Buchanan County's composite score of 72.2 is 44% higher than the national median of 50.0, reflecting consistent quality across livability measures. The county ranks among the better places to live in America by comprehensive metrics.
2 / 5
Second-best county in the sample
Buchanan County edges ahead of Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it near the top of Iowa counties measured. Only Bremer County exceeds it slightly in this eight-county cohort.
3 / 5
Affordability and health shine brightest
Buchanan County's cost score of 80.3 and health score of 80.2 are its standout strengths, with median home values of just $171,400 and rents at $802/month. The county combines excellent healthcare access with some of the lowest housing costs in the region.
4 / 5
Income opportunities are limited
The income score of 34.6 reflects a median household income of only $78,430, the lowest in this county group. Residents seeking higher-earning careers may find job growth constraints in this rural county.
5 / 5
Best fit for budget-conscious families
Buchanan County excels for families and retirees who value affordability, reliable healthcare, and low taxes (1.334% effective rate) over high incomes and rapid growth. It's an excellent choice for those who want to stretch their dollars while maintaining quality healthcare and residential stability.
Buchanan County's composite score of 72.2 is 44% higher than the national median of 50.0, reflecting consistent quality across livability measures. The county ranks among the better places to live in America by comprehensive metrics.
Second-best county in the sample
Buchanan County edges ahead of Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it near the top of Iowa counties measured. Only Bremer County exceeds it slightly in this eight-county cohort.
Affordability and health shine brightest
Buchanan County's cost score of 80.3 and health score of 80.2 are its standout strengths, with median home values of just $171,400 and rents at $802/month. The county combines excellent healthcare access with some of the lowest housing costs in the region.
Income opportunities are limited
The income score of 34.6 reflects a median household income of only $78,430, the lowest in this county group. Residents seeking higher-earning careers may find job growth constraints in this rural county.
Best fit for budget-conscious families
Buchanan County excels for families and retirees who value affordability, reliable healthcare, and low taxes (1.334% effective rate) over high incomes and rapid growth. It's an excellent choice for those who want to stretch their dollars while maintaining quality healthcare and residential stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛64.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Buchanan's tax rate slightly below national average
Buchanan County's effective tax rate of 1.334% sits just below the national median, placing it squarely in the middle of the American tax burden distribution. The median property tax of $2,286 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower tax rates and modestly valued homes compared to national figures.
Below-average taxes within Iowa
Buchanan County ranks in the lower half of Iowa counties for effective tax rates at 1.334%, nearly matching the state average of 1.344%. Its median annual tax of $2,286 significantly exceeds Iowa's statewide median of $2,160, but the county's lower home values ($171,400) keep overall tax burden moderate.
Tax rates competitive with regional counties
Buchanan County's 1.334% rate closely mirrors Bremer County's 1.349% and undercuts Cass County's 1.428%, positioning it in the middle of northeastern Iowa. Homeowners here enjoy tax rates similar to Cedar County (1.218%) when adjusted for property values.
Annual property taxes average $2,286
A homeowner with Buchanan County's median-valued $171,400 home pays approximately $2,286 per year in property taxes—$2,391 with a mortgage, $2,158 without. Monthly property tax obligations average around $191 for a typical household.
Assessment appeals could save you hundreds
Like homeowners statewide, Buchanan County residents should verify their property assessments against recent sales of comparable homes. An overassessment appeal filed with the county assessor could permanently reduce your annual tax liability.
With a 12.3% rent-to-income ratio, Buchanan County keeps housing costs lean compared to the national average, outperforming Iowa's overall 14.1% by a full percentage point. This northeast Iowa county offers renters genuine affordability without sacrificing income stability.
Buchanan ranks among Iowa's best
Buchanan County's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio positions it in the top tier of Iowa affordability, where housing takes a smaller bite of household earnings than the state norm. The county's $78,430 median income keeps pace with peer counties across the region.
