countyscore
58
County Score
Health 91.6Income & Jobs 82.6Safety 78.9

County Report Card

About Cedar County, Iowa

Beating the National Average

Cedar County earns a solid 58.0 composite score, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of resident satisfaction driven by economic stability and personal wellness.

Competitive Within Iowa

The county scores higher than the Iowa state average of 55.6. It distinguishes itself with strong household earnings and a highly-rated healthcare environment.

Wealthy and Well-Cared For

With a health score of 91.6 and an income score of 82.6, Cedar County residents are both healthy and prosperous. The median household income is a strong $79,080, providing significant financial security.

Cost and School Hurdles

The cost score of 36.4 indicates that housing is becoming more expensive, with home values near $199,700. The school score of 49.8 also suggests that local education is an area ripe for further development.

A Choice for Prosperous Living

Cedar County is well-suited for established professionals and retirees who value health and income over absolute affordability. It offers a premium Iowa lifestyle with the financial stats to back it up.

Score breakdown

Tax24.9Cost36.4Safety78.9Health91.6Schools49.8Income82.6Risk78.5Water39.4Weather51.7
🏛24.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤91.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.3
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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41.1
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41.3
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Deep Dives

Cedar County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cedar County

via TaxByCounty

Cedar County well below national tax average

Cedar County's effective tax rate of 1.218% sits below the national median, placing it in the favorable half of American tax jurisdictions. The median property tax of $2,433 falls below the national median of $2,690, though Cedar homes are worth considerably less than the national median of $281,900.

Iowa's lowest-tax counties

Cedar County ranks in the bottom tier of Iowa counties for effective tax rates at 1.218%, well below the state average of 1.344%. Its median annual tax of $2,433 exceeds Iowa's statewide median of $2,160, but the county's favorable rate helps moderate overall burden despite higher home values.

Tax-friendly rates compared to regional peers

Cedar County's 1.218% effective rate undercuts most surveyed neighbors, including Bremer County (1.349%), Buchanan County (1.334%), and Cass County (1.428%). Only Carroll County (1.052%) enjoys lower rates in the immediate region.

Median annual property tax is $2,433

A homeowner with Cedar's median-valued $199,700 home pays approximately $2,433 annually in property taxes—$2,552 with a mortgage, $2,256 without. Monthly property tax obligations average around $203 for a typical household.

Assessment reviews still offer savings potential

Cedar County's moderate tax rate doesn't eliminate the need for assessment verification, especially for properties that may have declined in value. An appeal filing takes minimal effort and could reduce your annual liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cedar County

via CostByCounty

Cedar County rents stay competitive

Cedar County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Iowa's 14.1% average and holds its own nationally, offering renters solid affordability. At $860 monthly, rents run higher than most neighbors, but the county's $79,080 median income—second-highest in the cluster—provides the cushion to absorb it.

Cedar ranks above Iowa average

With a 13.1% rent-to-income ratio, Cedar County outperforms the state average despite charging the second-highest rents in its region. The county's strong median income of $79,080 is the key advantage.

Higher rents justified by higher income

Cedar County's $860 rent is the second-priciest in the cluster, but the $79,080 median income (second-highest) balances the equation effectively. Only Bremer ($83,343) earns more, giving Cedar residents both income security and reasonable affordability.

Strong income supports higher housing costs

Renters spend $860 monthly and owners $1,099, with median home values of $199,700 backed by $79,080 household income. At 13.1% of earnings, rent remains manageable despite the region's highest ownership costs.

Cedar County rewards good earners

If your relocation comes with solid income prospects, Cedar County delivers: the region's second-highest wages ($79,080), competitive rent-to-income ratio (13.1%), and home values ($199,700) that build equity. It's premium housing for premium earners.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cedar County

via IncomeByCounty

Cedar exceeds national income median

Cedar County's median household income of $79,080 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by about 6%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. A diversified regional economy with healthcare, light manufacturing, and services anchors this above-average performance.

Among Iowa's highest-earning counties

At $79,080, Cedar County outpaces Iowa's state median of $69,830 by nearly $9,250 per household. The county ranks in the top tier statewide, driven by steady regional employment and workforce stability.

Regional income leader

Cedar County ($79,080) trails only Bremer ($83,343) and edges ahead of Buchanan ($78,430) in the northeast Iowa cluster. Its per-capita income of $38,775 exceeds the state average of $37,136, indicating broad-based prosperity.

Strong affordability cushion

Cedar's rent-to-income ratio of 13.1% is favorable, with renters spending roughly one-eighth of earnings on housing. The median home value of $199,700 aligns well with county-median incomes, making homeownership accessible and attractive.

