countyscore
66.7
County Score
Safety 85.6Health 82.1Lawn Care 78.8

County Report Card

About Chickasaw County, Iowa

High Marks on the National Stage

Chickasaw County earns a composite score of 66.7, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. Its strong economic and social metrics make it a standout performer in the Midwest.

A Top Performer in Iowa

The county's score of 66.7 easily clears the Iowa state average of 55.6. It ranks highly among its peers due to exceptional school performance and robust household incomes.

Elite Schools and Strong Incomes

The county boasts a school score of 75.7 and an income score of 74.8, reflecting a median household income of $73,421. Safety is also a major strength, with a score of 85.6 keeping the community secure.

Addressing Water Resource Quality

The water score of 41.8 is the county's most significant challenge and lags behind other dimensions. Improving resource infrastructure could help elevate Chickasaw's already high composite ranking.

A Hub for Prosperous Families

This county is best suited for families who value high-earning potential and quality education. Its mix of safety and economic strength offers a premier standard of living in rural Iowa.

Score breakdown

Tax31.2Cost60.2Safety85.6Health82.1Schools75.7Income74.8Risk68.3Water41.8Weather48.4
🏛31.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤82.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.8
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

Edwards County
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Median income: $59,386
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Median income: $45,854
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Grant County
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Jackson County
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Cherokee County
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Union Parish
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Renville County
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Median income: $76,311
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Nearby counties

Bremer County
Iowa
58.6
Howard County
Iowa
68.1
Fayette County
Iowa
57
Floyd County
Iowa
56.7
Winneshiek County
Iowa
67.9
Mitchell County
Iowa
66.2
Butler County
Iowa
62.1
Fillmore County
Minnesota
65.1

Deep Dives

Chickasaw County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chickasaw County

via TaxByCounty

Chickasaw County runs tax-friendly

With an effective tax rate of 1.097%, Chickasaw County sits well below the national median of 1.347%, putting it in the bottom 20% nationally. Homeowners pay a median of $1,804 in annual property taxes—33% less than the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes for Iowa

Chickasaw County's effective rate of 1.097% undercuts Iowa's state average of 1.344% by roughly 18%. The county's median property tax of $1,804 also trails the state median of $2,160.

Similar to Cherokee, lower than Cerro Gordo

Chickasaw's 1.097% rate rivals Cherokee County's 1.076%, making both attractive for homeowners seeking low taxes. However, Chickasaw residents pay more than Cherokee but substantially less than Cerro Gordo (1.496%) or Clinton (1.549%).

Moderate bill on median home

A home valued at $164,400—Chickasaw's median—generates approximately $1,804 in annual property taxes under the 1.097% rate. With a mortgage, expect closer to $1,839; without, around $1,750.

Assessment appeals protect your wallet

Property assessments can drift out of sync with market values, potentially inflating your tax bill. Iowa law allows homeowners to challenge assessments informally through the county assessor—a free process that has saved many families hundreds in taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chickasaw County

via CostByCounty

Chickasaw leads the affordability pack

Chickasaw County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio is the strongest in this eight-county region and beats both Iowa's average (14.1%) and the national norm. With median income of $73,421—nearly matching the national average of $74,755—residents enjoy rare wage-to-housing balance.

Iowa's most affordable housing county

Chickasaw ranks at or near the top of Iowa's most affordable counties, with its 12.7% rent-to-income ratio and $779 monthly rent both well below state averages. This combination reflects strong local earning potential paired with modest housing demand.

The affordability champion of north-central Iowa

Chickasaw's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% outperforms every comparison county, with only Cherokee County coming close at 13.2%. Higher median income ($73,421) combined with moderate rents ($779) creates the region's most balanced housing market.

Housing costs stay in healthy proportion

Renters pay $779 monthly while homeowners invest $820, consuming just 12.7% and 13.4% of income respectively. The median home value of $164,400 is among the region's highest, but strong local wages make ownership realistic for most households.

Chickasaw: where wages meet affordable housing

If you're relocating and want the best housing-to-income balance in Iowa, Chickasaw County delivers—strong local wages combine with reasonable rents and home prices. You'll pay more than bargain-basement counties like Cherokee, but gain significantly better earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chickasaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Chickasaw approaches national income parity

Chickasaw County's median household income of $73,421 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, placing it just 1.8% below the U.S. average. This proximity to national norms makes Chickasaw an economic outlier in rural Iowa, signaling stronger local employment or wage resilience.

Iowa's upper-tier county income

Chickasaw leads this regional cluster and most of Iowa at $73,421, outpacing the state average of $69,830 by $3,591. The county's per capita income of $37,093 aligns with the state average, indicating healthy income spread across households.

