countyscore
38.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Health 74.4Lawn Care 72.2

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Iowa

Facing Challenges Below National Median

Clinton County’s composite score of 38.6 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. While health scores remain high, other factors like tax burden and safety weigh on its ranking.

Struggling to Meet State Averages

With a score of 38.6, Clinton lags well behind the Iowa state average of 55.6. The county faces a difficult balance between maintaining services and keeping taxes and safety competitive.

Excellent Water and Health Access

Clinton County maintains high standards for its resources, earning a water score of 86.0. The health score of 74.4 also indicates that residents have good access to healthcare and wellness services.

High Taxes and Safety Hurdles

The county faces a low safety score of 7.2 and a tax score of 10.8. An effective tax rate of 1.549% is one of the higher burdens in the region, impacting overall resident satisfaction.

Suited for Resource-Focused Renters

Clinton County is best for those who value high water quality and health access in an affordable market. With rent at $825, it remains an accessible entry point for those working in the Quad Cities area.

Score breakdown

Tax10.8Cost43.5Safety7.2Health74.4Schools49.1Income55.2Risk35.2Water86Weather54.2
🏛10.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼55.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤74.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡35.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.2
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

Scott County
Iowa
37.2
Whiteside County
Illinois
46.3
Carroll County
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60.6
Jackson County
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Rock Island County
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Henry County
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Jo Daviess County
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Cedar County
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Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton County among nation's highest taxes

At 1.549%, Clinton County's effective tax rate ranks in the top 15% nationally, exceeding the national median of 1.347% by over 15%. Despite this, the county's $2,382 median property tax remains 11% below the national median of $2,690 due to lower Iowa home values.

Iowa's heaviest tax burden

Clinton County ranks among Iowa's most heavily taxed counties, with an effective rate of 1.549% that towers 15% above the state average of 1.344%. The county's $2,382 median property tax exceeds Iowa's median of $2,160 by 10%.

Clearly the region's highest taxes

Clinton County's 1.549% effective rate is the highest in northeast Iowa, outpacing every nearby county including Cerro Gordo (1.496%), Clarke (1.458%), and Clayton (1.380%). Only a handful of Iowa counties match Clinton's tax burden.

Steepest bill in the region

A home valued at $153,800—Clinton County's median—generates approximately $2,382 in annual property taxes under the 1.549% rate. With a mortgage, you'd owe closer to $2,419; without, around $2,323.

High-tax counties deserve close review

In high-burden counties like Clinton, reducing your assessed value through appeal becomes even more valuable—every 1% reduction saves $15–$24 annually on the median home. Iowa's free informal appeals process makes it worth verifying your assessment matches comparable properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

Clinton County housing costs rise above average

Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds Iowa's state average of 14.1%, reflecting moderate wages ($65,177 median) meeting relatively steep rents ($825). Housing consumes a notably higher proportion of income here than in well-balanced markets.

Tighter affordability than Iowa overall

Clinton's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% ranks above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the less-affordable tier of Iowa counties. Monthly rent of $825 runs $13 above the state median, signaling stronger local housing demand.

Rents climb, ownership costs even steeper

Clinton's $825 rent is moderately high regionally, but owner costs of $1,005 monthly rank among the highest in this eight-county group. This gap signals robust property values ($153,800 median) fueling both rental and ownership demand.

Ownership costs jump 22% above rent

Clinton renters allocate $825 monthly while homeowners spend $1,005, a $180 gap reflecting elevated property values in the county. With median home values of $153,800 and median income of $65,177, first-time buyers face meaningful affordability challenges.

Clinton County: pricier than most neighbors

If relocating to Clinton County, expect above-average housing costs relative to local wages—rents rank moderately high and ownership particularly steep. Renters may find better deals in Crawford or Cherokee; homebuyers should compare against other counties where values better match local earning power.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton below U.S. income baseline

Clinton County's median household income of $65,177 trails the national median of $74,755 by 12.8%, placing it solidly in the lower-middle tier nationally. Like many rural Midwest counties, Clinton reflects the broader wage pressures facing manufacturing and agricultural communities.

Slightly below Iowa state average

Clinton's $65,177 median income falls $4,653 short of Iowa's state average of $69,830, ranking the county in the lower-middle tier statewide. Its per capita income of $36,093 trails the state average by $1,043, indicating relatively concentrated income distribution.

