countyscore
57.8
County Score
Health 85.8Lawn Care 84.9Income & Jobs 83.6

County Report Card

About Boone County, Iowa

Well Above the National Median

Boone County secures a composite score of 57.7, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This performance highlights Boone as a reliable and high-quality place to live on the American map.

Outpacing the Iowa Average

With a 57.7 composite score, Boone stays ahead of the Iowa state average of 55.6. It offers a slightly better mix of services and economic health than the typical Iowa county.

Excellent Health and Robust Incomes

Health services lead the way with a score of 85.8, while the economy remains strong with an income score of 83.6. Local households earn a healthy median income of $79,741.

Tax Burden and Housing Costs

The county faces pressure in the tax category with a score of 16.0, reflecting an effective rate of 1.434%. Housing costs are also rising, as seen in the cost score of 39.0.

A Top Choice for Growing Families

Boone County is a fantastic fit for families who prioritize health and high earning potential. With strong schools and a robust economy, it offers a solid foundation for long-term growth.

Score breakdown

Tax16Cost39Safety71.6Health85.8Schools70.5Income83.6Risk71.6Water41.1Weather50.5
🏛16
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱84.9
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Boone County?

Many homeowners in Boone County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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 Boone County with Hickory County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Hickory County
Missouri
Median income: $35,084
57.8
Centre County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $72,748
57.8
Scott County
Tennessee
Median income: $42,679
57.8
Live Oak County
Texas
Median income: $53,869
57.8
Skamania County
Washington
Median income: $90,085
57.8
Park County
Wyoming
Median income: $70,533
57.8
Park County
Colorado
Median income: $95,450
57.7
Calhoun County
Georgia
Median income: $55,714
57.7

Nearby counties

Greene County
Iowa
58.4
Story County
Iowa
46.9
Hamilton County
Iowa
57.6
Dallas County
Iowa
42
Webster County
Iowa
41.6
Polk County
Iowa
36.6
Guthrie County
Iowa
60.2
Hardin County
Iowa
48.1

Deep Dives

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boone County

via TaxByCounty

Boone taxes above U.S. averages

Boone County's effective tax rate of 1.434% surpasses the national average, with residents paying $2,741 in median annual property tax—nearly matching the national median despite considerably lower home values. Boone County residents face above-typical property tax burdens compared to most Americans.

Second-highest among profiled counties

Boone County's 1.434% effective rate is the second-highest among our eight profiled counties, well above Iowa's state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $2,741 trails only Black Hawk County ($2,790) and is 27% higher than Iowa's median.

High taxes in central Iowa region

Boone County's 1.434% rate is exceeded only by Black Hawk (1.530%) in the immediate area and substantially exceeds Benton (1.324%), making it the second-priciest county nearby. Central Iowans seeking lower taxes should consider neighboring jurisdictions.

What Boone residents owe annually

A median home valued at $191,200 in Boone County incurs approximately $2,741 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,811; without one, it's about $2,618.

Assessment review especially important here

Boone County's elevated tax rate makes property assessment accuracy critical. Many homeowners don't realize their homes are overvalued—filing an appeal is free and could reduce your annual tax liability by hundreds.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boone County

via CostByCounty

Boone balances income and housing well

Boone County renters spend just 12.4% of income on housing, below both Iowa's 14.1% average and the national sustainability threshold. With median income at $79,741—above the national average of $74,755—the county delivers genuine housing security.

Among Iowa's most affordable counties

Boone County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks near the very top of Iowa's affordability spectrum. The $826 median rent, paired with strong median income, creates one of the state's best housing bargains.

Boone competes with Benton for value

Boone County's $79,741 median income trails Benton's $84,742 but far exceeds most rural peers like Adair ($66,176) and Appanoose ($51,146). The $826 rent sits in the mid-range, making Boone's income-to-cost ratio one of the cluster's strongest.

Strong income supports quality housing

Boone renters earning $79,741 spend $826 monthly on housing (12.4% of income) while homeowners commit $1,128. Homeownership costs run high (reflecting a $191,200 median home value), but strong income sustains both renting and buying comfortably.

Boone: prosperity meets affordability

If you're relocating within Iowa and want above-average income potential with below-average housing strain, Boone County delivers. Your housing costs stay modest while the county's economic strength signals job stability and community investment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boone County

via IncomeByCounty

Boone exceeds national income benchmark

Boone County's median household income of $79,741 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by $4,986, a solid 6.7% advantage. The county benefits from diversified manufacturing, agriculture, and emerging healthcare and service sectors centered around Boone's town hub.

