countyscore
58.6
County Score
Health 93.1Income & Jobs 87.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Bremer County, Iowa

A Strong National Standout

Bremer County earns a composite score of 58.6, placing it comfortably ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience across health, income, and safety metrics.

Leading the Iowa Average

The county outperforms the Iowa state average composite score of 55.6. Its regional prominence is driven by robust economic indicators and a healthcare infrastructure that ranks among the state's best.

Elite Health and High Incomes

Bremer County shines with a near-perfect health score of 93.1 and a high income score of 87.1. Households here enjoy a median income of $83,343, which is significantly higher than many neighboring rural counties.

High Tax Burden and Costs

The tax score of 18.9 is the county's primary hurdle, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.349%. Additionally, a cost score of 40.5 suggests that housing is less affordable than in other parts of the state, with median home values reaching $207,200.

A Haven for Healthy Professionals

This county is an ideal match for high-earning professionals and families who prioritize wellness and education over low taxes. The combination of top-tier healthcare and strong schools justifies the higher cost of living for many residents.

2040608010018.940.557.893.171.687.175.58649.3Tax18.9Cost40.5Safety57.8Health93.1Schools71.6Income87.1Risk75.5Water86Weather49.358.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Bremer County DNA

Foverall

How Bremer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Bremer County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Health (93.1/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (18.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.9-33.1
Cost
40.5
Safety
57.8
Health
93.1+43.099999999999994
Schools
71.6+17.599999999999994
Income
87.1+36.099999999999994
Risk
75.5+28.5
Water
86+28
Weather
49.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$207,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$844/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$207,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,343/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Chickasaw County
Iowa
66.7
Butler County
Iowa
62.1
Black Hawk County
Iowa
40.7
Fayette County
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Floyd County
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Buchanan County
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Grundy County
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Howard County
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Deep Dives

Bremer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bremer County

via TaxByCounty

Bremer's tax burden slightly above national norm

At 1.349%, Bremer County's effective tax rate sits just 0.005 percentage points above the national median, making it roughly average for the United States. The median property tax here is $2,796 annually, slightly higher than the national median of $2,690, though Bremer homes are worth considerably less than the national median of $281,900.

Slightly above Iowa's property tax average

Bremer County ranks in the upper half of Iowa counties for effective tax rates at 1.349%, marginally above the state average of 1.344%. Its median annual tax of $2,796 exceeds Iowa's statewide median of $2,160 by $636, reflecting the county's higher home values relative to other Iowa communities.

Higher taxes than most regional peers

Bremer's 1.349% effective rate outpaces nearby Buchanan County (1.334%) and Cedar County (1.218%), though it trails Cass County's 1.428%. Among its immediate region, Bremer homeowners pay closer to the higher end of the property tax spectrum.

Expect roughly $2,796 in annual property taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued $207,200 home in Bremer County pays approximately $2,796 annually in property taxes—$2,644 if the home carries a mortgage, $3,019 if owned outright. This means a typical household budgets about $233 per month toward property taxes.

Many Bremer homeowners may be overassessed

Research shows that a significant percentage of homeowners across Iowa counties, including Bremer, are paying taxes on inflated property assessments. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match current market conditions, filing an appeal with your county assessor's office could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bremer County

via CostByCounty

Bremer rents beat the national average

At 12.2%, Bremer County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark and well ahead of Iowa's 14.1% average. Renters here spend significantly less of their paycheck on housing than typical American households, making it one of the more affordable rental markets in the region.

Top-tier affordability in Iowa

Bremer County ranks among Iowa's most affordable counties for renters, with a 12.2% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average by nearly 2 percentage points. The county's median household income of $83,343 provides strong cushion against housing costs.

Bremer's sweet spot in Northeast Iowa

Neighboring Buchanan County ($802 rent) and Cedar County ($860 rent) offer comparable options, but Bremer's $844 monthly rent paired with the highest median income ($83,343) in this cluster makes it the most forgiving for renters. Just to the west, Calhoun County ($690 rent) undercuts Bremer on housing costs but with $17,000 less in annual income.

Income cushion protects renters here

Renters spend just $844 monthly while homeowners pay $1,037, but Bremer's $83,343 median household income means housing costs consume a manageable slice of earnings. Only 12.2% of income goes to rent—among the lowest percentages statewide.

Consider Bremer if affordability matters

If you're relocating to Iowa, Bremer County offers rare combination: strong wages ($83,343), moderate rents ($844), and the flexibility to buy or rent without financial strain. The county's 12.2% rent-to-income ratio gives you options other regions can't match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bremer County

via IncomeByCounty

Bremer outpaces U.S. income benchmark

Bremer County's median household income of $83,343 sits 11% above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects a workforce anchored in manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services that command solid wages.

