countyscore
66.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 82.5Health 81.6

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, Iowa

Outperforming the National Median

Cherokee County earns a strong composite score of 66.8, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This performance places the county comfortably within the top tier of counties nationwide for overall livability.

Leading the Iowa Average

With a score of 66.8, Cherokee County outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6. It stands as a model for rural stability, combining affordability with high public safety marks.

Safe Streets and Affordable Living

Safety is a primary asset here, reflected in a high score of 82.5. This security is paired with a cost score of 73.4, supported by a median home value of just $145,100.

Navigating the Tax Burden

While the county excels in most areas, the tax score of 32.8 indicates room for improvement compared to national leaders. However, the effective tax rate of 1.076% is still competitive within the regional context.

Ideal for Families Seeking Security

Cherokee is a perfect fit for young families looking for a safe, low-cost environment with reliable schools. The combination of an $86.0 water score and $711 median rent makes it a high-value choice.

Score breakdown

Tax32.8Cost73.4Safety82.5Health81.6Schools61.8Income52Risk65.9Water86Weather45.1
🏛32.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.3
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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Counties with similar scores

Union Parish
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Median income: $76,311
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Northumberland County
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Edwards County
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Chickasaw County
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Hooker County
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Grant County
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Median income: $56,750
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Nearby counties

Ida County
Iowa
71.2
Buena Vista County
Iowa
46.7
O'Brien County
Iowa
61.5
Sac County
Iowa
63.9
Woodbury County
Iowa
50.9
Clay County
Iowa
59.7
Plymouth County
Iowa
47.3
Sioux County
Iowa
59.1

Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee County offers Iowa's lowest taxes

At 1.076%, Cherokee County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 15% nationally, well below the national median of 1.347%. Residents pay just $1,561 in median annual property taxes—42% less than the national median of $2,690.

Iowa's most tax-friendly county

Cherokee County boasts one of Iowa's lowest effective tax rates at 1.076%, significantly undercutting the state average of 1.344%. The county's median property tax of $1,561 is the lowest among its peers in northeastern Iowa.

Clear winner in the region

Cherokee County's 1.076% effective rate beats every nearby county, including Chickasaw (1.097%), Clay (1.183%), and Crawford (1.320%). Homeowners here save hundreds annually compared to neighbors in Cerro Gordo or Clinton County.

Minimal taxes on median home

On Cherokee County's median home value of $145,100, the effective rate of 1.076% works out to $1,561 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'd owe closer to $1,478; without, approximately $1,643.

Even low-tax counties have appeals

Even in tax-friendly Cherokee County, some homeowners may be overassessed relative to comparable properties. Appealing your assessment costs nothing and could unlock additional savings through Iowa's informal review process.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

Cherokee offers rare affordability advantage

At 13.2%, Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national average and Iowa's state average of 14.1%, making it genuinely affordable. With median household income at $64,478 and rent just $711, this county punches above its weight in housing access.

Top-tier Iowa affordability county

Cherokee ranks among Iowa's most affordable counties, with its 13.2% rent-to-income ratio solidly below the state average of 14.1%. Monthly rent of $711 is $101 cheaper than the state median, reflecting a tighter labor market and lower demand.

Iowa's pocket-friendly housing market

Cherokee's $711 rent is the lowest among its peer counties in north-central Iowa, undercut only by Crawford's $727. Median home values of $145,100 rank among the region's cheapest, appealing to first-time buyers and budget-conscious families.

Rent takes just 13% of income

Cherokee County renters allocate only $711 monthly while homeowners pay $747, leaving substantial breathing room in household budgets. With a median home value of $145,100, ownership is achievable for workers earning the county median of $64,478.

Looking for Iowa's best housing bargain?

Cherokee County deserves your consideration if affordability tops your relocation priority list—rents are among the state's cheapest and housing is genuinely accessible on local wages. Compare it against Crawford County, which also offers deep bargains, to find your best fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee trails national household income

Cherokee County's median household income of $64,478 falls 13.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755, ranking in the lower quartile nationally. The gap reflects the economic realities of rural Iowa, where agricultural and small-town employment typically generates lower wages than national averages.

Below-average earner within Iowa

Cherokee County ranks among Iowa's lower-income counties at $64,478, trailing the state average of $69,830 by $5,352. Its per capita income of $37,174 nearly matches the state average of $37,136, suggesting relatively equitable income distribution across the population.