Boone ranks among Iowa's highest earners

At $79,741, Boone County's median household income ranks among the top tier in Iowa, exceeding the state average of $69,830 by nearly $10,000. The per capita income of $41,075 also outperforms the state average of $37,136, indicating strong earning capacity.

Boone earns more than most regional peers

Boone ($79,741) trails only Benton County ($84,742) among regional neighbors and significantly outearns lower-income counties like Appanoose ($51,146) and Audubon ($54,152). The county's balanced economy and regional leadership position it as a secondary income hub in central Iowa.

Housing costs are well-managed

Boone's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio is second-best among the eight counties, leaving substantial household income for savings and other expenses. The median home value of $191,200 reflects solid property appreciation and wealth-building potential for homeowners.

Build on Boone's income strength

With income above the national median and manageable housing costs, Boone residents have genuine opportunity to accelerate wealth creation. Maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, explore real estate investment, and consult a financial advisor about diversified portfolio strategies to capitalize on this favorable income position.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boone County

via CrimeByCounty

Boone County's Reliable Safety Record

Boone County earns a 98.9 safety score, indicating a much safer environment than the national norm. Its total crime rate of 681.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

A Secure Pillar of Iowa

With a safety score above the state average of 98.3, Boone County remains a secure pillar of the Iowa landscape. Its crime rate is also much lower than the state average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Balanced Safety in the Heartland

Boone maintains a crime rate of 681.7 per 100K, which is slightly higher than Benton's 631.5 but far lower than Appanoose's 1,636.9. It offers a balanced safety profile for the region.

Most Incidents are Property Related

Property crimes occur at a rate of 509.4 per 100K, while violent crimes are reported at 172.3. Most law enforcement activity involves protecting homes and businesses rather than violent offenses.

Strengthen Your Home Defense

Keeping entry points secure and utilizing modern alarm systems can deter property-related incidents. These proactive steps ensure that Boone County continues to outshine state safety averages.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boone County

via HealthByCounty

Boone matches national health averages

At 77.1 years, Boone County life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years but runs 0.6 year below Iowa's 77.7-year average. With 13.9% in poor or fair health—the lowest in this group—Boone shows solid chronic disease management.

Solid mid-tier Iowa performer

Boone ranks in Iowa's middle tier on life expectancy and in the top half on health prevalence, with 13.9% in poor/fair health. The 4.6% uninsured rate beats the state average of 5.7%, indicating strong coverage supporting preventive care.

Stronger health profile than peers

Boone's 77.1-year life expectancy trails Audubon (79.2) and Benton (79.2) but beats or matches Allamakee (78.4), Adams (77.6), Adair (77.0), and Appanoose (75.4). The 13.9% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the comparison, suggesting better chronic disease management.

Moderate providers, good mental health access

Boone offers 45 primary care providers per 100,000 and 72 mental health providers per 100,000, solid capacity for a rural county. The 4.6% uninsured rate, second-lowest in this group, means most residents have pathways to both primary and behavioral care.

Protect your health progress

Boone's lowest poor/fair health rate and strong insurance coverage reflect good health practices—but don't take them for granted. Ensure your coverage is current at Healthcare.gov and continue using preventive services and mental health support to maintain the county's positive trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boone County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System of Town and Country Schools

Boone County supports 14 public schools across four districts, serving a total of 3,847 students. The landscape includes six elementary schools and four high schools, offering plenty of choice for local families.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

Boone County is a state leader with a 96.2% graduation rate, far exceeding both state and national averages. The county achieves this with a per-pupil spend of $7,341 and a school score of 57.5, reflecting a highly effective education system.

Leading with the Boone District

The Boone Community School District is the largest in the area, enrolling 1,976 students across five schools. The county also features one alternative school, but like its neighbors, it has no charter school presence.

A Blend of Town and Rural Settings

Nine schools are located in rural areas while five serve local towns, creating an average school size of 275 students. Boone High School is the largest campus with 711 students, providing a comprehensive high school experience.

Join a High-Achieving Community

Boone County's near-perfect graduation rates make it a premier destination for families who prioritize K-12 success. Start your home search near Boone or Ogden to find a property in one of Iowa's top-performing school regions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boone County

via RiskByCounty

Boone County: Low Risk, Stable Profile

Boone County's composite score of 28.40 ranks it Very Low and substantially below Iowa's state average of 39.68. This favorable rating reflects consistently modest natural disaster exposure across all major hazard categories compared to national norms.

Among Iowa's Safest Communities

Boone ranks among the state's lowest-risk counties, competing with Adams, Benton, and Allamakee for the safest designation. The county enjoys natural protections from topography and climate that minimize hazard exposure.

