countyscore
59.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Lawn Care 85.1Disaster Risk 76.4

County Report Card

About Decatur County, Iowa

Outperforming the National Median

Decatur County achieves a composite score of 59.4, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high overall standard of living driven by exceptional safety and affordability.

Leading the Iowa Average

The county's 59.4 score surpasses the Iowa state average of 55.6. It stands out in the state as a pocket of stability, particularly in terms of environmental risk and housing costs.

Top-Tier Safety and Resilience

Decatur County shines with a Safety Score of 97.5 and a Risk Score of 76.4. Residents benefit from a secure environment and a median home value of just $109,500, which keeps the Cost Score high at 69.5.

Tax Rates and Water Quality

The county struggles with a Tax Score of 7.2 due to a high 1.695% effective tax rate. Furthermore, a Water Score of 11.1 indicates that improvements to local water infrastructure are a pressing need.

Best for Peace and Affordability

This county is a great match for budget-conscious families or retirees who want a safe, low-risk environment. While taxes are higher, the incredibly low cost of housing compensates for many residents.

Score breakdown

Tax7.2Cost69.5Safety97.5Health70.6Schools52.3Income30.7Risk76.4Water11.1Weather51.3
🏛7.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧11.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱85.1
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

Mercer County
Missouri
62.8
Harrison County
Missouri
50.3
Wayne County
Iowa
62.9
Ringgold County
Iowa
60.8
Clarke County
Iowa
43.7
Lucas County
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Union County
Iowa
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Worth County
Missouri
59.2

Deep Dives

Decatur County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Decatur County

via TaxByCounty

Decatur County has nation's steepest rate

Decatur County's effective property tax rate of 1.695% ranks among the highest in the nation, nearly 55% above the national median of 1.1%. Despite lower absolute taxes due to modest home values, this rate structure imposes one of the country's heaviest tax burdens on property.

Iowa's most aggressive property taxer

Decatur County's 1.695% effective rate is the highest among all Iowa counties, towering 26% above the state average of 1.344%. This aggressive rate means property owners here carry a disproportionate share of local government costs compared to their counterparts statewide.

Decatur County far outpaces neighbors

At 1.695%, Decatur County's rate dwarfs those of surrounding counties—Davis County (1.518%), Des Moines County (1.531%), and Delaware County (1.343%) all fall significantly below. This makes Decatur the clear tax leader in south-central Iowa, driven by local spending needs and assessment practices.

Your annual Decatur County tax bill

On a median home valued at $109,500, Decatur County homeowners pay approximately $1,856 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the annual escrow amount is typically $1,914; those without a mortgage pay around $1,759.

Your tax bill may be too high

In Decatur County's high-tax environment, overassessment is especially costly to homeowners. A professional assessment challenge could yield meaningful savings given the county's aggressive rate structure.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Decatur County

via CostByCounty

Decatur's ultra-low rents mask income challenge

Decatur County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% rivals the national average of 14%, but the story beneath is sobering: median household income of just $57,146 is 24% below the national median of $74,755. At $663 monthly rent, Decatur offers the cheapest housing in this county group, yet residents earn considerably less to afford it.

Lowest incomes, lowest rents in Iowa

Decatur County's median rent of $663 is 18% below Iowa's state average of $812, but its median household income of $57,146 is the lowest in the state comparison. The county's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio performs slightly better than Iowa's 14.1% average, only because rents are so dramatically low.

Decatur leads on affordability, lags on wages

While Decatur's $663 rent is lowest among its peers, the median income of $57,146 trails Davis County ($79,505) by 28% and Delaware County ($76,205) by 25%. The county's affordability advantage is driven by economic conditions rather than genuine prosperity.

Stretched budgets in Decatur County

Renters spend 13.9% of their $57,146 income on $663 rent, while homeowners allocate 17.8% to $849 monthly costs for homes valued at $109,500. With limited local income, Decatur residents have little margin for unexpected expenses despite housing's low absolute cost.

Decatur offers bargain housing—with trade-offs

Moving to Decatur County means accessing the cheapest rents and homes in Iowa, but you'll be relocating to a county with the state's lowest median incomes. This destination suits only those with remote income or strong job prospects; for most, the low costs come with genuine economic constraints.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Decatur County

via IncomeByCounty

Decatur County below national average

Decatur County's median household income of $57,146 falls significantly below the national median of $74,755—a 23% shortfall that reflects economic challenges common to rural Iowa. This income level requires careful budgeting to maintain quality of life.

Among Iowa's lower-income counties

At $57,146, Decatur County earns 18% less than Iowa's state average of $69,830, ranking near the bottom among the state's counties. The gap highlights structural economic differences between rural and more economically diversified regions.

Struggling relative to adjacent areas

Decatur County's $57,146 income trails Delaware County ($76,205) by nearly $19,000 and Davis County ($79,505) by over $22,000 despite geographic proximity. These gaps suggest limited job growth or wage opportunities compared to neighboring counties.

Tight but manageable housing costs

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.9%, Decatur County residents keep housing costs reasonable, though the lower baseline income leaves less flexibility for other expenses. The median home value of $109,500 is modest and achievable for local earners.

Prioritize emergency savings and skills

Decatur County residents should focus first on building 3–6 months of emergency savings given the lower income base and economic volatility in rural areas. Consider investing in education or certifications that could increase earning potential and economic resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Decatur County

via CrimeByCounty

A Perfect Safety Score

Decatur County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, far exceeding the national average. While the national crime rate is 2385.5 per 100K, Decatur's data shows zero reported incidents.