Clear income leader in the region

At $73,421, Chickasaw significantly outearns surrounding counties—$8,943 above Clayton and $9,000 above Cerro Gordo. This regional wage premium likely reflects specific industries or employment stability unique to Chickasaw's economy.

Excellent income-to-housing balance

Chickasaw's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county comparison, demonstrating strong housing affordability despite higher incomes than peers. A median home value of $164,400 remains accessible, freeing up household resources for saving and investing.

Chickasaw's income edge fuels investments

With $73,421 median income and just 12.7% housing costs, Chickasaw households enjoy more discretionary income than regional peers—an ideal position to build wealth. This surplus allows aggressive saving into index funds, retirement accounts, or home equity—the foundations of long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chickasaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Chickasaw County Reaches Elite Safety Levels

Chickasaw County reports an impressive safety score of 99.5 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 326.2 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Far Exceeding State Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.5 is higher than the Iowa state average of 98.3. Furthermore, its total crime rate is about 70% lower than the state's average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Lower Crime Than Neighboring Hubs

Chickasaw County is roughly eight times safer than nearby Cerro Gordo County in terms of total crime volume. It maintains a peaceful profile even when compared to other rural neighbors.

Balanced and Very Low Crime Profile

Violent crime stands at 142.2 per 100K, while property crime is even lower at 184.0. Both categories are far below national averages, indicating a well-protected community.

Keep Your Peace of Mind

The low property crime rate of 184.0 per 100K suggests a very low risk for homeowners. Standard precautions like exterior lighting and keeping vehicles locked remain effective deterrents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chickasaw County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy above national average

Chickasaw County residents live an average of 78.0 years, roughly matching the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With a 14.6% poor or fair health rate, the county performs better than the national average of 15%, suggesting effective health management.

Top tier within Iowa

At 78.0 years, Chickasaw County's life expectancy exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year average, placing it solidly in the state's healthier counties. The county's strong performance reflects a balance of lifestyle, healthcare access, and community health factors.

Limited primary care and mental health

Chickasaw offers only 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 60 mental health providers per 100K—among the lowest in the region. Residents often need to seek care in larger neighboring counties for both routine and specialized services.

Higher uninsured rates than state average

Chickasaw's uninsured rate of 6.4% exceeds Iowa's 5.7% average, meaning a larger share of residents lack regular healthcare coverage. Combined with limited local provider availability, uninsured residents face significant barriers to preventive and mental health care.

Insurance protects your health here

Chickasaw residents without coverage should immediately explore Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid options to fill the gap. Securing insurance is especially critical when local provider options are limited—it expands your access to care beyond county borders.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chickasaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Access in Chickasaw

Chickasaw County provides seven public schools across three districts, serving a total of 1,953 students. The infrastructure is comprised of three elementary, two middle, and two high schools. This compact system ensures that local families have accessible schooling throughout the region.

Exceptional Graduation and Quality

With a 96.4% graduation rate, Chickasaw County significantly outperforms the Iowa state average of 92.3%. The county invests $7,717 per student, which is above the state average, resulting in a strong composite school score of 58.4. These metrics suggest a high-quality education system that effectively prepares students for the future.

Local District Spotlights

The New Hampton Community School District is the largest in the county, enrolling 1,019 students across its facilities. Other significant districts include Sumner-Fredericksburg and Nashua-Plainfield, which collectively provide diverse options for area residents. The county does not host any charter schools at this time.

Rural Roots and Personalized Learning

Six of the seven schools are located in rural locales, reflecting the county’s agricultural character. New Hampton Elementary is the largest school with 401 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 279 students. This scale ensures that students are part of a manageable, well-connected learning environment.

Relocate for Academic Excellence

Chickasaw County’s elite graduation rates make it a premier choice for education-focused homebuyers. The combination of rural charm and high academic scores creates a unique value proposition for families. Start your home search here to secure a place in one of Iowa's top-performing regions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chickasaw County

via RiskByCounty

Chickasaw County ranks very low nationally

Chickasaw's composite risk score of 31.74 sits comfortably below Iowa's state average of 39.68 and well below the national median. This county experiences among the lowest natural disaster exposure in the United States.

Among Iowa's most resilient counties

Chickasaw ranks in the bottom quartile of Iowa's 99 counties by composite risk, making it one of the state's safest from natural hazard exposure. Few Iowa counties score lower across all hazard categories.

Lowest risk in its region

Chickasaw's 31.74 score edges below neighbors Cherokee (34.13) and Clayton (42.21), making it the safest county in its immediate area. This consistency reflects favorable geography and climate patterns across north-central Iowa.

