countyscore
56
County Score
Safety 89.8Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 83.3

County Report Card

About Davis County, Iowa

Beating the National Livability Benchmark

Davis County secures a composite score of 56.0, which sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This performance indicates a higher-than-average quality of life compared to the typical American county.

A Competitive Iowa Contender

With a score of 56.0, Davis County is performing slightly better than the Iowa state average of 55.6. It holds its own against state neighbors by balancing solid incomes with impressive community safety.

Elite Safety and Strong Incomes

Safety is a hallmark here, reflected in an exceptional score of 89.8. This is paired with an Income Score of 83.3, supported by a healthy median household income of $79,505.

Addressing High Property Tax Burdens

The county's Tax Score of 12.1 is its primary weakness, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.518%. Improving affordability in the tax sector would help round out its otherwise strong profile.

Perfect for Secure, Working Families

Davis County is an ideal fit for families who value personal safety and reliable incomes above all else. Its combination of low crime and solid earnings makes it a standout choice in the region.

2040608010012.137.889.85171.783.349.78651.9Tax12.1Cost37.8Safety89.8Health51Schools71.7Income83.3Risk49.7Water86Weather51.956/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Davis County DNA

Foverall

How Davis County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Davis County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (89.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (12.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12.1-39.9
Cost
37.8-10.200000000000003
Safety
89.8+34.8
Health
51
Schools
71.7+17.700000000000003
Income
83.3+32.3
Risk
49.7
Water
86+28
Weather
51.9
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Think property taxes are too high in Davis County?

Many homeowners in Davis County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$878/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,505/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Schuyler County
Missouri
55.5
Scotland County
Missouri
60.6
Appanoose County
Iowa
48.6
Wapello County
Iowa
33.1
Van Buren County
Iowa
60.6
Jefferson County
Iowa
48.4
Monroe County
Iowa
59.1
Putnam County
Missouri
62.9

Deep Dives

Davis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Davis County

via TaxByCounty

Davis County taxes exceed national norms

Davis County's effective tax rate of 1.518% sits well above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties by tax burden. Though the median property tax of $2,217 remains below the national median of $2,690, the county's rate is notably aggressive on lower-valued properties.

Among the highest-taxing Iowa counties

At 1.518%, Davis County's effective rate ranks among Iowa's steepest, outpacing the state average of 1.344% by over 13 percentage points. The median tax of $2,217 exceeds Iowa's median by just 2.6%, showing that Davis County achieves higher tax revenues through aggressive rates rather than inflated property values.

Davis County stands out regionally

Davis County's 1.518% rate is the highest among comparable counties in southeastern Iowa, significantly exceeding Delaware County (1.343%), Dubuque County (1.260%), and Des Moines County (1.531%). Only Decatur County (1.695%) edges it out in the broader region.

Your annual Davis County tax bill

On a median home valued at $146,000, Davis County homeowners pay approximately $2,217 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the escrow amount typically reaches $2,316 annually; those without a mortgage pay around $2,100.

Your tax bill may be too high

Many Davis County homeowners face overassessment, particularly as property values fluctuate in rural markets. An assessment review or formal appeal could reveal opportunities to reduce your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Davis County

via CostByCounty

Davis County: affordable rents, strong incomes

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.3%, Davis County beats the national average of 14% and offers solid rental affordability despite modest local wages. The median household income of $79,505 exceeds the national median of $74,755, while monthly rents of $878 remain below most comparable U.S. counties.

Below-average rents across Iowa

Davis County's median rent of $878 is only 8% above Iowa's state average of $812, placing it among the more affordable rental markets in the state. Its 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is the best in this comparison group, offering renters genuine breathing room in their monthly budgets.

Davis undercuts most regional competitors

Renters in Davis County pay roughly $65 less monthly than Delaware County ($743 is actually lower—Davis at $878 sits between Delaware and Decatur at $663). Davis balances moderate rents with the highest median income among the rural Iowa counties examined here.

Balanced housing costs in Davis

Renters dedicate 13.3% of income to $878 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 15.3% on $1,010 owner costs for properties valued at $146,000. Davis County offers a rare equilibrium: income ($79,505) sufficient to comfortably cover both rental and ownership options.

Davis County rewards budget-conscious movers

Relocating to Davis County means accessing affordable rents ($878/month) and modest home prices ($146,000 median) without sacrificing income potential. For remote workers or those willing to commute, Davis offers Iowa's sweet spot between affordability and earning power.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Davis County

via IncomeByCounty

Davis County above national income median

Davis County's median household income of $79,505 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 6%, placing the county firmly in the upper-middle range nationally. This performance reflects steady economic activity and above-average earning capacity.

Strong ranking within Iowa

Davis County earns $79,505, which ranks well above Iowa's state average of $69,830—a 14% advantage that positions it among the state's more prosperous counties. This income level supports a stable middle-class lifestyle across the county.

