countyscore
40.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 78.7Health 73.7

County Report Card

About Black Hawk County, Iowa

Facing Headwinds in Livability

Black Hawk County reports a composite score of 40.7, falling below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects urban-style challenges that impact the overall quality-of-life ranking.

Trailing the Iowa State Average

The county's score of 40.7 is significantly lower than the Iowa average of 55.6. While it offers urban amenities, it struggles to match the balance found in Iowa's higher-scoring counties.

Reliable Water and Moderate Income

Water quality is a consistent strength here with a score of 86.0. The county also maintains a mid-range income score of 52.4, providing a decent economic floor for its residents.

High Taxes and Safety Concerns

Taxation is a major pain point with a score of 11.6, driven by an effective rate of 1.530%. Safety and environmental risk also pose challenges, with scores of 27.9 and 23.4 respectively.

Best for Urban Career Seekers

Black Hawk County suits those who need to be near the regional job market and value reliable utilities. It is a choice for residents who prefer city-like services despite the higher tax and safety trade-offs.

Score breakdown

Tax11.6Cost30.4Safety27.9Health73.7Schools57.4Income52.4Risk23.4Water86Weather50.9
🏛11.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠30.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡23.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.7
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

Bremer County
Iowa
58.6
Grundy County
Iowa
69.1
Buchanan County
Iowa
62.4
Tama County
Iowa
56.6
Benton County
Iowa
56
Butler County
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Fayette County
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Chickasaw County
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66.7

Deep Dives

Black Hawk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Black Hawk County

via TaxByCounty

Black Hawk taxes exceed national norms

Black Hawk County's effective tax rate of 1.530% is notably above the national average, with residents paying a median of $2,790 in annual property tax—essentially matching the national median despite significantly lower home values. Black Hawk stands among the higher-tax counties nationally.

Highest taxes among eight profiled counties

Black Hawk County's 1.530% effective rate ranks among Iowa's highest, far exceeding the state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $2,790 is the highest among our profiled counties and 29% above Iowa's median of $2,160.

Tax burden leader in northeast Iowa

Black Hawk County's 1.530% rate is substantially higher than all regional neighbors, including Benton (1.324%), Boone (1.434%), and Allamakee (1.223%). Only Boone County comes close in the immediate region, making Black Hawk the clear higher-tax option.

Black Hawk's significant tax bills

A median home valued at $182,400 in Black Hawk County generates approximately $2,790 in annual property taxes—the highest median among our profiled counties. With a mortgage, expect $2,799; without one, about $2,776.

Urgent: verify your assessment

With the state's highest profiled tax rate, Black Hawk County homeowners should prioritize assessment review. An overvaluation of just 5% could cost you $140+ annually; correcting it through appeal could yield significant long-term savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Black Hawk County

via CostByCounty

Black Hawk renters feel the squeeze

Black Hawk County renters spend 17.9% of income on housing, substantially above Iowa's 14.1% average and creeping toward concern levels. With median income at $64,581—below the national average of $74,755—renters face measurable affordability strain.

Iowa's more expensive rental market

Black Hawk County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's less affordable counties. The $962 median rent is the highest in this eight-county cluster, reflecting the county's urban character and competitive housing market.

Black Hawk's urban premium visible

Black Hawk County's $962 rent significantly exceeds all rural peers—$232 above Adair's $730 and even $53 above Adams's $909. The county's median home value of $182,400 suggests stronger property demand, but rents spike accordingly for tenants.

Urban costs meet modest incomes

Black Hawk renters earning $64,581 spend $962 monthly on housing (17.9% of income) while homeowners commit $1,043. Both figures consume substantial income shares, leaving less for savings or unexpected expenses.

Black Hawk: quality of life, not deals

Black Hawk County (home to Waterloo and Cedar Falls) offers urban amenities and job diversity that justify higher rents—but affordability-conscious renters should compare rural alternatives. If you value walkability and services over savings, Black Hawk's competitive market may be worth it.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Black Hawk County

via IncomeByCounty

Black Hawk trails national income median

Black Hawk County's median household income of $64,581 falls $10,174 below the national median of $74,755, a 13.6% shortfall. The county—anchored by the Waterloo metro—reflects income challenges facing Midwest industrial centers affected by manufacturing decline.

Black Hawk below Iowa's average income

At $64,581, Black Hawk's median household income trails Iowa's state average of $69,830 by over $5,200. The per capita income of $37,409 closely mirrors the state average of $37,136, indicating relatively even income distribution across the population.

Black Hawk earnings lag Boone and Benton

Black Hawk ($64,581) underperforms prosperous neighbors Boone ($79,741) and Benton ($84,742), but outearns Appanoose ($51,146) and Audubon ($54,152). The county's modest metro status and manufacturing heritage position it between wealthy Cedar Rapids suburbs and struggling rural counties.