Minimal hazard exposure overall

Tornado risk of 59.26 represents Chickasaw's highest exposure, though still moderate compared to state averages. Flood (39.57), wildfire (19.56), and earthquake (11.96) risks remain consistently low.

Standard coverage usually sufficient

Chickasaw's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance often provides adequate protection, though tornado exclusions in standard policies warrant a separate windstorm rider. Flood insurance becomes relevant only for properties in mapped flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chickasaw County

via WeatherByCounty

Chickasaw County ranks among the cooler U.S. regions

With an annual average temperature of 44.7°F, Chickasaw County is significantly colder than the national average. This humid continental area experiences deep seasonal shifts and consistent annual moisture.

One of Iowa's cooler northern counties

The county's 44.7°F average temperature is 3.3 degrees lower than the state average of 48.0°F. It is also wetter than the state norm, receiving 38.8 inches of precipitation compared to the 36.1-inch average.

Higher precipitation than western Iowa neighbors

Chickasaw receives 38.8 inches of annual precipitation, making it wetter than neighbors like Cherokee or Clay. Despite the moisture, it sees only 8 extreme heat days per year, reflecting a milder summer profile than other parts of the state.

Mild summers paired with frigid winter lows

The July average stays relatively cool at 70.5°F, and heat waves are rare. However, January is punishing with an average of 14.4°F, contributing to a total annual snowfall of 37.1 inches.

Heavy winter gear is a Chickasaw necessity

Winter weather dominates planning, as temperatures average only 18.0°F during the December-to-February stretch. Residents should invest in high-quality home insulation and reliable snow removal tools to handle the 37.1 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chickasaw County

via SoilByCounty

Young Entisols of Chickasaw County

Chickasaw features Entisols with a pH of 6.21, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.43. These younger soils offer a distinct growing environment compared to the deeper, more weathered soils found in other parts of Iowa.

Sandy Texture for Easy Tilling

Categorized as loamy fine sand, the soil consists of 42.7% sand and 36.5% silt. This high sand content makes the earth exceptionally easy to work, though it holds less water than heavier clay-based soils.

High Organic Matter, Low Retention

Organic matter is a highlight here at 4.66%, significantly beating the 3.81% state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, meaning plants may require more frequent watering.

Fast Drainage and High Infiltration

This soil is classified as excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. While this prevents roots from drowning, it means nutrients can leach away quickly if not managed with care.

Early Season Success in Zone 5a

The sandy texture warms up rapidly in the spring, making it perfect for early-season planting in zone 5a. You can grow vibrant peppers and tomatoes here if you maintain a consistent irrigation schedule.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chickasaw County

via LawnByCounty

Optimal Growth in Chickasaw County

With a lawn difficulty score of 78.8, Chickasaw County is one of the more favorable places in Iowa to maintain a yard. It beats the state average of 77.2 and stays well above the national median of 50.0. The 5a Hardiness Zone provides the cool winters and temperate summers that traditional lawn grasses love.

Abundant Water and Mild Summers

Lawns benefit from a generous 38.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 36.1 inches. Extreme heat is rare, with only 8 days reaching 90°F or higher compared to the state's 16-day average. These 2499 growing degree days mean your mowing schedule will be manageable rather than overwhelming.

Sandy Texture Needs Extra Care

The soil is classified as excessively drained loamy fine sand, which means it loses moisture and nutrients faster than heavier soils. While the pH of 6.21 is very healthy, the high 42.7% sand content requires more frequent, light watering and regular organic amendments. Without these additions, the soil may struggle to support a dense, green carpet.

Healthy Water Reserves for Now

The county experienced only 7 weeks of drought in the past year, and currently, no part of the area is under drought stress. This abundance of moisture is a luxury compared to western Iowa counties. However, because the sandy soil drains so quickly, even short dry spells can lead to wilting if you don't monitor soil moisture.

Leveraging the Chickasaw Growing Window

Cool-season mixes containing Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this moist climate. Time your spring projects after the May 2 frost and ensure fall seeding is established by the October 5 first frost. Adding a layer of compost during seeding will help your sandy soil hold onto much-needed moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chickasaw County's county score?
Chickasaw County, Iowa has a composite county score of 66.7 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 Chickasaw County rank among counties in Iowa?
Chickasaw County ranks #8 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 Chickasaw County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Chickasaw County is $1,804, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Chickasaw County a tax score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chickasaw County?
The median household income in Chickasaw County, Iowa is $73,421 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chickasaw County earns an income score of 74.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chickasaw County, Iowa a good place to live?
Chickasaw County scores 66.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Chickasaw 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 Chickasaw 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.