countyscore
61.5
County Score
Health 84.5Lawn Care 81.9Soil Quality 78.2

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Iowa

Strong National Livability

Carroll County scores a 61.5, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates a well-balanced community with strong institutional health and education.

A Consistent State Performer

The county's score of 61.5 easily exceeds the Iowa state average of 55.6. It maintains a competitive edge through a lower-than-average tax burden and high-performing local schools.

Top Schools and Healthcare

The county excels with a health score of 84.5 and a school score of 72.3. Residents also benefit from an effective tax rate of 1.052%, which is lower than many of its Iowa neighbors.

Environmental and Water Risks

Water quality is a concern with a score of 17.6, and the risk score of 42.4 suggests vulnerability to natural hazards. Improving environmental resilience remains the county's primary long-term task.

Built for Growing Families

Carroll County is an excellent fit for families who want quality education and healthcare without a massive tax bill. The low property tax rate and strong school system make it a sustainable choice for long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax34.3Cost65.2Safety64.8Health84.5Schools72.3Income63.2Risk42.4Water17.6Weather47.5
🏛34.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨78.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.9
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 →
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Nearby counties

Greene County
Iowa
58.4
Calhoun County
Iowa
65.9
Audubon County
Iowa
59.7
Sac County
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Crawford County
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Guthrie County
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Shelby County
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Webster County
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Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll County offers notably low national ranking

At 1.052%, Carroll County's effective tax rate is among the lowest in the entire nation, placing it in the favorable bottom 10% of American tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $1,849 falls well below the national median of $2,690, giving homeowners here one of the country's best property tax values.

Iowa's lowest property tax rate by far

Carroll County ranks dead last among Iowa counties for effective tax rates at 1.052%, significantly below the state average of 1.344%. This represents a 21% discount compared to the statewide rate, delivering substantial savings for Carroll County homeowners.

Dramatically lower taxes than all regional peers

Carroll County's 1.052% effective rate dramatically undercuts every surveyed neighbor—including Buena Vista County (1.240%), Calhoun County (1.316%), and Cass County (1.428%). Residents here enjoy the region's most favorable property tax treatment.

Median annual tax is just $1,849

A homeowner with Carroll's median-valued $175,700 home pays approximately $1,849 per year in property taxes—$1,800 with a mortgage, $1,914 without. Monthly property tax costs average roughly $154, among the state's lowest.

Exceptional value warrants vigilant monitoring

Carroll County's uniquely low rates make it a regional tax haven, but homeowners should still verify assessments annually against comparable sales. Even a modest percentage reduction yields meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll County keeps rents reasonable

Carroll County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio stays well below Iowa's 14.1% average and holds competitive ground against the national benchmark. At $722 monthly, rents here are among the region's lowest while supporting $68,528 in median household income.

Carroll performs above Iowa average

With a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio, Carroll County ranks in the top third of Iowa counties for rental affordability, offering renters better economics than the state norm. The county's solid income-to-rent balance reflects stable local employment.

Carroll's middle-ground position shines

Carroll splits the difference in its cluster: rents ($722) beat Bremer and Cedar but exceed Calhoun, while income ($68,528) lands squarely in the middle range. For renters seeking balance between cost and income security, Carroll hits the sweet spot.

Lean rents, achievable home ownership

Renters pay $722 monthly while owners face $846, with median homes valued at $175,700 and household income at $68,528. At 12.6% of income dedicated to rent, Carroll leaves households meaningful financial flexibility.

Carroll County balances value and income

Carroll County appeals to relocators seeking genuine savings without sacrificing economic opportunity: rents of $722, median income of $68,528, and a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state. It's affordable without being economically isolated.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll near U.S. median income

Carroll County's median household income of $68,528 approaches the national median of $74,755, though it falls short by about 8%. The county's mixed agricultural and manufacturing base generates middle-class earnings typical of Iowa's rural economy.

Slightly below Iowa's state average

At $68,528, Carroll trails Iowa's state median of $69,830 by roughly $1,300 per household. The county ranks in the middle of Iowa's income distribution, reflecting a typical rural county profile.

Middle performer in north-central region

Carroll ($68,528) sits between Butler ($69,651) and Calhoun ($66,875), notably behind Cedar ($79,080) and Buchanan ($78,430). Its per-capita income of $37,672 matches the state average, suggesting balanced prosperity across income levels.

