CountyScore

Audubon County

Iowa · IA

#28 in Iowa
71.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Audubon County, Iowa

Above-average livability in a rural setting

Audubon County's composite score of 71.4 ranks it in the top 43% of U.S. counties, comfortably above the national median of 50.0. The county delivers solid livability across multiple dimensions, particularly in affordability and health.

One of Iowa's stronger performers

At 71.4, Audubon exceeds Iowa's state average of 69.3 and ranks in the upper portion of Iowa's 99 counties. It's a county that consistently outperforms state-level livability benchmarks.

Outstanding housing affordability and health

Audubon leads this group with a cost score of 85.4, featuring the lowest median home value of $110,400 and rent of just $707/month. Health outcomes (77.1) and a 1.226% tax rate round out a very attractive affordability package.

Income remains below peer county levels

The income score of 18.7 reflects median household income of only $54,152, the lowest in this group and a significant constraint for wage-earning families. Complete data on safety and schools is not yet available.

Perfect for retirees and remote workers

Audubon is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and anyone whose income comes from sources outside local employment. The combination of exceptional housing affordability and low taxes makes it one of Iowa's most budget-friendly rural counties.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax67.8Cost85.4SafetyComing SoonHealth77.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.7Risk61.4WaterComing Soon
🏛67.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Audubon County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tallapoosa County
Alabama
71.4
Median income: $57,185
Van Buren County
Arkansas
71.4
Median income: $47,266
Butler County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $69,651
Jones County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $73,071
Douglas County
Minnesota
71.4
Median income: $77,264

Deep Dives

Audubon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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