countyscore
42.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 78.9Health 78.1

County Report Card

About Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

Cerro Gordo Trails the National Median

Cerro Gordo County earns a composite score of 42.5, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of high health outcomes tempered by economic and safety headwinds.

Falling Short of Iowa's State Average

While Iowa boasts a strong state average of 55.6, Cerro Gordo lags behind at 42.5. The county faces challenges in tax and safety dimensions that keep it from matching the performance of its top-tier state peers.

A Regional Leader in Public Health

The county excels in health and resource quality, posting an impressive water score of 86.0 and a health score of 78.1. Residents benefit from a robust local healthcare infrastructure that outperforms many nearby counties.

High Taxes and Safety Concerns

The tax score of 13.0 is a significant outlier, driven by an effective property tax rate of 1.496%. Additionally, the safety score of 14.2 suggests that local crime rates are a primary area for community improvement.

Best for Health-Focused Renters

This county suits residents who prioritize access to medical services and clean water above low tax rates. With a median gross rent of $840, it remains an accessible option for those working in the regional service hubs.

Score breakdown

Tax13Cost47.8Safety14.2Health78.1Schools56Income56.1Risk30.4Water86Weather48.5
🏛13
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤78.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.9
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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Deep Dives

Cerro Gordo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cerro Gordo County

via TaxByCounty

Cerro Gordo taxes above national average

At 1.496%, Cerro Gordo's effective tax rate runs 11% higher than the national median of 1.347%, placing the county in the 65th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $2,305 annually in median property taxes—lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Iowa's more affordable housing market.

Above-average taxes for Iowa

Cerro Gordo ranks among Iowa's higher-taxed counties, with an effective rate of 1.496% compared to the state average of 1.344%. The county's $2,305 median property tax exceeds Iowa's state median of $2,160 by about 7%.

Pricier than nearby Cherokee County

Cerro Gordo homeowners pay substantially more than those in neighboring Cherokee County, which has an effective rate of just 1.076% and median taxes of $1,561. However, Cerro Gordo's rates remain competitive with nearby Chickasaw County at 1.097%.

Estimated annual tax on median home

A home valued at $154,100—Cerro Gordo's median—generates roughly $2,305 in annual property taxes under the county's 1.496% effective rate. With a mortgage, you'd owe closer to $2,391; without, approximately $2,185.

Many homeowners can appeal assessments

Property tax assessments aren't always accurate, and overassessed homeowners can file appeals in Iowa to reduce their tax burden. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, the county assessor's office can walk you through the informal review process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cerro Gordo County

via CostByCounty

Cerro Gordo rents creep above national norm

Renters here spend 15.4% of their income on housing, outpacing the national average of roughly 14.1%. While median household income of $65,537 trails the U.S. average of $74,755, housing costs haven't declined proportionally, squeezing local budgets.

Middle of the pack in Iowa affordability

Cerro Gordo's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% puts it slightly above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the less-affordable half of Iowa counties. At $840 monthly rent, it's $28 higher than the state median, reflecting stronger local demand.

Pricier than Crawford, cheaper than Clarke

Cerro Gordo's $840 rent sits between Crawford County's bargain $727 and Clarke County's steeper $836—positioning it as a moderate-cost option in north-central Iowa. Home values average $154,100, competitive with nearby counties but $10,000+ above Crawford's median.

Housing eats 15% of every paycheck

Monthly rent consumes $840 while homeowners pay $886, leaving most households with roughly 85% of income for other expenses. The median home value of $154,100 reflects a market that's solidly middle-class but tightening for lower-wage workers.

Considering Cerro Gordo? Compare carefully

If you're relocating to north-central Iowa, Cerro Gordo offers modest housing costs but not the deepest bargains in the region—Crawford and Cherokee counties rent $100+ cheaper. Run the numbers against your local salary to ensure housing won't crowd out savings and other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cerro Gordo County

via IncomeByCounty

Cerro Gordo lags U.S. income trends

Cerro Gordo's median household income of $65,537 sits 12% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower-middle tier nationally. This gap signals that local households typically earn less than their American counterparts, even as the cost of living remains relatively modest compared to high-income coastal regions.

Middle-of-the-pack among Iowa counties

At $65,537, Cerro Gordo ranks solidly but unremarkably among Iowa's 99 counties, falling $4,293 short of the state average of $69,830. The county's per capita income of $40,345 exceeds the state average of $37,136, suggesting income is somewhat concentrated among fewer earners.

Similar to surrounding rural Iowa

Cerro Gordo's $65,537 median income aligns closely with neighboring counties like Clinton ($65,177) and Crawford ($65,039), reflecting the consistent economic patterns across Iowa's rural northeast. Nearby Chickasaw County leads the cluster at $73,421, showing regional income variance is modest.

