countyscore
43.7
County Score
Lawn Care 83.1Disaster Risk 81.6Soil Quality 70.3

County Report Card

About Clarke County, Iowa

Below the National Benchmark

Clarke County's composite score of 43.6 falls below the national median of 50.0. While it offers unique environmental advantages, it trails in several key economic and infrastructure categories.

Trailing the Iowa Average

Clarke's score of 43.6 is over 10 points lower than the Iowa state average of 55.6. This gap is primarily driven by lower scores in the tax and water quality dimensions.

Resilient Against Environmental Risks

The county earns an exceptional risk score of 81.6, indicating high resilience to natural disasters. This environmental stability is a key asset for residents concerned about long-term climate impacts.

Infrastructure and Tax Pressures

A water score of 34.5 and a tax score of 15.0 present clear hurdles for local growth. The effective tax rate of 1.458% places a heavier burden on homeowners compared to state leaders.

Suited for Risk-Averse Homeowners

Clarke is a strong choice for those prioritizing a low-risk natural environment and steady income growth. It appeals most to those who value the $160,200 median home value over high-end infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax15Cost39.6Safety33.8Health56.3Schools64.5Income58.7Risk81.6Water34.5Weather45.9
🏛15
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡33.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨70.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.1
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

Madison County
Iowa
58.6
Union County
Iowa
53.6
Lucas County
Iowa
55.8
Warren County
Iowa
51.7
Decatur County
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Ringgold County
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Wayne County
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Adair County
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Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clarke County

via TaxByCounty

Clarke County taxes run high for Iowa

At 1.458%, Clarke County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.347% by about 8%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. The county's $2,335 median property tax is still 13% below the national median of $2,690, thanks to Iowa's lower home values.

Among Iowa's priciest tax counties

Clarke County ranks near the top of Iowa's tax burden with an effective rate of 1.458%, well above the state average of 1.344%. Its median property tax of $2,335 exceeds the state median of $2,160 by 8%.

Clarke County leads regional taxes

Clarke County's 1.458% effective rate tops nearly every neighboring county in south-central Iowa, surpassing Crawford (1.320%) and Clay (1.183%). Only a handful of counties in the state rival Clarke's tax burden.

Substantial bill on median home

On Clarke County's median home value of $160,200, the effective rate of 1.458% works out to $2,335 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, you'd owe closer to $2,489; without, approximately $2,008.

Appeal option for high-tax counties

In high-tax counties like Clarke, small reductions in assessed value yield meaningful savings—hundreds of dollars annually. If your home is assessed higher than comparable nearby properties, filing an informal appeal with the county assessor takes minimal effort and no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clarke County

via CostByCounty

Clarke County housing edges above national norm

Clarke County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% slightly exceeds the national average, driven by modest wages ($66,821 median income) meeting moderate rents ($836). Housing consumes a notably higher share of income than more balanced markets, particularly challenging for lower-wage households.

Less affordable than most Iowa counties

Clarke's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the less-affordable half of the state's counties. With median rent of $836—$24 above the state average—housing competition here is moderately fierce.

Among the pricier options in the region

Clarke County's $836 rent ranks as the second-highest in this eight-county comparison, undercutting only Cerro Gordo's $840. Owner costs are notably steeper at $1,084 monthly, suggesting higher-value homes attracting wealthier buyers and pushing up the overall market.

Homeownership carries a steep monthly bill

Clarke renters pay $836 monthly while homeowners face $1,084, a gap of $248 that reflects higher-value properties in the county. With median home values of $160,200 and median income of $66,821, affordability for first-time buyers requires careful planning.

Clarke County suits established homeowners better

If you're relocating to Clarke County, budget accordingly for housing that ranks above regional averages—particularly if you're considering ownership. Renters may find better deals in Crawford or Cherokee; homebuyers should compare Clarke's $160,200 median home value against neighboring markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clarke County

via IncomeByCounty

Clarke below U.S. income benchmarks

Clarke County's median household income of $66,821 trails the national median of $74,755 by 10.6%, situating the county in the lower-middle income band nationally. Though not in poverty territory, Clarke's residents earn noticeably less than the typical American household.

Near Iowa's state average income

Clarke County's $66,821 sits just $3,009 below Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it squarely in the middle ranks of Iowa's 99 counties. Per capita income of $35,360 lags the state by nearly $2,000, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Mid-range earner in its peer group

Clarke's $66,821 sits between lower-income Clayton ($62,326) and higher-income Chickasaw ($73,421), reflecting moderate economic performance in this region. The county's ranking is solidly middle-of-the-pack for this eight-county cluster.