Lower income than most nearby peers

Cherokee's $64,478 median income ranks below Clay County ($64,082 is close, but Clay's is slightly lower) and clearly below Chickasaw County's $73,421 to the east. The county faces stiffer competition for wage growth in this regional cluster, where Chickasaw emerges as the income leader.

Strongest housing affordability advantage

Cherokee County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest among these eight counties—delivers exceptional housing affordability and leaves substantial breathing room for other financial goals. A median home value of $145,100 means most households can achieve homeownership without financial overextension.

Leverage affordability for wealth building

Cherokee's 13.2% housing cost ratio is a powerful wealth-building asset; households earning $64,478 reclaim money monthly that high-cost regions lose to rent or mortgages. Redirect those savings into emergency funds, education investments, or a brokerage account to capture long-term market growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cherokee County

via CrimeByCounty

Cherokee County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Cherokee County boasts a safety score of 99.3 out of 100, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 413.8 per 100K is a mere fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranked Among Iowa's Safest Regions

The county's total crime rate sits well below the Iowa state average of 1,095.3 per 100K. Its safety score of 99.3 also beats the state average of 98.3, marking it as a top performer for public safety.

Safer Than Its Western Neighbors

When compared to Clay County's rate of 882.9 per 100K, Cherokee County is nearly twice as safe. It maintains one of the lowest crime profiles in this sector of the state.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Cherokee County is remarkably low at just 25.9 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also minimal, totaling 387.9 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Maintaining a Secure Community

While crime is low, maintaining these numbers requires consistent community vigilance. Smart doorbells and local neighborhood watch initiatives help preserve the peace in this rural enclave.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Cherokee County

via HealthByCounty

Above-average life expectancy

Cherokee County residents live to 77.9 years on average, outpacing the U.S. average of 78.3 years by only a small margin. The county's 16.0% poor or fair health rate sits just above the national average of 15%, indicating generally solid health outcomes.

Beating the Iowa average

At 77.9 years, Cherokee County's life expectancy exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, ranking it among Iowa's healthier counties. This modest advantage reflects the county's relative health stability compared to its neighbors.

Provider access gaps in rural area

Cherokee County has 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 138 mental health providers per 100K—well below regional leaders like Cerro Gordo. Rural residents may need to travel to larger nearby towns for specialized mental health services.

Uninsured rates slightly higher than state

About 5.4% of Cherokee residents lack health insurance, slightly above Iowa's 5.7% average, meaning a small but meaningful portion faces barriers to regular care. Limited mental health providers compared to other counties could create wait times for counseling or psychiatric services.

Make insurance coverage a priority

Cherokee residents without coverage should check Healthcare.gov or contact Iowa Medicaid to secure affordable plans. Insurance ensures you can access the limited mental health providers available without bearing the full cost yourself.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Cherokee County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Fabric of Cherokee

Cherokee County operates eight public schools, including four elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Three districts serve a total enrollment of 2,154 students. The network is designed to provide consistent educational access across the county’s agricultural landscape.

High Graduation Rates and Efficiency

The county boasts an impressive 93.1% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average of 92.3% and the national average. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,295, which is slightly below the state average of $7,591. The 55.8 composite school score indicates a performance level nearly identical to the statewide median.

District Leadership and Enrollment

The Cherokee Community School District is the largest provider, educating 1,200 students in its three schools. Other major providers include the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn and River Valley districts. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a traditional district focus.

The Intimacy of Rural Schooling

All eight schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a tight-knit community feel for every student. The average school size is relatively small at 269 students, with Cherokee Elementary being the largest at 492 students. Smaller environments like MMCRU High School, with 203 students, allow for personalized attention.

Settling in Cherokee County

Cherokee County is an ideal destination for families seeking a high-performing rural school system. With graduation rates that lead the state, these schools are a primary draw for new residents. Consider local housing options that offer the benefit of small class sizes and a dedicated community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee County ranks very low nationally

Cherokee's composite risk score of 34.13 places it well below both Iowa's state average (39.68) and the national average, indicating relatively modest disaster exposure. This county experiences fewer natural hazards than most American regions.

Among Iowa's safest counties

Cherokee ranks in the lower third of Iowa's 99 counties by composite risk, with a score that reflects below-average exposure to most major hazard types. It remains one of the state's more stable communities from a natural disaster perspective.

Comparable risk to surrounding counties

Cherokee's 34.13 score aligns closely with Chickasaw (31.74) and Clay (36.39), reflecting similar risk profiles across this region of north-central Iowa. All three counties share relatively low hazard exposure compared to state averages.