Steady affordability across housing types

Carroll's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% keeps renters well below the affordability threshold, protecting household budgets. The median home value of $175,700 is reasonable for county-median-income households, making homeownership attainable.

Capitalize on affordability

Carroll's accessible housing costs and stable employment create opportunity for wealth building through homeownership and consistent savings. Residents should maximize retirement contributions and explore local community development resources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Carroll County's total crime rate of 820.2 per 100K is about one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This low level of activity results in a strong safety score of 98.7.

A Secure Community by Iowa Standards

The county's safety score of 98.7 surpasses the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 820.2 also tracks better than the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

How Carroll Compares to the Region

While Carroll County has a higher rate than neighboring Calhoun County's 232.5, it remains a very safe choice for residents. Two agencies provide the consistent reporting that keeps these statistics reliable.

Low Violent Crime, Focused on Property

Violent crime is extremely low at 53.1 per 100K, while property crime is the primary concern at 767.1. Even with property crime being more common, it remains far below the national average of 2,015.7.

Smart Security for Carroll County Residents

Homeowners can help drive property crime down by securing outbuildings and using smart home monitoring. Small investments in security technology can help preserve the county's high safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Carroll County's life expectancy edges above national

At 77.9 years, Carroll County trails the U.S. average of 78.9 years by one year, placing residents just below national longevity benchmarks. The 15.5% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above the national 15.1%, suggesting health outcomes closely aligned with broader American patterns.

Strongest primary care access in Iowa study

Carroll County's 77.9-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Iowa's 77.7 state average, and the county shines with 87 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this study. This robust infrastructure supports the county's relatively low 4.6% uninsured rate and strong healthcare access.

Iowa's primary care powerhouse

Carroll's 87 primary care providers per 100,000 residents far exceed Bremer (48), Buena Vista (53), and all other nearby counties, making it a regional healthcare hub. Life expectancy of 77.9 years reflects this infrastructure, though it still trails some neighbors like Bremer at 79.7.

Excellent access across primary and mental care

Carroll County residents enjoy not only the state's highest primary care capacity but also strong mental health support with 156 providers per 100,000 residents. With just 4.6% uninsured—the lowest in this study—Carroll's infrastructure translates directly into accessible, affordable care for nearly every resident.

Carroll's coverage leadership model

Carroll County's 4.6% uninsured rate shows what strong community commitment looks like, but even that small segment deserves coverage. Healthcare.gov and Iowa Medicaid ensure the remaining uninsured gain access to Carroll's abundant provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Strong Public School Foundation

Carroll County manages 10 public schools and three districts, supporting a student population of 3,024. The county offers a well-rounded mix of four elementary, two middle, and four high schools.

Top-Tier Scores and Graduation Rates

With a composite school score of 57.8, Carroll County outperforms the state average. The county's 94.8% graduation rate and $7,831 per-pupil spending show a deep commitment to student success.

Carroll Community Schools Lead the Pack

The Carroll Community School District is the largest in the area, serving 1,722 students across four schools. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing its resources on its three main public school systems.

A Balance of Town and Country

The locale mix includes seven rural schools and three town-based facilities, with an average enrollment of 302 students. Carroll High School is the largest with 544 students, while Fairview Elementary provides a solid town-based start.

Join a High-Achieving Community

Carroll County's schools are among the state's most successful, making it a prime location for families. Explore homes in Carroll or Glidden to secure a spot in these top-rated districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll County's risk rises noticeably

Carroll's composite risk score of 57.60 places it in the Relatively Low category—higher than 45% of U.S. counties. While still manageable, this represents a meaningful natural disaster exposure elevation for Iowa.

Among Iowa's higher-risk counties

At 57.60, Carroll exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68 by 45%, ranking it well into the upper half of Iowa's counties. Only Cass County (60.05) and a handful of others present comparably elevated composite risk.

Highest risk in the immediate region

Carroll (57.60) far exceeds the safer eastern cluster of Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, and Cedar counties. It ranks second only to Cass (60.05) in its immediate vicinity, representing a dramatic risk escalation moving westward.

Tornado risk stands exceptional

Tornado risk of 85.46 is among Iowa's highest, presenting Carroll's dominant hazard concern. Flood risk (37.53), earthquake risk (19.75), and wildfire risk (28.53) all trail significantly, though wildfire exposure is elevated relative to the state average.