Housing costs manageable at 15%

Clarke's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio remains well below the 30% stress threshold, preserving household flexibility for other priorities. With a median home value of $160,200, homeownership is realistic for median-earning families without excessive financial strain.

Build Clarke County financial security

Clarke households earning $66,821 can allocate roughly $10,000 annually to saving and investing while keeping housing at 15% of income. Start with an automatic transfer to a high-yield savings account or 401(k)—even $200 monthly compounds into substantial wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clarke County

via CrimeByCounty

Clarke County Stays Below National Crime Levels

Clarke County’s total crime rate of 1,540.5 per 100K remains well under the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 97.6 out of 100.

Total Crime Slightly Above State Average

While Clarke's crime rate is lower than the nation's, it is higher than the Iowa average of 1,095.3 per 100K. Consequently, its safety score of 97.6 is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 98.3.

Better Safety Profile Than Border Regions

Clarke County reports much less crime than eastern counties like Clinton, where the rate hits 3,086.8 per 100K. It serves as a relatively quiet corridor for residents in southern Iowa.

Property Crime Dominates the Data

Property crime accounts for 1,222.1 incidents per 100K, which is below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is also lower than the national mark, recorded at 318.4 per 100K.

Securing Your South Iowa Home

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, visible security cameras can be a major deterrent. Staying alert and reporting unusual activity helps keep the violent crime rate low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clarke County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below average

Clarke County residents live 75.4 years on average, nearly 3 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With a concerning 20.4% poor or fair health rate—well above the national 15%—the county faces substantial health challenges.

Among Iowa's least healthy counties

At 75.4 years, Clarke County's life expectancy lags Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 2.3 years, placing it among the state's lowest-performing counties. The 20.4% poor or fair health rate signals systemic challenges in chronic disease management and health outcomes.

Sparse provider network

Clarke County has only 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and critically few mental health providers at just 21 per 100K. This severe shortage means residents frequently travel outside the county for both routine and specialized mental health care.

High uninsured rate compounds access barriers

Clarke's 6.7% uninsured rate tops Iowa's 5.7% average, leaving a significant portion of residents without regular healthcare access. When combined with sparse local providers, uninsured residents face compounded barriers to preventive care that could address the county's elevated health risks.

Coverage is essential here

Clarke residents without insurance should prioritize enrollment through Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid—coverage directly improves health outcomes in areas with limited providers. Securing insurance enables you to access care outside the county and invest in preventive services that can extend your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clarke County

via SchoolsByCounty

The School Landscape of Clarke

Clarke County operates five public schools within two primary districts, serving 1,656 students. The system is split into two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This streamlined infrastructure provides a clear path for students from kindergarten through graduation.

Funding and Performance Metrics

The county spends $8,153 per pupil, which is well above the Iowa state average of $7,591. The graduation rate currently stands at 91.7%, just below the state average but significantly higher than the 87.0% national benchmark. A composite school score of 56.9 indicates that the county performs slightly better than the typical Iowa school.

Core Districts in Clarke

The Clarke Community School District is the dominant provider, serving 1,358 students across its three schools. Murray Community School District serves the remaining students in the county with two local schools. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus on these two established community districts.

Balanced Town and Rural Schools

The county features a mix of three town-based schools and two rural facilities, offering diverse environments for students. Clarke Community Elementary is the largest school with 611 students, while Murray Elementary is the smallest with only 148. This range allows families to choose between a larger town experience or a very intimate rural setting.

Investing in Clarke County Real Estate

Homebuyers in Clarke County benefit from high per-pupil spending that supports modern educational resources. The strong graduation rates and small district feel are significant advantages for growing families. Explore the housing market near Osceola or Murray to find your place in this dedicated community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clarke County

via RiskByCounty

Clarke County is Iowa's safest

Clarke's composite risk score of 18.38 ranks among the lowest in the nation, far exceeding the safety of Iowa's average county (39.68). Residents here face minimal natural disaster exposure compared to almost any American region.

Lowest risk of all Iowa counties

Clarke ranks last (safest) among Iowa's 99 counties with its 18.38 composite score. This exceptional safety reflects favorable geography and climate characteristics that protect the county from most major hazards.

Significantly safer than neighbors

Clarke's 18.38 score stands markedly below neighboring Clayton (42.21) and Clinton (64.82), making it an island of relative safety in a region with more hazard exposure. This distinction reflects Clarke's unique positioning in south-central Iowa.