Typical income for the northeastern cluster

Clinton's $65,177 ranks squarely within the regional pattern, nearly identical to Cerro Gordo ($65,537) and Crawford ($65,039). The county sits well below Chickasaw's $73,421 but notably ahead of Clayton's $62,326.

Strong housing affordability ratio

Clinton's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio preserves household flexibility—residents spend less than half the national stress threshold on housing. A median home value of $153,800 keeps homeownership accessible, allowing families to build equity without financial overextension.

Maximize Clinton County's affordability edge

Clinton households earning $65,177 benefit from housing costs at just 15.2% of income—$6,000+ annually freed for savings compared to high-cost regions. Channel those savings into tax-advantaged retirement accounts or a diversified investment portfolio to capitalize on decades of compound growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Clinton County Crime Above National Average

Clinton County faces a total crime rate of 3,086.8 per 100K, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a lower safety score of 95.1.

Below State Averages for Safety Score

The county's safety score of 95.1 is below the Iowa average of 98.3. Its total crime rate is nearly triple the state average of 1,095.3 per 100K.

Highest Crime Rate Among Local Peers

Clinton County reports much higher crime than neighbor Clayton County, which sees only 309.6 per 100K. It also exceeds the crime rate in Cerro Gordo, marking it as a high-activity area.

Both Violent and Property Crimes Elevated

Violent crime is high at 593.7 per 100K, well above the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is also significant, reaching 2,493.1 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Home Security Is a Local Priority

Given the higher crime rates, residents should invest in comprehensive home security systems and surveillance. Active community policing and neighborhood awareness are vital for improving local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clinton County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below national average

Clinton County residents live an average of 75.9 years, about 2.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. The county's 16.5% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15%, indicating elevated health challenges.

Below-average outcomes for Iowa

At 75.9 years, Clinton County's life expectancy trails Iowa's 77.7-year state average by 1.8 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. This gap suggests systemic challenges in chronic disease management and healthcare access.

Limited primary care, moderate mental health

Clinton offers just 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 186 mental health providers per 100K—fewer primary care options than nearby counties. This imbalance means residents have better mental health support than routine preventive care access.

Uninsured rate below state average

Clinton's 4.8% uninsured rate is the second-lowest in the region and below Iowa's 5.7% average, meaning good insurance coverage for most. However, limited primary care providers mean insurance alone doesn't solve access issues—residents often travel for routine doctor visits.

Insurance is your first step

Clinton residents without coverage should enroll through Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid to join the majority with access to care. Once insured, you can work with your plan to identify primary care providers, potentially outside the county if needed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clinton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Clinton's Extensive School Network

With 18 public schools serving 7,293 students, Clinton County has one of the largest educational footprints in the region. The infrastructure is robust, featuring nine elementary schools, four middle schools, and five high schools. Six different districts work to manage this diverse array of academic facilities.

Strong Outcomes and Consistent Funding

The county's graduation rate of 89.0% remains above the national average, showcasing local academic success. Spending is consistent with state trends at $7,574 per student, nearly matching the Iowa average. The school composite score of 54.2 reflects a stable and reliable public education system.

Leading Districts in Clinton

The Clinton Community School District is the largest entity, managing six schools and 3,286 students. Central DeWitt also plays a major role, providing for 1,565 students across four campuses. Despite the large number of schools, the county does not feature any charter options, relying entirely on public districts.

A Diverse Locale Mix

Clinton County features an even split with nine schools in town settings and nine in rural areas. Clinton High School is the largest facility with 981 students, whereas the average school size across the county is 405 students. This balance provides families with choices between bustling town schools and more remote rural campuses.

Finding Your Place in Clinton

The variety of school districts and locales makes Clinton County a versatile choice for families of all types. Whether you prefer a rural homestead or a house in town, high-quality public schools are always nearby. Consider school district boundaries as you browse local real estate to ensure the best fit for your students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton County faces above-average risk

Clinton's composite risk score of 64.82 substantially exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it among the nation's more hazard-exposed counties. This east-central Iowa county confronts multiple significant natural disaster threats.

Among Iowa's riskiest counties

Clinton ranks in the top tier of Iowa's 99 counties by composite risk with its 64.82 score. Only a handful of Iowa counties face comparable overall hazard exposure, making Clinton notably vulnerable.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Clinton's 64.82 score far exceeds nearby Clayton (42.21) and Dubuque counties, reflecting its unique vulnerability to multiple hazard types. Its position along the Mississippi River and active seismic zone drives this elevated exposure.