Housing remains affordable here

A 15.4% rent-to-income ratio signals healthy affordability—well below the 30% threshold that marks housing stress—allowing Cerro Gordo households to allocate more to savings and essentials. With a median home value of $154,100, homeownership remains accessible to median-earning families without extraordinary financial strain.

Build long-term prosperity in Cerro Gordo

Cerro Gordo's affordable housing creates a genuine opportunity: households earning $65,537 can prioritize retirement savings and investments while keeping housing costs manageable at 15.4% of income. Consider automating savings into a diversified portfolio or 401(k) to compound wealth over time—even modest contributions grow substantially in stable, lower-cost communities like this.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cerro Gordo County

via CrimeByCounty

Cerro Gordo Slightly Exceeds National Crime Averages

Cerro Gordo County reports a total crime rate of 2,440.7 per 100K, placing it slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a high safety score of 96.1 out of 100.

A Safety Score Below the Iowa Average

With a safety score of 96.1, Cerro Gordo falls below the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate is more than double the statewide average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Crime Rates Higher Than Neighboring Counties

Cerro Gordo faces significantly more reported crime than nearby Chickasaw County, which sees only 326.2 incidents per 100K. This gap highlights Cerro Gordo as a more active hub for law enforcement within the region.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 2,119.6 incidents per 100K, which is higher than the national rate of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 321.1 per 100K remains safer than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Focus on Securing Your Property

Since property crime is the primary driver of local statistics, residents should prioritize home security. Installing motion-sensor lights and reinforced locks can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cerro Gordo County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags slightly behind

Cerro Gordo residents live an average of 76.5 years, about 1.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The county's 15.9% poor or fair health rating sits slightly above the national average of 15%, suggesting room for improvement in overall health outcomes.

Below Iowa's health average

At 76.5 years, Cerro Gordo's life expectancy trails Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 1.2 years. This places the county in the lower half of Iowa counties, where health outcomes vary significantly by geography.

Strong primary care compared to region

Cerro Gordo offers 143 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the regional average—and exceptional mental health coverage at 347 providers per 100K. These robust provider networks position the county well within northeast Iowa for healthcare access.

Healthcare access is solid here

Only 5.0% of Cerro Gordo residents lack health insurance, well below Iowa's 5.7% average, meaning most residents can access regular preventive care. With abundant primary and mental health providers, residents face fewer barriers to finding a doctor or therapist.

Know your coverage options

Even with Cerro Gordo's low uninsured rate, those without coverage should explore Healthcare.gov or Iowa's Medicaid program to find affordable options. Having insurance removes barriers to preventive care that can extend your life and improve your daily health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cerro Gordo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cerro Gordo's Education Infrastructure

Cerro Gordo County supports 5,421 students across 13 public schools organized into three main districts. The system includes six elementary, three middle, and three high schools to serve the regional population. This robust framework provides a solid foundation for youth across the county.

Academic Outcomes and Funding

The county reports an 87.7% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but trails the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Investment stands at $8,682 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $7,591. The county earns a composite school score of 55.9, nearly matching the state benchmark.

Leading Districts in Cerro Gordo

Mason City Community School District is the county's largest, managing nine schools and serving ,3526 students. Clear Lake Community School District follows, providing education for 1,480 students across three facilities. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's public system.

A Town-Centric Learning Environment

Education here primarily takes place in town settings, which account for 11 of the 13 schools. Mason City High School is the largest campus with 956 students, while the average school size across the county is 417 students. This structure offers a centralized learning experience compared to more isolated rural districts.

Find Your Home Near Local Schools

For families looking to move, Cerro Gordo offers a mix of large town schools and smaller rural options. High per-pupil spending reflects a strong local commitment to classroom resources. Explore local real estate to find the perfect proximity to these established academic centers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cerro Gordo County

via RiskByCounty

Cerro Gordo faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 69.59, Cerro Gordo ranks as relatively low risk nationally, but sits well above Iowa's state average of 39.68. This county experiences more frequent and intense natural hazards than most of the state, driven primarily by tornado exposure.

Among Iowa's riskiest counties

Cerro Gordo's 69.59 score places it in the upper tier of Iowa's 99 counties by hazard exposure. Only a handful of Iowa counties face comparable composite risk levels, making this one of the state's more vulnerable regions.

Higher risk than nearby counties

Cerro Gordo's composite score of 69.59 significantly exceeds those of neighboring Chickasaw (31.74) and Worth counties. Its tornado and flood risks drive this distinction, marking it as notably more hazard-exposed than its immediate regional peers.

