CountyScore

Benton County

Iowa · IA

#42 in Iowa
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Benton County, Iowa

Strong performer with above-average income

Benton County scores 70.8, placing it in the top 42% of U.S. counties and well above the national median of 50.0. The county stands out within this group for delivering both livability and income stability.

Above Iowa's average livability

At 70.8, Benton exceeds Iowa's 69.3 state average and ranks in the upper third of Iowa's 99 counties. It's a county that delivers measurably better outcomes than most of its peers.

Income and health lead this county's profile

Benton's income score of 38.7 yields median household income of $84,742—the highest in this group—paired with excellent health outcomes (79.4). A risk score of 71.2 adds to its appeal for families seeking economic stability.

Higher housing costs reflect stronger economy

Median home values of $198,400 and rent averaging $815/month are the highest in this group, a trade-off for higher incomes. The effective tax rate of 1.324% is also slightly elevated, reflecting the county's greater economic activity.

For families seeking income and stability

Benton County suits career-focused families and those prioritizing wage growth and economic opportunity over minimum housing costs. Its higher incomes and strong health systems make it the most economically robust county in this comparison.

Score breakdown

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

Tax65Cost76.6SafetyComing SoonHealth79.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.7Risk71.2WaterComing Soon
🏛65
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡71.2
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 Benton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton's taxes moderate relative to nation

Benton County's effective tax rate of 1.324% is close to the national average, with a median property tax of $2,627—nearly matching the national median of $2,690. Residents here face a tax burden more typical of the broader U.S. than most Iowa counties.

Slightly above average in Iowa

Benton County's effective rate of 1.324% sits just slightly below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, placing it in the middle range statewide. With a median tax of $2,627, it's about 21% higher than Iowa's median of $2,160.

Higher taxes in the northeast region

Benton County's 1.324% rate exceeds nearby Allamakee (1.223%) and Adair (1.321%), making it one of the pricier counties in northeast Iowa. Only Black Hawk (1.530%) and Boone (1.434%) nearby carry significantly higher rates.

Benton homeowner tax burden

A median home valued at $198,400 in Benton County generates an annual property tax of approximately $2,627. With a mortgage, taxes reach $2,758; without one, they're about $2,417.

Assessment appeals can pay off here

With above-average tax rates, Benton County homeowners have even more incentive to verify their assessments. An appeal that reduces your valuation by 10% could save you $260+ annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benton County

via CostByCounty

Benton's prosperity outpaces housing costs

Benton County renters spend just 11.5% of income on housing—the lowest ratio in this group and well below both the national and state averages. With a median income of $84,742, Benton significantly outearns the national average of $74,755, creating genuine affordability.

Iowa's most affordable wealthy county

Benton County's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks at the very top of Iowa's affordability ladder. The combination of strong median income and reasonable $815 rent creates exceptional housing security for renters.

Benton dominates by income and value

Benton County's $84,742 median income leads this entire cluster—$16K+ above Adair and $30K+ above Appanoose. Despite housing costs that reflect quality (median home value $198,400), Benton's wage advantage makes housing feel genuinely achievable.

Benton's high earners, smart housing

Renters earning $84,742 spend $815 monthly on housing (11.5% of income) while homeowners commit $1,131—the highest ownership cost in this cluster. Both figures remain sustainable against Benton's strong income, reflecting a prosperous, well-employed community.

Professionals seeking Iowa stability

If you earn above-average income and value stability, Benton County delivers both affordable rents and genuine home values. Your housing dollars stretch further here than in most of Iowa, while strong median income signals job opportunity and economic resilience.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton leads Iowa on household income

Benton County's median household income of $84,742 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $9,987, a robust 13.4% advantage. The county ranks among Iowa's wealthiest and benefits from manufacturing, technology, and agricultural prosperity concentrated in the Cedar Rapids metro area.

Benton tops Iowa's income rankings

At $84,742, Benton County's median household income ranks among the highest in Iowa, well above the state average of $69,830. The per capita income of $40,995 also exceeds the state average of $37,136, reflecting broad-based earning strength.

Benton dominates the region's earnings

Benton's $84,742 substantially outearns all profiled neighbors, including high-performing Boone County ($79,741) and Adair ($66,176). This advantage stems from Benton's role as home to Cedar Rapids' suburban growth and industrial base.

Housing costs are minimal concern

Benton's 11.5% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among the eight counties, indicating housing costs are highly manageable for residents. The median home value of $198,400 is the highest in this group, reflecting strong property appreciation and wealth accumulation.

Leverage Benton's prosperity wisely

With income above the national median and minimal housing burden, Benton residents are positioned to accelerate wealth building through aggressive retirement saving and investment. Consider maxing out 401(k) contributions, diversifying into real estate or stocks, and working with a wealth advisor to compound long-term gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Benton County

via HealthByCounty

Benton achieves top health longevity

At 79.2 years, Benton County ties Audubon for the highest life expectancy in this group, nearly 3 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 15.6% in poor or fair health and only 4.5% uninsured—the lowest rate here—Benton demonstrates strong health outcomes and insurance coverage.

Iowa's best health insurance coverage

Benton ranks among Iowa's top counties on life expectancy and boasts the lowest uninsured rate in this comparison at 4.5%, well below the state average of 5.7%. This coverage advantage likely supports higher preventive care and better health management.

Tied for regional longevity leader

Benton's 79.2-year life expectancy matches Audubon and leads Allamakee (78.4), Adams (77.6), Adair (77.0), and Appanoose (75.4) by significant margins. The county's 4.5% uninsured rate is lowest in the region, supporting broad health access.

Limited primary care, strong mental health

Benton has only 20 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest in this group—but 50 mental health providers per 100,000, a solid secondary capacity. The 4.5% uninsured rate suggests residents may travel for primary care or rely on regional medical centers.

Already covered? Stay proactive.

With the region's best insurance coverage and strong mental health services, Benton residents are positioned for good health outcomes. Use your coverage to establish a relationship with a primary care provider—whether local or regional—and don't hesitate to pursue mental health support.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benton County

via RiskByCounty

Benton County: Iowa's Safest Profile

Benton County's composite score of 28.82 ranks among Iowa's lowest and well below the state average of 39.68, placing it in the Very Low risk category. This favorable profile reflects below-average exposure across nearly all major natural hazard categories.

Among Iowa's Most Protected Counties

Benton ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa's risk distribution, competing with Adams and Boone for the safest designation. The county's diverse topography and climate provide natural buffers against extreme disaster scenarios.

Safest in Central Iowa Cluster

Benton's 28.82 score outperforms nearby Boone (28.40) as the region's two safest counties and substantially beats more hazardous eastern neighbors. This makes Benton an unusually secure community within its geographic area.

Flood Exposure, Then Tornadoes

Benton's flood risk at 40.33 represents its highest single hazard, though still manageable, while tornadoes score 43.58. Wildfire risk remains minimal at 15.94, making water and wind preparedness the primary focus.

Standard Coverage Sufficient

Benton residents benefit from exceptionally low overall risk and can rely on comprehensive standard homeowners policies covering wind and fire. Regular maintenance, storm awareness, and basic emergency planning provide solid protection in this low-hazard county.

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.