Rent burden elevated for some households

Black Hawk's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest among the eight counties, nearing the stress threshold of 30%. The median home value of $182,400 is relatively high for the county's income level, suggesting housing affordability challenges for renters and first-time buyers.

Target the income-housing affordability gap

The $10,174 income gap and elevated rent-to-income ratio signal a need for household income growth and housing strategies. Pursue career advancement in healthcare, technology, or skilled trades; explore homeownership assistance programs; and build savings aggressively to reduce reliance on rent-burdened housing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Black Hawk County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Safety in Black Hawk County

Black Hawk County reports a safety score of 97.3, reflecting the complexities of a more urbanized area. Its total crime rate of 1,739.2 per 100K is higher than rural neighbors but still below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Local and State Trends

The county's safety score is lower than the Iowa average of 98.3, and its crime rate exceeds the state average of 1,095.3. This highlights Black Hawk as an area with higher law enforcement demand.

Highest Activity Among Peers

Black Hawk's crime rate of 1,739.2 per 100K is nearly triple that of neighboring Benton County. It represents the highest crime frequency among the eight counties in this regional analysis.

Property Theft is the Main Challenge

The data shows 1,424.0 property crimes and 315.2 violent crimes per 100K people. These rates mean property theft is the most common concern for residents and business owners.

Vigilance and Community Security

In busier counties, comprehensive home security and community policing are vital for safety. Residents can help lower these rates by securing valuables and reporting suspicious activity promptly.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Black Hawk County

via HealthByCounty

Black Hawk lags on life expectancy

At 76.7 years, Black Hawk County life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years but trails Iowa's 77.7-year state average by 1 year. With 17.5% in poor or fair health, the county faces above-average chronic illness burden.

Below-average Iowa health rankings

Black Hawk ranks in the lower tier of Iowa counties on life expectancy and poor health prevalence, despite having 5.2% uninsured—just below the state average of 5.7%. Coverage levels suggest barriers to health outcomes run deeper than insurance access.

Urban county with mixed outcomes

Black Hawk's 76.7-year life expectancy lags most peers: Audubon (79.2), Benton (79.2), Allamakee (78.4), Adams (77.6), and Adair (77.0). Only Appanoose (75.4) performs worse, suggesting the county faces unique health challenges despite being the most urban in this group.

Exceptional provider capacity, persistent health gaps

Black Hawk County leads the region with 95 primary care providers and 258 mental health providers per 100,000—far exceeding rural neighbors. Despite this exceptional resource density and 5.2% uninsured, the 17.5% poor/fair health rate suggests barriers like poverty, transportation, or health literacy.

Use Black Hawk's provider abundance

Black Hawk has unparalleled access to mental health specialists (258 per 100,000) and primary care—resources most rural counties lack. Verify your coverage at Healthcare.gov and connect with providers; the infrastructure exists to support better health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Black Hawk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Iowa's Urban Education Hub

Black Hawk County features a massive educational infrastructure with 35 public schools across four districts. This system serves 18,280 students, including 21 elementary schools, six middle schools, and seven high schools.

Consistent Success in a Large System

Despite its large size, the county maintains a 90.3% graduation rate, well above the national average. Per-pupil spending of $7,868 exceeds the state average, funding a diverse array of programs and resulting in a competitive school score of 55.6.

Waterloo and Cedar Falls Powerhouse

The Waterloo Community School District is the largest, managing 18 schools and 10,527 students. While the county hosts one alternative school, there are no charter schools, keeping the focus on its robust traditional district offerings.

A Truly Diverse Locale Mix

Uniquely for the region, 25 schools are in city locales, with others in suburbs and rural areas. Schools are much larger here, averaging 522 students, with Waterloo's West High School serving over 1,600 students.

Find Your Place in a Top District

From urban high schools to suburban elementary campuses, Black Hawk County offers more variety than anywhere else in the region. Look for homes in Waterloo or Cedar Falls to take advantage of these high-capacity, successful schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Black Hawk County

via RiskByCounty

Black Hawk: Iowa's Highest-Risk County

Black Hawk County's composite score of 76.59 ranks it Relatively Low but nearly double Iowa's state average of 39.68—the highest score among Iowa counties profiled here. This exceptional risk profile places Black Hawk among the nation's more hazard-exposed communities.

Far Exceeds State Risk Average

Black Hawk stands alone at the top of Iowa's risk hierarchy, with exposure scores substantially higher than any other county in this analysis. The county faces a converging perfect storm of flood, tornado, and earthquake vulnerabilities.

