countyscore
62.4
County Score
Health 90.5Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 82

County Report Card

About Buchanan County, Iowa

Exceeding the National Standard

Buchanan County boasts an impressive composite score of 62.4, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high ranking suggests a superior balance of economic opportunity and community well-being.

A Top Performer in Iowa

With a score nearly seven points above the state average of 55.6, Buchanan County is one of Iowa's more desirable locations. It manages to maintain high scores across diverse dimensions while keeping housing relatively accessible.

Superb Health and Water Quality

The county excels with a health score of 90.5 and a water quality score of 86.0. These factors, combined with a strong income score of 82.0 and median household earnings of $78,430, create a stable environment for residents.

Navigating Higher Tax Rates

A tax score of 19.5 reflects an effective property tax rate of 1.334%, which may be a concern for budget-conscious homeowners. While schools score well at 67.8, they remain a secondary priority for improvement compared to the elite health metrics.

Ideal for Wellness-Focused Families

Buchanan County is perfect for families seeking a healthy lifestyle and a reliable middle-class income. Its blend of environmental quality and economic stability makes it a standout choice in the region.

Score breakdown

Tax19.5Cost51.2Safety71.3Health90.5Schools67.8Income82Risk76Water86Weather49.9
🏛19.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.1
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

Black Hawk County
Iowa
40.7
Benton County
Iowa
56
Delaware County
Iowa
60.2
Fayette County
Iowa
57
Linn County
Iowa
40.7
Bremer County
Iowa
58.6
Tama County
Iowa
56.6
Jones County
Iowa
60.7

Deep Dives

Buchanan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Buchanan County

via TaxByCounty

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Buchanan County

via CostByCounty

Buchanan rents punch above national weight

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Buchanan County

via IncomeByCounty

Buchanan solidly above national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Buchanan County

via CrimeByCounty

Buchanan County Ranks High for National Safety

With a total crime rate of just 683.5 per 100K, Buchanan County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an exceptional safety score of 98.9, placing it among the nation's most secure areas.

Exceeding Iowa's High Safety Benchmarks

Buchanan County's crime rate is approximately 38% lower than the Iowa state average of 1,095.3 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.9 sits comfortably above the statewide average score of 98.3.

Leading the Way Among Neighbors

Buchanan County outperforms neighboring Bremer County, which has a higher total crime rate of 967.5. These low numbers highlight the effectiveness of the three reporting agencies serving the local population.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Offenses

Violent crime is remarkably rare in Buchanan County at 121.2 per 100K, which is less than a third of the national rate. Property crime also remains low at 562.3, suggesting a very low risk for local homeowners.

Keeping Buchanan County Homes Secure

Maintaining these elite safety rankings requires consistent home security habits. Simple measures like doorbell cameras and well-lit entryways help deter the small amount of property crime that does occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Buchanan County

via HealthByCounty

Buchanan keeps pace with national health

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Buchanan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Roots and Educational Range

Buchanan County operates 18 public schools across four districts, providing a comprehensive education for 3,346 students. The landscape is dominated by 12 elementary schools, ensuring young learners have accessible neighborhood options.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Buchanan County achieves a stellar 96.6% graduation rate, which is over 9% higher than the national average. Despite a lower per-pupil spend of $7,108 compared to the state average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 57.2.

Independence and Jesup Lead the Way

The Independence Community School District serves as the county's largest hub with 1,419 students, followed closely by Jesup's 1,069 students. The county focuses entirely on traditional public schooling with zero charter school presence.

Small Schools in a Rural Setting

Education here feels personal, with 16 of the 18 schools located in rural locales and an average school size of just 186 students. Independence Junior Senior High is the largest campus with 701 students, while East Elementary offers a smaller start for young children.

Secure a Future in Buchanan County

Families seeking high-performing, small-town schools will find Buchanan County's 96% graduation rate incredibly attractive. Look for residential opportunities near Independence or Jesup to join these high-achieving school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Buchanan County

via RiskByCounty

Buchanan ranks among America's safest

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Buchanan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Upper Midwest Climate

Buchanan County's annual average temperature of 46.2°F falls well below the national median of 53°F. This humid continental region experiences the wide temperature swings characteristic of the American heartland.