Position for long-term prosperity

Cedar County's strong income and affordable housing create a platform for meaningful wealth accumulation through homeownership and investments. Households here should maximize retirement savings, consider diversified portfolios, and build generational assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cedar County

via CrimeByCounty

Cedar County Boasts High Safety Scores

Cedar County's total crime rate of 503.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 99.2 out of 100.

Outperforming the Iowa Average

With a safety score of 99.2, Cedar County is safer than the average Iowa county score of 98.3. Its total crime rate is less than half of the statewide average of 1,095.3.

Leading Regional Safety Efforts

Cedar County maintains a safer profile than many of its regional neighbors with a rate of 503.3. Seven different reporting agencies collaborate to provide comprehensive coverage and public safety.

Low Incidents Across Both Categories

The violent crime rate is very low at 86.6 per 100K, and property crime is only 416.7. These figures indicate a very secure environment for residents and a low risk of criminal encounters.

Keeping Cedar County Safe

Home security awareness helps keep these low numbers consistent. Installing a home security system or simply coordinating with neighbors can ensure that Cedar County remains one of Iowa's safest places.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cedar County

via HealthByCounty

Cedar County's health rivals national leaders

At 79.1 years, Cedar County residents outlive the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing the county among America's longer-lived populations. The 13.9% poor/fair health rate beats the national 15.1%, reflecting strong preventive care and disease management across the community.

Upper tier Iowa health outcomes in Cedar

Cedar County's 79.1-year life expectancy exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year state average by 1.4 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. With just 13.9% reporting poor/fair health and a 4.5% uninsured rate, Cedar demonstrates strong health infrastructure and coverage.

Northeast Iowa health leader

Cedar's 79.1-year life expectancy ranks second only to Bremer County (79.7) in the northeast region, tied with Buchanan for strong outcomes. The low 4.5% uninsured rate ties with Carroll for regional best, ensuring most residents can access care when needed.

Coverage strong, but primary care access limited

Cedar County's 4.5% uninsured rate—among the state's lowest—gives most residents insurance access to healthcare providers. However, the county offers only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, creating potential bottlenecks despite strong coverage rates and availability of 60 mental health providers.

Secure coverage to access Cedar's health system

Cedar County's strong life expectancy reflects good health management, but tight primary care capacity means having insurance matters—it ensures you reach available providers. If uninsured, Healthcare.gov and Iowa Medicaid connect you to the coverage that maximizes your access to Cedar's existing care network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cedar County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Serving Every Corner

Cedar County manages 12 public schools across five different districts, providing tailored education for 3,212 students. The county’s infrastructure is built on six elementary, two middle, and four high schools.

Strong Graduation and Efficient Spending

Cedar County achieves a solid 90% graduation rate, outpacing the national benchmark of 87%. The county operates efficiently with $7,364 in per-pupil spending while maintaining a school score of 54.3.

Tipton and West Branch Lead Growth

Tipton Community School District is the largest with 941 students, followed by West Branch at 871. These traditional districts account for all schooling in the county, as there are no charter schools.

A Quintessential Rural Learning Experience

Eleven of the 12 schools are in rural settings, fostering a classic Iowa educational feel with an average of 268 students per school. Hoover Elementary in West Branch is the largest school, welcoming 370 students each day.

Settle Near Top Rural Schools

With five districts to choose from, families in Cedar County have a variety of community cultures to explore. Consider a home near West Branch or Tipton to join districts known for stability and high graduation rates.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cedar County

via RiskByCounty

Cedar County ranks among America's safest

Cedar County's composite risk score of 21.50 places it in the Very Low category—among the lowest-risk counties in the nation. Residents enjoy substantially less natural disaster exposure than the typical American county.

Iowa's safest county overall

At 21.50, Cedar County scores 46% below Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it the most resilient county in this analysis. The county represents one of Iowa's best outcomes across all natural hazard categories combined.

Clearly the region's safest community

Cedar (21.50) ranks below all eight counties analyzed, edging ahead of Bremer (24.55) and Buchanan (24.05) in the safer eastern cluster. It sits dramatically below the riskier western counties like Cass (60.05) and Carroll (57.60).

Earthquake risk unexpectedly elevated

Earthquake risk (27.35) is Cedar's highest hazard, though still low in absolute terms and reflecting regional seismic activity. Tornado risk (45.64), wildfire risk (31.77), and flood risk (27.61) are all present but moderate, with hurricane risk minimal.