Among Iowa's income leaders

At $83,343, Bremer County ranks well above Iowa's state median of $69,830—a difference of nearly $13,500 per household. This positions Bremer as one of the state's most prosperous counties, driven by stable employment in industrial and service sectors.

Outearning nearby counties

Bremer's $83,343 median income beats Cedar County ($79,080) and Buchanan County ($78,430), its closest regional competitors. The county's per-capita income of $41,192 also leads the Northeast Iowa cluster, suggesting more balanced wealth distribution.

Housing costs remain manageable

Bremer's rent-to-income ratio of 12.2% is well below the national affordability threshold of 30%, meaning renters spend just over one-tenth of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $207,200, homeownership remains accessible for households earning the county median.

Build on economic momentum

Bremer's above-average income provides a solid foundation for long-term wealth building through homeownership, retirement savings, and investment. With housing costs under control, households here have real opportunity to channel income into diversified financial planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bremer County

via CrimeByCounty

Bremer County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Bremer County reports a total crime rate of 967.5 per 100K people, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county a robust safety score of 98.5 out of 100.

A Top Performer in the Hawkeye State

Bremer County's safety score of 98.5 edges out the Iowa state average of 98.3. The county's total crime rate remains roughly 12% lower than the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K residents.

Comparing Bremer to Nearby Counties

While Bremer County's rate of 967.5 is higher than neighboring Buchanan County's 683.5, it remains a regional leader in safety. Four local agencies work together to keep these figures well below urban benchmarks.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Crime

Property crime accounts for the majority of local reports at 651.7 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 315.8. Both categories remain significantly lower than national figures, reflecting a stable environment for families.

Maintaining a Safe Community in Bremer

Strong safety scores depend on community awareness and proactive reporting. Residents can support local law enforcement by securing homes with smart locks and motion-sensor lighting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Bremer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Infrastructure for Learning

Bremer County supports a robust education network with 18 public schools serving 4,904 students across four primary districts. This infrastructure includes eight elementary, two middle, and seven high schools, plus one alternative learning center.

Exceptional Graduation and Solid Investment

The county boasts an impressive 95.6% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $7,523 aligns with the state average, the county's school score of 57.6 exceeds Iowa's median of 56.0.

Leading Districts Drive Community Success

The Waverly-Shell Rock Community School District is the largest provider, enrolling 2,304 students across seven different schools. There are currently no charter schools in the county, reflecting a focus on traditional public district excellence.

Diverse Locales from Towns to Rural Classrooms

Students attend a mix of 13 rural and five town-based schools, with an average school size of 272 students. The environment ranges from larger facilities like Waverly-Shell Rock Senior High with 771 students to more intimate settings like Janesville Elementary.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With high graduation rates and strong school scores, Bremer County is an ideal destination for families prioritizing education. Consider exploring homes near Waverly or Denver to take advantage of these established community districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bremer County

via RiskByCounty

Bremer sits well below national risk average

With a composite risk score of 24.55, Bremer County ranks in the Very Low category—well below the national baseline. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters than the typical American county.

Among Iowa's safer counties overall

Bremer's score of 24.55 sits 38% below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it firmly in the lower-risk tier. The county ranks among Iowa's most resilient communities when considering all hazard types combined.

Safer than most immediate neighbors

Bremer (24.55) edges out Buchanan County (24.05) as nearly equal peers, but both are significantly safer than Buena Vista (39.28) and Butler (27.10) to the west. Cedar County (21.50) ranks as the region's safest.

Tornadoes pose the clearest threat

Tornado risk reaches 52.29 in Bremer—a meaningful elevation that demands preparedness despite the county's overall low profile. Flood risk (33.37) and wildfire risk (22.87) remain secondary concerns, with earthquake and hurricane risks minimal.

Storm coverage matters most here

Renters and homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage in their insurance policies given tornado exposure. A basement or safe room plan and a household emergency kit are essential investments for any Bremer County resident.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Bremer County

via WaterByCounty

Bremer County earns top marks for water safety

Bremer County holds an impressive Grade A for drinking water compliance with zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the Iowa state average of 25.9. This record reflects strong adherence to the Safe Drinking Water Act across all local systems.

Local watersheds await federal assessment

Federal Clean Water Act §303(d) assessments have not yet covered the specific water bodies within Bremer County. Because no current impairment percentage is available in the ATTAINS database, local health relies primarily on regional monitoring. Future reporting cycles may clarify how local streams compare to state-wide impairment trends.

Active monitoring tracks nutrients and inorganic compounds

Data collection is steady with 1,852 measurements recorded across four distinct monitoring sites over the past five years. Technicians focus heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganics to track shifting water quality. This robust record provides a clear baseline for detecting changes in the local ecosystem.