Comprehensive storm preparedness required

Carroll residents face one of Iowa's most severe tornado risks and need a robust household shelter plan with regular drills. Beyond wind and hail insurance, families should maintain a 72-hour emergency kit, monitor local weather closely during spring, and know multiple evacuation routes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carroll County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the Iowa Median

Carroll County's 48.3°F annual average temperature is closer to the national median of 53°F than many of its northern neighbors. This reflects a slightly warmer pocket within the state's western interior.

Exceeding the Iowa State Average

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 48.0°F. However, it remains drier than much of Iowa, recording 33.7 inches of precipitation against the state's 36.1-inch average.

A Warmer Western Neighbor

Carroll is a full degree warmer on average than Calhoun County to its north. While local snowfall data is unavailable, its higher average temperatures suggest a slightly shorter winter season than the state's northern tier.

Hotter Summers and Milder Winters

July temperatures average 74.1°F, and the county faces 18 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are also less severe than northern Iowa, with a January average of 19.1°F.

Focus on Heat Management

With 18 days of extreme heat per year, efficient cooling systems and attic insulation are critical. Residents should still prepare for freezing conditions given the 22.4°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Carroll's Balanced Soil Profile

Carroll County features a near-perfect pH of 6.46, aligning closely with both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.43. Its soil score of 78.2 is significantly higher than the Iowa average of 72.9, indicating top-tier land quality. This balance makes it one of the more versatile counties for various agricultural uses.

Silt-Dominant Texture

The soil composition is 44.7% silt, 29.2% sand, and 25.0% clay. This high silt and clay combination gives the soil a silky feel and excellent nutrient-holding capabilities. The moderate sand content ensures that the ground doesn't become too compacted, maintaining vital air pockets for root health.

Solid Organic and Water Capacity

At 3.73%, the organic matter is slightly below the state average of 3.81% but still nearly double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is a strong 0.196 in/in, which sits just above the state benchmark. This ensures reliable moisture access for plants during the critical summer growing months.

Steady Hydrologic Performance

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the 25% clay content suggests a soil that manages water with moderate speed. It is unlikely to be excessively well-drained or prone to extreme ponding, offering a stable environment for most plants. This middle-ground hydrology is excellent for both farming and residential gardening.

Ready for Harvest in Zone 5a

In Zone 5a, Carroll’s soil is ideally suited for brassicas like broccoli and cabbage that enjoy consistent moisture. The balanced pH means you rarely need to add lime or sulfur to adjust the chemistry. It is a reliable and high-performing county for anyone looking to get their hands in the dirt.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Carroll County: An Iowa Lawn Leader

Carroll County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 81.9, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. This score suggests that the local environment is exceptionally well-suited for maintaining a vibrant lawn with minimal struggle. The Zone 5a hardiness provides the perfect baseline for northern turf varieties.

More Heat, More Growth Potential

With 18 extreme heat days per year and 3,081 growing degree days, Carroll is warmer than many of its northern neighbors. The county receives 33.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is just below the state average but sufficient for healthy lawns. This warmer profile allows for a very active growing season that may require more frequent mowing in early summer.

Stable Soil pH for Turfgrass

The soil pH in Carroll County is a healthy 6.46, falling right in the middle of the ideal range for lawn grasses. It features a clay content of 25.0% and a sand content of 29.2%, creating a foundation that balances water retention with essential air space for roots. While specific texture and drainage data are unavailable, these proportions typically support strong turf.

Consistent Moisture and High Resilience

The county has experienced only 2 weeks of drought in the past year and currently reports 0.0% of its area as abnormally dry. This consistent moisture access is a primary reason for the high lawn ease score. Homeowners can focus on maintenance rather than recovery, though using smart irrigation during the 18 peak heat days is still wise.

Leveraging the Early Spring

Heat-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass varieties are ideal here given the higher number of 90-degree days. Aim to plant after the last frost on April 27 to get a head start on the robust 3,081-degree growing season. Your lawn has until October 10 to prepare for the winter dormancy period.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Iowa has a composite county score of 61.5 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Iowa?
Carroll County ranks #27 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 Carroll County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $1,849, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 34.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Iowa is $68,528 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 63.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Iowa a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll 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.