Wildfire emerges as primary concern

Clarke's wildfire risk of 42.02 represents its highest single hazard exposure, though still below state average. Tornado (44.59), flood (9.64), and earthquake (14.85) risks all remain exceptionally low.

Standard homeowners insurance adequate

Clarke's minimal risk profile means most homeowners can rely on standard policies for adequate coverage. Residents with wildland-adjacent properties should ensure their coverage includes brush clearance and defensible space improvements.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clarke County

via WeatherByCounty

Clarke County approaches national temperature averages

An annual average of 49.8°F puts Clarke County closer to the national median than its northern Iowa peers. The climate remains humid continental but benefits from a more southern latitude.

A warmer pocket in the Iowa landscape

Clarke County is nearly two degrees warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also exceeds the state precipitation average, receiving 38.7 inches of rainfall and snow annually.

Higher heat frequency than northern neighbors

Clarke County experiences 25 extreme heat days annually, far more than the 8 to 10 days seen in northern Iowa. It also sees significantly less snow, with 28.1 inches compared to the 40+ inches found in the north.

Hot summers and manageable winter totals

July averages 75.2°F, fueled by frequent heat waves that push temperatures above 90°F twenty-five times per year. Winters are milder than the state average, with a January mean of 21.8°F.

Prepare for significant summer heat waves

With 25 days of extreme heat, robust HVAC systems are the top priority for Clarke County residents. While snowfall is lower at 28.1 inches, the 38.7 inches of precipitation suggests a need for good drainage and rain gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clarke County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols of the South

This county is dominated by Alfisols with an average pH of 6.24, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. These soils often develop under hardwood forests and provide a sturdy foundation for diverse plant life.

Dense Silty Clay Loams

A silty clay loam texture prevails, driven by 49.0% silt and 28.1% clay. This dense mix provides excellent nutrient storage capacity, but it can be heavy and difficult to till when the ground is wet.

High Moisture Capacity

The organic matter content of 2.99% falls below the Iowa average of 3.81%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is slightly better than the state benchmark, ensuring a steady moisture supply for crops.

Challenges with Slow Drainage

The soil is classified as poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D. These soils hold onto water for long periods and have high runoff potential, requiring careful planning for garden drainage and building foundations.

A Longer Season in Zone 5b

Situated in hardiness zone 5b, Clarke County offers a slightly longer growing season than northern Iowa. The heavy soil is particularly well-suited for moisture-loving plants like squash and pumpkins.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clarke County

via LawnByCounty

Clarke Leads the State in Ease

Clarke County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 83.1, making it one of the easiest places in Iowa to grow grass. This score far exceeds the state average of 77.2 and the national baseline of 50.0. The warmer 5b Hardiness Zone offers a slightly longer window for lawn establishment than northern Iowa.

High Energy and High Heat

The climate produces 3233 growing degree days, signaling a very active growing season that requires frequent mowing. While the 38.7 inches of rain is excellent, the county faces 25 extreme heat days, which is much higher than the state average of 16. Grass here needs extra hydration during July to survive those punishing 90°F afternoons.

Heavy Clay and Poor Drainage

Clarke's silty clay loam soil is characterized by poor drainage and a 28.1% clay content. While this helps keep the 6.24 pH soil moist during heat waves, it can lead to waterlogging and root rot during heavy rains. Incorporating gypsum or organic matter can help break up the heavy clay and improve the soil's structure.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

Though 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, it only suffered 2 weeks of drought over the past year. This historical resilience suggests that Clarke County lawns are generally well-hydrated. Keep mower blades sharp and high to shade the soil and reduce water loss during the current dry trend.

Maximize the 5b Growing Season

Heat-tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass cultivars or Turf-Type Tall Fescues are ideal for managing the 25 heat days this county experiences. Start your spring planting after April 29 and wrap up fall chores by October 9. The slightly warmer 5b climate allows for strong root establishment if you seed in early September.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarke County's county score?
Clarke County, Iowa has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Clarke County rank among counties in Iowa?
Clarke County ranks #83 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 Clarke County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Clarke County is $2,335, with an effective tax rate of 1.46%. This earns Clarke County a tax score of 15/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clarke County?
The median household income in Clarke County, Iowa is $66,821 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clarke County earns an income score of 58.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clarke County, Iowa a good place to live?
Clarke County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Clarke 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 Clarke 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.