Cedar River flows below historical norms

The primary USGS gauge at Janesville currently measures the Cedar River at 885 cubic feet per second. This discharge represents just 79% of the long-term mean for this site, which drains a 1,661 square mile area. Lower flow levels can impact the concentration of dissolved substances in the surface water supply.

Maintain vigilance during low river flow

While drinking water systems show perfect compliance, residents should remain aware that the Cedar River is currently flowing at only 79% of its typical volume. Low streamflow can sometimes increase the concentration of natural and agricultural runoff. Continue to support local monitoring efforts that track the nutrients and inorganics identified in recent samples.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bremer County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Northern Climate Patterns

Bremer County maintains an annual average temperature of 46.4°F, which is notably lower than the national median of approximately 53°F. This reflects a typical humid continental climate where four distinct seasons define the local lifestyle.

Below the Iowa State Average

The county's average temperature sits 1.6 degrees below the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. This positioning marks it as one of the cooler regions within the state's northern tier.

Consistency Across the Northern Border

Bremer's 46.4°F average closely tracks with neighboring Butler County's 46.7°F. It is slightly wetter than the state average, receiving 38.6 inches of precipitation annually compared to Iowa's 36.1-inch benchmark.

Mild Summers and Sharp Winters

Summer temperatures average a pleasant 70.4°F with only 11 days reaching above the 90°F mark. Winters are much more intense, featuring a January average of just 16.1°F.

Preparing for Significant Moisture

With precipitation levels exceeding the state average by 2.5 inches, residents should prioritize basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance. While local snowfall records are limited, the 19.7°F winter average necessitates high-efficiency heating systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bremer County

via SoilByCounty

Bremer's Slightly Acidic Foundation

Bremer County's soil maintains an average pH of 6.29, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.43. While specific taxonomic data is currently limited, this pH level remains within a healthy range for most Midwestern field crops. The overall soil score of 66.4 sits just below the statewide average of 72.9.

A Coarse and Silt-Heavy Mix

The soil composition is relatively light, consisting of 41.2% sand, 39.4% silt, and 18.2% clay. This high sand percentage makes the ground easier to work in the spring but may lead to faster nutrient leaching compared to heavier soils. The moderate clay content helps provide enough structure to prevent total erosion.

Strong Organic Matter Performance

At 4.04%, Bremer County’s organic matter exceeds both the Iowa average of 3.81% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.195 in/in. This means the soil is naturally fertile but may struggle to hold onto that moisture during peak summer heat.

Managing Rapid Moisture Flow

While specific drainage classes are not currently mapped for this county, the high sand content suggests relatively rapid infiltration. Users should expect a landscape that dries out quickly after heavy rains, which is beneficial for avoiding root rot in gardens. Proper mulching is recommended to counteract the potential for quick drying.

Cold-Hardy Growing in Zone 5a

Bremer County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, where the sandy-silt soil is perfect for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. The high organic matter provides a great head start for hungry perennials. Grab some seeds and take advantage of this workable, nutrient-rich earth this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bremer County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Bremer County

Bremer County earns a lawn difficulty score of 78.0, making it easier to maintain grass here than the state average of 77.2 and far easier than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, cool-season grasses thrive in this northern Iowa environment. Homeowners benefit from a climate that supports lush growth with relatively moderate effort.

Plentiful Rain Supports Consistent Growth

The county receives 38.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 36.1 inches and sits comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. With only 11 extreme heat days per year, grass faces less summer stress than in southern parts of the state. These 2,778 growing degree days ensure a steady mowing schedule from late spring through early fall.

Balanced Soils for Root Health

The soil features a pH of 6.29, which falls perfectly within the 6.0-7.0 range ideal for nutrient uptake in turfgrass. A sand content of 41.2% provides better aeration than many other Iowa counties, though the 18.2% clay helps retain necessary moisture. While specific drainage class data is limited, the high sand ratio suggests a foundation that resists heavy compaction.

Managing Moderate Drought Periods

Despite having 15 weeks in drought over the past year, Bremer County currently reports 0.0% of its area in abnormally dry conditions. To maintain resilience during dry spells, homeowners should keep grass heights at 3 inches or more to shade the soil. Deep, infrequent watering is the best strategy to encourage the deep root systems needed for these temporary dry periods.

Start Your Lawn This Spring

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for Zone 5a, providing a durable and vibrant green carpet. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 29 to take advantage of the peak growing season. The window between late April and the first fall frost on October 9 offers ample time for new turf to establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bremer County's county score?
Bremer County, Iowa has a composite county score of 58.6 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 Bremer County rank among counties in Iowa?
Bremer County ranks #48 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 Bremer County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Bremer County is $2,796, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Bremer County a tax score of 18.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bremer County?
The median household income in Bremer County, Iowa is $83,343 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bremer County earns an income score of 87.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bremer County, Iowa a good place to live?
Bremer County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Bremer 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 Bremer County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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