Gateway to affordable northeast Iowa
Buchanan's $802 monthly rent sits between Cedar County's pricier $860 and Bremer's $844, offering the lowest rent in its immediate cluster while maintaining solid income. It's the budget-friendly option without dropping into the lower-income tier of surrounding counties.
Rent and ownership are balanced here
Renters pay $802 monthly while owner costs hit $905, with a median home value of $171,400—all backed by a $78,430 household income that gives residents breathing room. At 12.3% of income, rent represents one of the state's more manageable housing burdens.
Buchanan delivers real value for movers
Relocating Iowans will find Buchanan County's combination hard to beat: the lowest rents in its region ($802), solid median income ($78,430), and a 12.3% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. It's where affordability meets small-town stability.
Buchanan County's median household income of $78,430 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 5%. This stable, above-average earnings position reflects a diversified local economy with manufacturing and agricultural strengths.
Iowa's upper-income counties
Buchanan's $78,430 median income surpasses Iowa's state average of $69,830 by roughly $8,600 per household. The county ranks among Iowa's top earners, benefiting from skilled trades and regional employers.
Competitive with northeast Iowa peers
Buchanan ($78,430) trails Bremer County ($83,343) but edges out Calhoun ($66,875) and Buena Vista ($66,564) in the region. Its per-capita income of $37,392 indicates solid middle-class prosperity across the county.
Affordable housing, stable costs
With a rent-to-income ratio of 12.3%, Buchanan renters spend well within the 30% affordability benchmark. The median home value of $171,400 aligns with regional pricing, making homeownership realistic for median-earning households.
Leverage stability for growth
Buchanan's consistent income levels and affordable housing create runway for financial security. Households here should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring home equity as a wealth-building tool.
Buchanan County's life expectancy of 79.0 years sits just above the U.S. average of 78.9 years, reflecting solid overall health outcomes. At 13.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national rate of 15.1%, suggesting effective disease management and preventive care.
Strong Iowa health rank for Buchanan
With a life expectancy of 79.0 years, Buchanan exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by more than a year. The county's 13.5% poor/fair health rate ranks favorably within Iowa, indicating residents benefit from reliable healthcare access and good health practices.
Northeast Iowa's solid performer
Buchanan's 79.0-year life expectancy closely rivals Bremer County (79.7) and Cedar County (79.1), anchoring the northeast Iowa health corridor. Its low poor/fair health rate of 13.5% ties with Cedar County and exceeds most regional peers, making Buchanan a stable health community.
Uninsured rate slightly above state average
At 5.3%, Buchanan's uninsured rate hovers near Iowa's 5.7% statewide average, leaving a small segment without reliable access to care. The county provides 39 primary care providers and 145 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—adequate coverage that handles most population needs.
Close the gap on health insurance
If you're part of Buchanan County's 5.3% uninsured, Healthcare.gov and Iowa Medicaid cover eligible residents regardless of employment status. Get enrolled today to secure preventive care, emergency access, and the peace of mind that comes with coverage.
At 24.05, Buchanan County's composite risk score places it in the Very Low category, making it one of the nation's lower-risk counties. Residents enjoy substantially less natural disaster exposure than the typical U.S. county.
Iowa's second-safest county overall
Buchanan scores 39% below Iowa's average of 39.68, ranking as one of the state's most resilient communities. Only Cedar County (21.50) has a lower composite score among Iowa's 99 counties.
Virtual twin to nearby Bremer County
Buchanan (24.05) nearly matches Bremer County (24.55) in overall risk, making them statistical peers in the northeastern Iowa cluster. Both dramatically outpace Calhoun (44.56) and Carroll (57.60) immediately to the west.
Flooding and tornadoes drive risk
Flood risk (38.58) is Buchanan's most elevated hazard, reflecting vulnerability to heavy rain and river systems. Tornado risk (37.47) ranks second, while wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane risks remain minimal in comparison.
Flood and storm insurance are key
Standard homeowner policies exclude flood damage, so Buchanan residents should evaluate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if they live near water bodies. Comprehensive wind coverage is equally critical given tornado exposure.