Chillier Than the Iowa Average

Averaging 1.8 degrees cooler than the Iowa state mean of 48.0°F, Buchanan is one of the state's more temperate northern counties. This cooler baseline affects everything from the growing season to home energy costs.

Mirroring Eastern Iowa Trends

The county's climate is nearly identical to Bremer County's 46.4°F average. It receives 38.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly two inches more than the state average of 36.1 inches.

Balanced Heat and Winter Snow

Residents enjoy mild summers with an average of 69.9°F and only 10 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter brings a steady 33.9 inches of snowfall and a frigid January average of 16.6°F.

Gear Up for Winter Transitions

The combination of nearly 34 inches of snow and a 19.9°F winter average makes a reliable snowblower a local essential. Residents should also plan for a wet spring, as the county receives more precipitation than much of western Iowa.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Buchanan County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols of Buchanan

Buchanan County is dominated by Alfisols, featuring a pH of 6.29 which is lower than the national median of 6.5. This taxonomic order typically forms under forest or savanna vegetation and is known for its clay-enriched subsoil. The county earns a soil score of 64.8, reflecting its unique agricultural profile compared to the state average of 72.9.

Silt Loam with Sandy Leanings

The dominant texture is silt loam, created by a mix of 45.1% sand, 36.2% silt, and 17.3% clay. With nearly half the soil composed of sand, this mix offers excellent aeration and workability for local farmers. The relatively low clay content ensures the soil doesn't become overly compacted or heavy when wet.

Exceeding National Organic Averages

The soil boasts 3.93% organic matter, surpassing the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 3.81%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.168 in/in, which is significantly lower than the state average of 0.195 in/in. This indicates that while the soil is nutrient-dense, it has a lower reservoir for holding water.

Well Drained and Reliable

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group B, these soils manage water transmission effectively. This classification suggests a moderate rate of water movement, which prevents long-term ponding and makes the land suitable for diverse building projects. It is an ideal setup for crops that cannot tolerate 'wet feet' or saturated roots.

Diverse Planting in Zone 5a

Buchanan's Zone 5a climate and well-drained silt loams are perfect for orchard fruits and leafy greens. The high organic content supports vigorous growth, though consistent watering is key given the lower water capacity. Start your garden today to capitalize on these productive, well-aerated soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Buchanan County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions in Buchanan

Buchanan County holds a strong lawn difficulty score of 77.1, aligning closely with the Iowa state average. As a Zone 5a region, it offers a predictable climate for standard cool-season lawn varieties. Maintaining a lawn here is significantly more straightforward than the national average score of 50.0.

Mild Summers and Adequate Moisture

The county enjoys 38.0 inches of annual precipitation, ensuring lawns receive plenty of natural hydration compared to the state average of 36.1 inches. With only 10 extreme heat days per year, Buchanan is one of the cooler counties in Iowa for turf management. This moderate temperature profile reduces the risk of grass going dormant in July or August.

Prime Silt Loam Soil Structure

Lawns here grow in high-quality silt loam soil that is officially classified as well-drained. The soil pH of 6.29 is ideal for grass, and the 45.1% sand content facilitates excellent water movement and root penetration. These natural conditions mean fewer soil amendments are typically required for a healthy lawn.

Current Dry Spells Require Monitoring

Buchanan County is currently 99.9% abnormally dry, following a year with 15 weeks of drought conditions. While no areas are currently in severe drought, supplemental watering is necessary to prevent stress in the high-sand silt loam. Using mulch-mowing techniques can help retain surface moisture during these dry transitions.

Seeding for Success in Zone 5a

Hardy mixtures of Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue are the best bets for the local climate. Plan your planting after the last frost on May 4 to ensure young sprouts aren't damaged by late spring chills. You have until the first frost on October 7 to finalize any major lawn renovations or overseeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buchanan County's county score?
Buchanan County, Iowa has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Buchanan County rank among counties in Iowa?
Buchanan County ranks #22 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 Buchanan County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Buchanan County is $2,286, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Buchanan County a tax score of 19.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Buchanan County?
The median household income in Buchanan County, Iowa is $78,430 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Buchanan County earns an income score of 82/100 on CountyScore.
Is Buchanan County, Iowa a good place to live?
Buchanan County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Buchanan 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 Buchanan 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.