Safest in Central Iowa Region

Boone's 28.40 essentially ties with neighboring Benton at 28.82, making both counties clear outliers in a safer corner of Iowa. This contrasts sharply with Black Hawk's extreme 76.59 just to the northeast, creating a dramatic risk gradient.

Tornadoes Lead in Low-Risk County

Even in safe Boone County, tornado risk at 57.22 represents the highest single threat, though well below high-risk counties' scores. Flood exposure at 28.75 and wildfire risk at 15.94 remain comfortably low, simplifying preparedness planning.

Standard Protection Covers Boone

Boone residents can rely on comprehensive standard homeowners policies to manage the county's modest risk profile. Maintain storm awareness, keep emergency supplies accessible, and conduct family safety drills to maximize protection in this low-hazard environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boone County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Humid Continental Pattern

Boone County averages 48.8°F, staying below the national median of 53°F. It experiences a classic weather pattern with 37.5 inches of precipitation.

Typical Temperatures for Middle Iowa

At 48.8°F, it is slightly warmer than the Iowa average of 48.0°F. It represents the temperate middle ground of the state's climate.

Wetter Conditions than Western Neighbors

Its 37.5 inches of precipitation is higher than neighbor Audubon. It tracks closely with Black Hawk in terms of temperature and annual heat days.

Cold Januaries and Hot Julys

Winters bring 34.3 inches of snow and a 19.5°F average in January. Summers are warm, featuring 15 days of temperatures exceeding 90°F.

Preparing for Large Seasonal Swings

Budget for both significant heating and cooling due to the sharp seasonal shifts. Reliable snow removal is essential for managing the 34.3 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boone County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils for Optimal Growth

Boone County boasts a pH of 6.70, which is higher than both the state average and the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral soil is highly desirable for maximizing nutrient availability to plants.

High Sand and Excellent Aeration

The soil contains a significant 42.1% sand alongside 34.9% silt and 22.0% clay. This creates a coarse-textured profile that offers excellent aeration for plant roots and reduces compaction issues.

Top-Tier Organic Matter Levels

Fertility is exceptional with organic matter at 5.03%, far exceeding the state average of 3.81%. While the water capacity of 0.189 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic matter helps retain essential moisture.

Efficient Drainage and Reduced Runoff

While specific hydrologic data is N/A, the high sand and organic matter suggest a soil that handles water efficiently. This combination typically results in less runoff and better groundwater recharge.

Boone County's Garden Gold

Zone 5a residents should take advantage of this top-tier soil by planting heavy feeders like corn or squash. This is some of the richest soil in the state—perfect for any aspiring gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boone County

via LawnByCounty

Premier Lawn Conditions in Boone County

Boone County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 84.9, one of the best scores in the region. This Zone 5a county offers an exceptionally hospitable environment that is much easier to manage than both the state and national averages. Lush lawns are the standard here rather than the exception.

Ideal Precipitation and Steady Growth

The county receives a generous 37.5 inches of annual rainfall, providing more natural moisture than the state average. It faces 15 days of extreme heat, which is typical for Iowa and easily managed with the county's consistent precipitation. A total of 3,120 growing degree days ensures a long and productive season for all turf types.

Excellent Soil Chemistry for Turf

Boone's soil features a pH of 6.70, which is near the top of the ideal range and provides excellent nutrient availability. The soil is quite sandy for the region at 42.1%, which facilitates superb drainage and helps prevent many common fungal diseases. This combination of near-neutral pH and high sand content creates a very forgiving foundation for landscaping.

Superior Resilience to Dry Spells

Impressively, Boone County has recorded 0 weeks in drought over the past year, with only 7.8% of the area currently labeled as abnormally dry. This makes it one of the most water-secure counties in the state for lawn care. Even with sandy soil that drains quickly, the consistent rainfall keeps the ground sufficiently hydrated.

Perfect Start for a New Lawn

The combination of 37.5 inches of rain and 0 drought weeks makes this an ideal place for Kentucky Bluegrass. Aim for a spring start after the April 28 frost or a fall project before the October 14 frost. With the high sand content, early autumn seeding is particularly successful as the soil maintains a steady temperature.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boone County's county score?
Boone County, Iowa has a composite county score of 57.8 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 Boone County rank among counties in Iowa?
Boone County ranks #54 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 Boone County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Boone County is $2,741, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Boone County a tax score of 16/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boone County?
The median household income in Boone County, Iowa is $79,741 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boone County earns an income score of 83.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boone County, Iowa a good place to live?
Boone County scores 57.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Boone 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 Boone 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.