Dramatically Riskier Than Surroundings

Black Hawk's 76.59 far exceeds nearby Benton County at 28.82 and Boone at 28.40, making it a stark exception in central Iowa. The dramatic disparity reflects Black Hawk's unique geography and position in Iowa's most hazard-prone zone.

Catastrophic Tornado and Flood Threats

Black Hawk residents face a tornado risk score of 91.38—the highest in this county set—alongside flood exposure of 76.62 driven by the Cedar River system. Earthquake risk at 39.12 adds a third serious concern, creating an exceptionally hazardous combination.

Comprehensive, Layered Protection Essential

Black Hawk homeowners must secure flood insurance, comprehensive wind/tornado coverage, and discuss earthquake options with agents given the county's exceptional vulnerability profile. Invest in a reinforced safe room, maintain emergency supplies for extended outages, and participate in community preparedness programs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Black Hawk County

via WeatherByCounty

Higher Precipitation than National Median

Black Hawk County maintains a 49.0°F average, which is warmer than northern Iowa but below the national median. It receives a typical 36.3 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer than the State Benchmark

It is one degree warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. This puts it in the warmer tier of the state's northern-central counties.

Heavy Snowfall Compared to the South

It is notably snowier than southern neighbors, recording 39.1 inches of snow. Its temperature profile is very similar to Adair County.

Significant Snow and Mid-Summer Heat

Snowfall is a major factor here, averaging nearly 40 inches per year. Summer includes 15 days of extreme heat, with July temperatures peaking at 74.5°F.

Invest in High-Capacity Snow Gear

High-capacity snow removal equipment is a necessity for the heavy 39.1-inch average snowfall. Expect significant heating bills during the 22.9°F winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Black Hawk County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils of Black Hawk

Black Hawk County features a pH of 6.32, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 6.43. Despite a lower soil score of 66.6, the area is renowned for its agricultural history.

Sand-Heavy Mix Warms Quickly

The soil has a high sand content of 39.9% and 39.5% silt, creating a lighter texture than many other Iowa counties. This composition helps the ground warm up quickly in the spring, though it may dry out faster.

Rich Organic Matter Beats State Average

At 4.08%, organic matter here is significantly higher than the state average of 3.81%. However, the available water capacity is lower at 0.170 in/in, so supplemental irrigation may be necessary during August heat.

Porous Soils with Rapid Movement

Formal drainage classes are not provided for this county, but the 40% sand content points toward rapid water movement. Gardeners should watch for nutrient leaching due to this porous structure.

Success with Root Crops in Zone 5a

Zone 5a gardeners will find success with root vegetables like potatoes that appreciate the looser, sandy soil. This is a perfect spot for a raised bed garden to capitalize on that high organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Black Hawk County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growth in Black Hawk County

Black Hawk County earns a lawn difficulty score of 78.7, outperforming the state average of 77.2. This Zone 5a county offers a reliable environment for maintaining lush, green spaces with standard care. It is a high-performing region where the climate generally works in the gardener's favor.

Active Growing Season with Average Heat

Annual precipitation averages 36.3 inches, aligning closely with the state average of 36.1. The county experiences 15 extreme heat days, which is typical for the region and manageable for most cool-season grasses. With 3,194 growing degree days, the area supports a robust and vigorous growing season from spring through fall.

Sandy Soil Requires Specific Care

The soil in Black Hawk County contains a high sand percentage of 39.9%, which is much higher than many neighboring counties. While this ensures excellent drainage and prevents compaction, sandy soils can lose nutrients and moisture more quickly. A pH of 6.32 is ideal, but homeowners should consider more frequent, lighter fertilization to account for the faster leaching.

Manageable Dryness and Efficient Drainage

The county has seen 15 weeks of drought over the past year, but currently, only 8.9% of the area is abnormally dry. The high sand content means that during those dry weeks, the lawn will show signs of stress faster than clay-heavy areas. Adding compost or organic mulch can help improve the water-holding capacity of these sandy soils.

Optimal Timing for Zone 5a

Because of the sandy soil, drought-resistant grass varieties like Tall Fescue are excellent choices for Black Hawk County. The primary growing window falls between the April 27 spring frost and the October 10 fall frost. Late August is the perfect time to seed, allowing the grass to establish before the cooler autumn temperatures arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Hawk County's county score?
Black Hawk County, Iowa has a composite county score of 40.7 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 Black Hawk County rank among counties in Iowa?
Black Hawk County ranks #92 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 Black Hawk County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Black Hawk County is $2,790, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Black Hawk County a tax score of 11.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Black Hawk County?
The median household income in Black Hawk County, Iowa is $64,581 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Black Hawk County earns an income score of 52.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Black Hawk County, Iowa a good place to live?
Black Hawk County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #92 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Black Hawk 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 Black Hawk 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.