Mid-tier among regional peers

Davis County's $79,505 income sits between Dallas County's $102,349 (the regional leader) and Delaware County's $76,205, showing solid performance in a competitive region. The county maintains healthy income levels despite proximity to higher-earning Dallas County.

Housing costs well-managed

At 13.3%, Davis County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating residents have ample disposable income after housing. The median home value of $146,000 represents a reasonable investment relative to local earning power.

Invest your housing savings surplus

Davis County residents spending just 13% of income on rent or mortgages have genuine capacity to invest the remaining $68,000+ in retirement and education goals. A financial advisor can help allocate this surplus toward diversified portfolios or emergency funds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Davis County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Standards in Davis

Davis County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.7. Its total crime rate of 209.0 per 100K is a small fraction of the national average, which sits at 2385.5.

Leading the State in Security

The county is significantly safer than the Iowa average of 1095.3 crimes per 100K. Its safety score of 99.7 easily outpaces the high state average of 98.3.

Davis Outshines Its Regional Neighbors

Two local reporting agencies oversee a community with remarkably low incident levels. Compared to neighboring counties, Davis remains a standout for peace and security.

Minimal Property and Violent Crimes

The county reports just 66.0 violent crimes and 143.0 property crimes per 100K residents. These ultra-low numbers suggest a very low risk for almost all types of criminal activity.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates offer great comfort, but basic security habits remain important. Simple acts like locking vehicles and installing porch lights help keep Davis County exceptionally safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Davis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education System

Davis County operates a centralized system with four public schools serving 1,263 students. This single-district county maintains one elementary, one middle, and one high school to cover all grade levels.

Surpassing State Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves a 97.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state average and the 87% national benchmark. A school score of 57.8 indicates high performance despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,293, which sits slightly below the state average.

The Davis County Community District

Davis County Community School District manages all four local schools and 100% of the county's enrollment. There are no charter schools, ensuring a unified traditional public school experience for all local families.

Quiet and Consistently Rural

All four schools are located in rural settings, fostering a close-knit atmosphere where the average school size is just 316 students. Davis County Elementary is the largest hub with 480 students, while the DC Online program offers a niche alternative for 19 learners.

A Close-Knit Educational Community

Families seeking a unified school environment find great value in Davis County's high graduation rates and small-town feel. Consider this area for a home where your children can grow through a single, high-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Davis County

via RiskByCounty

Davis County Sits at Moderate Risk Nationally

Davis County's composite risk score of 50.35 classifies it as "Relatively Low" but remains above Iowa's state average of 39.68, reflecting balanced exposure across multiple hazard types. The county's risk profile is driven equally by wildfire and tornado threats, each scoring above 68, creating a distinctive dual-hazard environment. This balance distinguishes Davis from many peer counties that face single dominant threats.

Upper-Middle Risk Tier in Iowa Landscape

Davis County ranks in the upper-middle range among Iowa's 99 counties for overall disaster risk, with notable elevation in wildfire (68.64) and tornado (68.73) metrics. Both hazards score significantly higher than the state average, placing Davis among counties most exposed to these specific threats. The county's relatively low flood risk at 32.67 provides modest relief compared to riverine neighbors.

Wildfire Risk Sets Davis Apart Locally

Davis County's wildfire score of 68.64 substantially exceeds neighboring Van Buren, Wapello, and Appanoose counties, reflecting its terrain and vegetation patterns. Tornado risks are comparable to neighbors, but Davis's elevated wildfire exposure creates a unique vulnerability profile for the region. Among immediate surrounding counties, Davis faces the most acute combined wildfire-tornado exposure.

Wildfires and Tornadoes Drive Your Risk

Wildfire risk at 68.64 is exceptionally high for eastern Iowa, making defensible space around your home and ember-resistant landscaping practical priorities. Tornado risk at 68.73 matches this threat level, requiring both weather preparedness plans and a safe room strategy for severe spring storms. Earthquake risk at 33.27 is moderate but warrants basic structural assessment of older homes.

Address Wildfire and Tornado Exposure

Create a 30-foot defensible space around your home by removing dead vegetation, overhanging branches, and leaf litter to mitigate wildfire spread. Install a weather alert system and designate a basement safe room for tornado protection, testing your plan quarterly. Ensure your homeowner's policy explicitly covers both wind and wildfire damage, and review coverage limits annually with your insurance agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Davis County

via WaterByCounty

Davis County secures top compliance grade

Davis County holds an A grade with zero health violations recorded in the EPA's SDWIS database over the past five years. This violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the Iowa state average of 25.9. Local water systems successfully navigate federal safety requirements to protect the community.

Local water bodies await federal assessment

Water bodies in Davis County are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment process. This means there is currently no federal data regarding which streams might be impaired or failing Clean Water Act standards. The lack of ATTAINS reporting marks a gap in the known health of the local watershed.

Targeted monitoring focuses on toxins and nutrients

Data from the EPA Water Quality Portal shows 3 active monitoring sites that have generated 713 results over the last five years. These efforts specifically target cyanotoxins and phytotoxins alongside standard physical and nutrient measurements. While the footprint is smaller than neighboring counties, the focus on toxins provides critical safety data.