Standard coverage typically sufficient

Cedar County residents can generally rely on comprehensive homeowner's insurance with standard wind and hail coverage as their primary protection. Families near waterways should still evaluate flood insurance, but overall exposure is low enough to make Cedar one of Iowa's safest places to live.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cedar County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Wet Eastern Iowa

Cedar County averages 49.1°F annually, making it nearly as warm as Cass County and closer to the 53°F national median. It is characterized by high humidity and significant seasonal precipitation.

High Precipitation and Above Average Heat

The county exceeds the state average temperature of 48.0°F by 1.1 degrees. It also receives 38.0 inches of precipitation, nearly two inches more than the Iowa average.

The Snowiest in the Region

While it shares a 49.1°F average temperature with southern neighbors, it records a substantial 39.8 inches of snowfall. This is significantly higher than the 27.3 inches seen in Cass County.

Hot Summers and Heavy Snow

Summer temperatures average 72.1°F with 15 days over 90°F. Despite the warmth, winter brings nearly 40 inches of snow and a January average of 20.3°F.

Ready the Heavy Snow Equipment

With almost 40 inches of annual snowfall, a heavy-duty snowblower is a vital investment for local residents. The 38 inches of total precipitation also means checking sump pumps before the spring thaw is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cedar County

via SoilByCounty

Cedar's Silty and Acidic Profile

Cedar County soil is more acidic than average, with a pH of 6.16 compared to the national median of 6.5. Its soil score of 65.6 is below the state average of 72.9, likely due to this higher acidity and lower organic content. This soil profile is characteristic of the loess-covered uplands found in eastern Iowa.

Dominated by Fine Silt

Cedar County features a massive 58.1% silt content, combined with 20.9% clay and 18.9% sand. This high silt percentage gives the soil a floury texture and makes it highly susceptible to erosion if not covered by vegetation. It is a 'soft' soil that roots can easily penetrate, but it requires careful management to prevent crusting.

Reliable Organic Matter and Moisture

The soil contains 3.43% organic matter, which is healthy compared to the 2.0% national average despite being below the Iowa average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.185 in/in provides a solid foundation for plant hydration. It is a capable soil that responds very well to the addition of compost or organic mulches.

Managing the Fine Silts

Though specific drainage data is unavailable, the high silt and moderate clay levels suggest moderate to slow permeability. The soil is likely to hold moisture well but can become saturated if local drainage is poor. For gardeners, raised beds may be a good option to help manage the fine texture and ensure proper aeration.

Zone 5a Gardening in Cedar

In Zone 5a, Cedar County’s silty soil is fantastic for growing legumes and grains that don't mind a slightly more acidic environment. The fine texture is easy for young seedlings to push through in the spring. Start your garden today and enjoy the easy-working nature of these eastern Iowa silts.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cedar County

via LawnByCounty

Lush Landscapes in Cedar County

Cedar County earns a lawn difficulty score of 78.3, outperforming the state average of 77.2. As a Zone 5a county, it provides a stable environment for most traditional Iowa turfgrasses. The climate and soil combination makes it one of the more favorable regions for achieving a professional-looking lawn.

Ample Rain and Long Growing Days

The county receives 38.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is ideal for maintaining thick turf without constant watering. There are 15 extreme heat days and 3,141 growing degree days, indicating a very active and productive growing season. This environment supports fast-recovering grass that can withstand regular foot traffic.

Silty Soil Foundation for Turf

The soil pH of 6.16 is perfect for cool-season grasses, facilitating the easy uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus. With a balanced clay content of 20.9% and sand at 18.9%, the soil is likely silt-heavy, providing a good medium for root growth. While drainage data is limited, these proportions generally indicate a soil that holds moisture well without becoming swampy.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

The county is currently 100% abnormally dry and has dealt with 14 weeks of drought over the last year. Despite these figures, the 38 inches of annual rain usually provides a good buffer for well-established lawns. Focus on 'soak and cycle' irrigation to ensure water penetrates deep into the root zone during these dry periods.

A Long Season for Perfect Grass

The growing season in Cedar County is generous, with the first frost not typically arriving until October 15. Start your lawn after April 27 using a high-quality Kentucky Bluegrass blend for best results. The extended fall weather provides an excellent opportunity for overseeding and thickening your lawn before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cedar County's county score?
Cedar County, Iowa has a composite county score of 58 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 Cedar County rank among counties in Iowa?
Cedar County ranks #53 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 Cedar County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Cedar County is $2,433, with an effective tax rate of 1.22%. This earns Cedar County a tax score of 24.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cedar County?
The median household income in Cedar County, Iowa is $79,080 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cedar County earns an income score of 82.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cedar County, Iowa a good place to live?
Cedar County scores 58/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Cedar 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 Cedar 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.