Tornado and flood risks dominate

Tornado risk reaches 89.34 in Cerro Gordo—among the highest in Iowa—while flood risk scores 68.96, reflecting the county's location in a climatically active region. Wildfire (26.65) and earthquake (24.24) risks remain minimal by comparison.

Prioritize tornado and flood coverage

Standard homeowners policies exclude tornado and flood damage, so Cerro Gordo residents should secure separate windstorm and flood insurance immediately. A safe room or basement shelter offers critical protection during the tornado season that affects this county regularly.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cerro Gordo County

via WeatherByCounty

Cerro Gordo sits below the national temperature median

Cerro Gordo County averages 45.6°F annually, falling significantly below the typical national median for humid continental climates. The area maintains a classic four-season cycle with a notable cooling trend compared to most U.S. regions.

Cooler than the average Iowa landscape

The county's average temperature of 45.6°F is 2.4 degrees cooler than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. While moisture levels are typical for the state, the northern latitude keeps the thermometer lower than central counterparts.

High snowfall sets Cerro Gordo apart regionally

Cerro Gordo experiences 44.4 inches of annual snowfall, which is higher than many of its immediate neighbors in northern Iowa. Its precipitation of 36.7 inches slightly exceeds the state average of 36.1 inches, indicating a wetter local profile.

Moderate summers and brisk northern winters

Summer temperatures average 69.7°F with only 10 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or above. Winter is much more intense, with an average temperature of 19.1°F and heavy snow accumulation.

Prepare for heavy snow and winter heating

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency heating systems to manage the 15.6°F January average. Snow removal equipment is a necessity given the 44.4 inches of annual snowfall that often blankets the region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cerro Gordo County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Leaning Soils in Cerro Gordo

The county maintains an average pH of 6.68, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the Iowa state average of 6.43. While specific taxonomic data for this region is currently unclassified, the overall soil health is strong with a score of 77.2.

A Balanced Blend of Silt and Sand

The soil features a mix of 40.5% silt and 34.9% sand, providing a texture that balances aeration with structure. A clay content of 22.7% helps the ground hold onto essential minerals without becoming overly compacted.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter in this county reaches a high of 5.31%, far exceeding the state average of 3.81%. Although the available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is just below the state benchmark, the high nutrient levels make for very productive land.

Reliable Water Movement

Official drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unspecified for this county in national records. However, the significant sand and silt concentrations typically suggest the soil moves water efficiently through the root zone.

Prime for Zone 5a Gardening

Located in hardiness zone 5a, this soil is ideal for cool-weather staples like brassicas and root vegetables. Take advantage of the high organic fertility and start your home garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cerro Gordo County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Ease in Cerro Gordo

Cerro Gordo County earns a lawn difficulty score of 78.9, outperforming both the state average of 77.2 and the national median of 50.0. This Hardiness Zone 5a region offers a hospitable environment for cool-season grasses. Homeowners here find it significantly easier to maintain a lush yard compared to many other parts of the country.

Cool Temps and Ample Precipitation

The county receives 36.7 inches of annual precipitation, which falls comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. With only 10 extreme heat days per year—six fewer than the state average—grass experiences less summer stress. A total of 2633 growing degree days supports steady growth without the rapid burnout seen in warmer climates.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The soil pH sits at a near-perfect 6.68, aligning closely with the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. The composition features 22.7% clay and 34.9% sand, providing a stable foundation that holds moisture without becoming overly compacted. While specific drainage data is limited, this texture generally supports vigorous root development for common Iowa grasses.

Managing Moderate Seasonal Dryness

The county faced 7 weeks in drought over the past year, though current reports show 0% of the area is abnormally dry. This low recent drought activity reduces the immediate need for heavy supplemental irrigation. Maintaining a mowing height of 3 inches or more during dry spells helps protect soil moisture and shade the grass crowns.

Timing Your Cerro Gordo Lawn Start

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are excellent choices for this 5a zone and cool climate. Aim to seed or sod in late August or early September to capitalize on fall rains before the first frost arrives around October 7. Ensure your spring prep finishes before the last expected frost on May 3 to give new shoots a strong start.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cerro Gordo County's county score?
Cerro Gordo County, Iowa has a composite county score of 42.5 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 Cerro Gordo County rank among counties in Iowa?
Cerro Gordo County ranks #86 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 Cerro Gordo County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Cerro Gordo County is $2,305, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Cerro Gordo County a tax score of 13/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cerro Gordo County?
The median household income in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa is $65,537 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cerro Gordo County earns an income score of 56.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cerro Gordo County, Iowa a good place to live?
Cerro Gordo County scores 42.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo 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.