No active streamgage tracking flow

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Davis County. In the absence of real-time river metrics, residents should look to the county's excellent drinking water compliance records for safety assurance. Local utilities manage source water without the benefit of a primary federal gauge in this immediate area.

Maintain vigilance despite limited data

Because watershed health data is currently unavailable, residents should rely on the county's strong drinking water compliance record. The monitoring focus on cyanotoxins suggests an awareness of potential algal issues in the region. Using high-quality home filtration can provide an extra layer of protection as more comprehensive watershed assessments are developed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Davis County

via WeatherByCounty

Approaching the National Temperature Median

Davis County averages 51.2°F annually, bringing it closer to the national median than most of its northern peers. The county receives 39.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than many more arid regions in the Western U.S. This climate is defined by its humid, productive summers and moderately cold winters.

One of Iowa's Warmest Counties

Davis County's 51.2°F average temperature is significantly higher than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also receives about 3 inches more rain annually than the state average of 36.1 inches. This makes it one of the warmer and wetter pockets in the southern Iowa landscape.

Consistent Warmth Across the Southern Border

Davis County shares a similar climate profile with its neighbor Decatur County, which averages 50.9°F. Both counties enjoy warmer winters and more precipitation than northern Iowa counties like Emmet or Dickinson. This southern positioning allows for a slightly longer growing season and fewer extreme cold snaps than the rest of the state.

Frequent Heat and Moderate Snow

The county experiences 22 days of extreme heat annually where temperatures top 90°F, peaking with a 75.9°F July average. Winter brings 24.2 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 23.4°F. These numbers reflect a region where summer humidity and winter slush are both regular parts of life.

Budget for Both Cooling and Plowing

With over three weeks of 90-degree days, reliable air conditioning is a necessity for Davis County residents. Homeowners should also maintain snow removal equipment to manage the 24.2 inches of annual snowfall. The higher-than-average precipitation means moisture-sealed basements and effective gutter systems are critical for property maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Davis County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Tones in Southern Iowa Soil

Davis County's soil carries an average pH of 6.15, making it more acidic than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.43. This lower pH suggests that lime treatments may be necessary for certain sensitive crops. Though taxonomic data is not specified, the chemical signature points to a unique southern Iowa profile.

A Silty Foundation with High Silt Content

The soil composition is dominated by silt at 54.1%, paired with 24.9% clay and 21.0% sand. This high silt-to-sand ratio creates a fine-textured soil that holds onto nutrients but can be prone to erosion if left uncovered. The clay content provides enough body to retain moisture during drier spells.

High Water Retention Despite Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter in Davis County averages 2.43%, which is higher than the national 2.0% average but significantly lower than the Iowa average of 3.81%. Interestingly, its available water capacity of 0.197 in/in actually beats the state average. This means the soil is exceptionally good at storing every drop of rain for your plants.

Managing Water in Fine-Textured Earth

The high silt and clay levels suggest the soil may drain slowly, supported by a water capacity that exceeds the state benchmark of 0.195. While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the density of this soil profile requires careful irrigation management. These traits help explain the county's soil score of 65.2.

Southern Iowa Gardening in Zone 5b

Davis County gardeners in Zone 5b can find great success with acid-loving plants like blueberries or potatoes. The high water capacity is a major asset for maintaining a lush garden through the peak of summer. Use organic mulch to help boost the lower organic matter levels and watch your harvest thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Davis County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions in Zone 5b

Davis County matches the Iowa average with a lawn difficulty score of 77.0, making it significantly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0. The local climate and 5b hardiness zone provide a steady foundation for standard Midwestern turf varieties.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Rain

The county receives 39.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is 3 inches higher than the state average. Residents manage 22 extreme heat days and 3456 growing degree days, requiring a consistent mowing schedule to keep up with rapid summer growth.

Managing Slightly Acidic Soils

A soil pH of 6.15 indicates slightly acidic conditions that still fall within the ideal range for grass health. The soil contains 24.9% clay, which helps retain moisture, though specific drainage classes are not currently recorded for this area.

Navigating Extended Dry Spells

Davis County faced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Homeowners should utilize mulch-mowing to keep moisture in the ground and prioritize water conservation during these persistent dry periods.

Start Seeding in Mid-April

Optimal seeding begins after the last spring frost on April 16, using hardy cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue. The growing window remains open until late October, as the first fall frost typically arrives around October 22.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Davis County's county score?
Davis County, Iowa has a composite county score of 56 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 Davis County rank among counties in Iowa?
Davis County ranks #61 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 Davis County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Davis County is $2,217, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Davis County a tax score of 12.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Davis County?
The median household income in Davis County, Iowa is $79,505 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Davis County earns an income score of 83.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Davis County, Iowa a good place to live?
Davis County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Davis 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 Davis County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.