Tornado, flood, and earthquake converge

Clinton faces tornado risk of 79.04, flood risk of 66.92, and the state's highest earthquake risk of 45.42—a rare convergence of major hazards. Wildfire risk (50.06) also exceeds state averages, creating multifaceted exposure.

Comprehensive insurance essential

Clinton residents must layer multiple protections: windstorm coverage for tornadoes, flood insurance for recurring water events, and earthquake insurance for seismic risk. A reinforced basement shelter provides critical tornado protection in this high-exposure county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

Clinton County enjoys a warmer Iowa climate

At 50.2°F, Clinton County's average temperature is one of the highest in the state, though still below the national median. This eastern county experiences the full range of humid continental seasons with a milder edge.

One of the state's warmest regions

Clinton County's average annual temperature of 50.2°F is 2.2 degrees higher than the state average. It also receives 37.2 inches of precipitation, slightly more than the Iowa norm of 36.1 inches.

Less snow than the northern interior

The county receives 30.3 inches of snow, which is significantly less than the 40+ inches seen in counties like Clay. Its 15 extreme heat days represent a middle ground between the cooler north and hotter south.

Longer summers and milder winter lows

July averages 74.4°F, while the winter average of 25.2°F is the warmest among this group. This results in less extreme cold, though 15 days of 90°F heat still occur each year.

Prioritize humidity control and rain prep

With 37.2 inches of annual precipitation and warmer temperatures, humidity can be high; dehumidifiers are a smart home investment. Residents should still keep a snow shovel ready for the 30.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Forest-Derived Alfisols

Clinton's Alfisols have an average pH of 6.29, making them slightly more acidic than the 6.43 state average. These forest-derived soils are known for their distinct layers and moderate fertility levels.

Fine Silt Loam Textures

A silt loam texture dominates the area, featuring 55.2% silt and 22.9% sand. This high silt content creates a soft, flour-like texture that holds water effectively but requires protection from erosion.

Consistent Moisture Availability

The organic matter content is 3.33%, which sits just below the Iowa average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.193 in/in is almost identical to the state average, providing a reliable source of water for roots.

Well Drained and Versatile

These soils are classified as well drained and belong to hydrologic group C. This status indicates a good balance for both farming and building, as water moves through the profile at a moderate, steady rate.

Berries and Orchards in 5a

Located in zone 5a, the silt loam is an excellent medium for growing berries and fruit trees. Clear a patch in your yard and start planting; these soils are ready to support your next garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance in Clinton County

Clinton County’s lawn difficulty score of 72.2 sits slightly below the state average of 77.2 but remains well above the national median of 50.0. This 5a zone county provides a solid environment for gardening, though it requires more attention than the easiest parts of Iowa. Balanced temperatures and rain generally support healthy lawn development.

Active Growth and Average Heat

With 3282 growing degree days, this county sees some of the most vigorous grass growth in the state, meaning your mower will stay busy. The 37.2 inches of annual rain is well within the ideal range, easily offsetting the 15 extreme heat days. This balance allows for a long, productive growing season for most turf types.

Prime Silt Loam with Good Drainage

The soil is a desirable silt loam with a healthy 6.29 pH, offering an excellent medium for root expansion. This well-drained soil prevents the puddling issues found in other counties while maintaining enough moisture for the grass. The 21.0% clay and 22.9% sand composition is nearly ideal for a standard maintenance routine.

Navigating a Dry Spell

Clinton County has struggled with 30 weeks of drought over the past year and is currently 100% abnormally dry. These extended dry periods can lead to soil cracking and turf thinning if not managed with deep watering. Using mulch-clippings when you mow can help return moisture and nutrients to the parched soil.

Early Starts in Eastern Iowa

Silt loam soils and 3282 GDD make Kentucky Bluegrass a top performer here. You can start your lawn projects as early as April 22, the typical date of the last spring frost. The first fall frost usually hits around October 16, giving you a wide window to establish a strong root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Iowa has a composite county score of 38.7 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Iowa?
Clinton County ranks #94 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 Clinton County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $2,382, with an effective tax rate of 1.55%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 10.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Iowa is $65,177 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 55.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Iowa a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 38.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton 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.