 78.5

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.

Score breakdown

Tax24.3Cost78.5Safety69.9Health81.3Schools42.9Income23.3Risk61.4Water86Weather50.1
🏛24.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.5
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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Nearby counties

Guthrie County
Iowa
60.2
Shelby County
Iowa
66.5
Cass County
Iowa
42.7
Carroll County
Iowa
61.5
Adair County
Iowa
62.5
Greene County
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Crawford County
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Adams County
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61.1

Deep Dives

Audubon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Audubon County

via CostByCounty

Audubon's affordability holds steady

Audubon County renters spend 15.7% of income on housing, slightly above Iowa's 14.1% average but well below national sustainability concerns. Against the national median income of $74,755, Audubon's $54,152 creates relative pressure despite modest rents.

Middle-of-the-pack Iowa affordability

Audubon County ranks in Iowa's middle tier for housing affordability at 15.7% rent-to-income. The $707 median rent runs $105 cheaper than the state average of $812, providing modest savings for renters.

Audubon undercuts most rural peers

Audubon's $707 rent is the second-lowest in this cluster—only Allamakee's $717 beats it—yet Audubon's income of $54,152 is lower, pushing the rent burden to 15.7%. Compared to Adams ($909) and Appanoose ($779), Audubon clearly offers better rental value.

Modest income, modest rents

With median income at $54,152, Audubon renters allocate $707 monthly to housing (15.7% of income) while homeowners spend $683. The lower ownership costs suggest buying is genuinely affordable here—a potential path to stability.

First-time homebuyers: Audubon welcomes you

Audubon County offers surprisingly affordable ownership at $683 monthly, paired with low home values of $110,400. If you're ready to transition from renting, this county provides a genuine entry point into homeownership.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Audubon County

via HealthByCounty

Audubon leads on life expectancy

At 79.2 years, Audubon County achieves the highest life expectancy in this group, nearly 3 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 1.5 years above Iowa's state average. Yet 17.0% report poor or fair health, suggesting some residents face persistent health challenges despite overall county longevity.

Top-ranked Iowa health outcomes

Audubon ranks among Iowa's healthiest counties on life expectancy and matches the state's 5.6% uninsured rate. The combination of high longevity and modest insurance coverage suggests strong community health practices or medical infrastructure.

County longevity champion

At 79.2 years, Audubon leads Allamakee (78.4), Benton (79.2—tied), Adair (77.0), and Adams (77.6) on life expectancy. Its strong performance across a rural region suggests effective health promotion or healthier demographics.

Adequate primary care, limited mental health

Audubon has 53 primary care providers per 100,000 but only 18 mental health providers per 100,000, the lowest mental health capacity in this region. With 5.6% uninsured, most residents can access primary care, but mental health services may require travel or waiting.

Secure insurance for total health

Audubon's strong life expectancy masks a potential mental health access gap; few county providers serve behavioral health. Ensure your insurance covers mental health care and learn where to access specialists beyond the county if needed at Healthcare.gov or through your primary care provider.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Audubon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact Education in Audubon

Audubon County’s educational needs are met by three public schools within one primary school district. These facilities serve 745 students, providing a streamlined path from elementary through high school.

Competitive Spending and Rural Focus

The county spends $8,098 per pupil, which is higher than the Iowa state average of $7,591. While the 84.0% graduation rate is lower than the state mark, the county maintains a school score of 52.7, exceeding the national median of 50.0.

Centralized Learning in Audubon Comm

The Audubon Community School District manages two schools and serves 547 students, making it the central pillar of local education. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring a focused, traditional public school experience.

Spacious Rural Learning Environments

All three schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average size of 248 students. Audubon Middle-High School is the largest facility with 296 students, while Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Elementary offers a smaller setting with 198 students.

Quiet Rural Schools for Your Family

Audubon County is perfect for those seeking the quiet pace of rural schools with per-pupil investment that beats the state average. Discover local real estate options to find a home in this unified and dedicated school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Audubon County

via RiskByCounty

Audubon: Low Risk, Moderate Preparedness

Audubon County's composite score of 38.58 falls just below Iowa's state average of 39.68, earning a Very Low rating. This modest but manageable risk profile places Audubon among Iowa's safer communities, though still above the nation's lowest-hazard zones.

Below-Average Risk Across Iowa

Audubon ranks in the safer half of Iowa's county distribution, with risk exposure consistently moderate to low across most hazard categories. The county benefits from relatively stable terrain and distance from major river systems that plague other regions.

Safer Than Most Neighbors

Audubon's 38.58 score slightly trails neighboring Adair at 49.49 to the east, but substantially beats Appanoose to the south at 41.19. Adams County to the southwest remains the region's safest outlier at 20.36.

Tornadoes Lead, Wildfires Secondary

Tornado risk at 59.67 is Audubon's primary concern and above the state average, while wildfire exposure of 33.37 ranks moderate. Flood risk remains low at 19.78, making tornado preparedness the core planning priority for residents.

Tornado Coverage and Safe Planning

Audubon residents should ensure wind and hail insurance covers tornado damage and maintain an accessible safe room or shelter plan. Annual preparedness drills and weather radio monitoring provide low-cost protection against the county's signature storm threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 59.7 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 #38 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 $1,353, with an effective tax rate of 1.23%. This earns Audubon County a tax score of 24.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Audubon County?
The median household income in Audubon County, Iowa is $54,152 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Audubon County earns an income score of 23.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Audubon County, Iowa a good place to live?
Audubon County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 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.

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.