Tornado risk slightly elevated

Cherokee's tornado risk of 60.75 represents the county's primary natural hazard exposure, though still below state problematic levels. Flood risk (39.06) and wildfire risk (24.46) remain modest, with earthquake activity minimal.

Focus on tornado preparedness

While Cherokee faces lower overall disaster risk, tornado coverage gaps in standard policies make windstorm insurance a practical safeguard. Identify a basement shelter or safe interior room as your family's tornado refuge.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cherokee County

via WeatherByCounty

A typical humid continental climate in Cherokee

Cherokee County maintains an annual average temperature of 46.7°F, placing it well below the national median. This region is characterized by cold winters and warm, humid summers common in the upper Midwest.

Slightly cooler and drier than state norms

The county's 46.7°F average temperature sits below the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Additionally, its 31.2 inches of annual precipitation is roughly 5 inches lower than the state average of 36.1 inches.

Drier conditions compared to eastern Iowa counties

Cherokee is notably drier than its eastern neighbors, receiving only 31.2 inches of total annual precipitation. However, it sees more extreme heat with 17 days above 90°F compared to more northern counties like Cerro Gordo.

Warm summer peaks and snowy winter stretches

July averages 73.2°F, supported by 17 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F. Winter brings a sharp contrast, with an average temperature of 20.2°F and 37.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Focus on summer cooling and moisture management

With 17 extreme heat days, reliable air conditioning is essential for summer comfort in Cherokee. Residents should also prepare for 37.8 inches of snow, though the overall lower precipitation means fewer heavy rain events than the state average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cherokee County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced pH in Cherokee

The soil pH sits at 6.53, aligning almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5. This neutral environment is excellent for nutrient availability, contributing to a high overall soil score of 79.2.

Silty Soils with Moderate Clay

With 47.0% silt and 26.2% clay, the soil offers a smooth texture that excels at holding onto water and nutrients. The 25.3% sand component provides enough space to prevent the ground from becoming too dense for root growth.

Steady Moisture and Nutrient Storage

The organic matter content is 3.71%, nearly matching the state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is higher than the state benchmark, providing plants with a reliable reservoir of moisture.

Management of Silty Ground

Standard drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed for this region. Because the silt content is high, gardeners should watch for surface crusting after heavy rains to ensure water continues to soak in.

Thriving in a 5a Climate

Hardiness zone 5a supports a wide range of hardy perennials and grain crops. The balanced moisture retention makes Cherokee County a fantastic place to establish a flourishing home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cherokee County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Cherokee County

Cherokee County presents a tougher environment than its neighbors, with a lawn difficulty score of 65.3. This is significantly lower than the Iowa state average of 77.2, though it remains above the national median of 50.0. Residents in this 5a Hardiness Zone must work harder to combat moisture fluctuations and temperature swings.

High Heat and Limited Rainfall

Annual precipitation averages 31.2 inches, barely meeting the minimum requirements for a healthy lawn. The county sees 17 extreme heat days annually, which exceeds the state average of 16 and puts extra stress on cool-season turfs. With 2850 growing degree days, grass grows quickly but requires careful monitoring to prevent summer dormancy.

Solid Soil with Slight Clay Lean

The soil pH of 6.53 is ideal for Iowa lawns, facilitating efficient fertilizer use. A clay content of 26.2% helps retain what little moisture the county receives, though it can lead to compaction under heavy foot traffic. Gardeners should prioritize core aeration to ensure oxygen reaches the roots through the dense soil structure.

Combating Extended Drought Periods

Drought is a major factor here, with 28 weeks spent in drought conditions over the last year and 100% of the county currently abnormally dry. Constant vigilance and deep, infrequent watering are essential to keep lawns alive during these prolonged dry spells. Focus on early morning irrigation to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal growth.

Resilient Grass for Cherokee Lawns

Hardy Tall Fescue is often a better choice here than sensitive bluegrass due to its superior drought resistance. Plan your seeding around the May 4 last frost and the October 4 first frost to maximize the growing window. Starting in late summer allows roots to establish before the cold Iowa winter takes hold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherokee County's county score?
Cherokee County, Iowa has a composite county score of 66.8 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 Cherokee County rank among counties in Iowa?
Cherokee County ranks #7 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 Cherokee County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Cherokee County is $1,561, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Cherokee County a tax score of 32.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cherokee County?
The median household income in Cherokee County, Iowa is $64,478 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cherokee County earns an income score of 52/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cherokee County, Iowa a good place to live?
Cherokee County scores 66.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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.