Ranking at the Top of Iowa

With a reported crime rate of 0.0, the county mathematically leads the state rankings. This is well below the Iowa average of 1095.3 per 100K and the state safety score of 98.3.

A Quiet Corner of the State

Two agencies provide coverage for Decatur County, which currently reports no major criminal activity. This makes the county a statistical outlier for safety compared to its more active neighbors.

Understanding the Zero-Crime Report

Both violent and property crime rates currently stand at 0.0 per 100K. While this likely reflects limited reporting in the 2022 cycle, it highlights a very low-incident environment.

Preserving Your Local Safety

Maintaining a secure home ensures that these low numbers remain the standard for your family. Simple tools like doorbell cameras can provide added security even in the quietest areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Decatur County

via HealthByCounty

Decatur County confronts lower life expectancy

At 76.0 years, Decatur County's life expectancy ranks below the national average of 76.4 years and Iowa's average of 77.7 years—a gap that reflects persistent health challenges. With 17.0% of residents in poor or fair health, the county mirrors national concerns, suggesting underlying barriers to health maintenance.

Among Iowa's shortest life expectancies

Decatur County's 76.0-year life expectancy places it among the lowest in Iowa, trailing the state average by 1.7 years. While the poor/fair health rate of 17.0% is slightly better than some neighbors, the life expectancy gap indicates systemic health disadvantages.

Mixed provider access in rural context

Decatur County's life expectancy of 76.0 years is the lowest among these eight counties, though it has a notably strong mental health provider ratio of 274 per 100,000 residents—well above the norm. However, primary care access remains modest at 26 providers per 100,000, which may leave some residents traveling for basic services.

Low uninsured rate, but care access limited

Decatur County's uninsured rate of 5.8% is close to the state average of 5.7%, meaning most residents have insurance coverage. Yet with only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, many insured Decatur residents may struggle to find and reach a family doctor.

Ensure your Decatur County coverage holds

Nearly all Decatur County residents have insurance, but staying covered ensures you can access the primary care that the county needs to improve outcomes. If your coverage lapses, find new options at Healthcare.gov or through Iowa's marketplace within 60 days.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Decatur County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Districts, Personalized Learning

Decatur County features seven public schools across two school districts, serving a total of 1,173 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools and three high schools to support its rural population.

Competitive Graduation and Investment

The graduation rate of 90.0% beats the national average, though it trails the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Per-pupil spending of $7,565 aligns closely with the state average, supporting a composite school score of 54.7.

Central Decatur and Lamoni Schools

Central Decatur Community School District is the largest provider with 697 students across three schools. The Lamoni Community School District follows with 380 students; no charter schools currently exist in the county.

The Essence of Rural Schooling

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of 168 students. Central Decatur MS/HS is the largest facility with 348 students, while Lamoni High School remains small with just 98 students.

Find Home in a Friendly District

Decatur County offers a rare opportunity for students to learn in a truly small-scale rural environment. These districts offer a personalized touch that makes the area a compelling choice for families seeking a quiet lifestyle.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Decatur County

via RiskByCounty

Decatur County: Iowa's Lowest-Risk Profile

Decatur County's composite risk score of 23.60 ranks it "Very Low," making it one of Iowa's safest counties and well below the state average of 39.68. This favorable profile reflects consistently low exposure across all major hazard categories, from floods (15.84) to earthquakes (18.61). Residents enjoy comparatively minimal natural disaster risk relative to regional and national benchmarks.

Lowest Risk Among Iowa's 99 Counties

Decatur County consistently ranks at or near the bottom of Iowa's disaster risk scale, with no hazard category exceeding 52 on the risk index. This exceptional safety profile results from the county's geography, climate patterns, and distance from seismic zones and flood-prone river corridors. Among all Iowa counties, Decatur offers residents the most favorable natural disaster risk environment.

Safest County in Southern Iowa Region

Decatur County's 23.60 score dramatically underperforms neighboring Davis (50.35), Appanoose, and Wayne counties, establishing it as the region's clear safety leader. Even closest neighbors in Clarke and Lucas counties report meaningfully higher composite risk scores. This geographic pocket of low risk makes Decatur an outlier within south-central Iowa's broader hazard landscape.

Wildfire Risk Stands Out Among Low Threats

While Decatur County remains exceptionally safe overall, wildfire risk at 52.10 is the highest among its hazard categories, reflecting vegetation and drought exposure. Tornado risk at 48.31 remains well below state averages, though spring weather remains a seasonal consideration. Flood, earthquake, and hurricane risks all score below 20, presenting minimal practical concern for most residents.

Standard Coverage Meets Your Needs

Decatur County's low risk profile means standard homeowner's insurance with basic wind and fire coverage typically provides adequate protection. Maintain good roof condition and clear gutters to prevent minor weather damage, and keep trees trimmed back from your home as a wildfire precaution. Annual policy reviews remain wise practice, but Decatur residents need not fear the extreme exposures facing neighboring counties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Decatur County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation and Moderate Temps

Decatur County averages 50.9°F annually, placing it among the more temperate counties in the American Midwest. Its 39.2 inches of annual precipitation is well above the national average, ensuring a lush but humid environment. This climate supports varied agriculture but requires residents to manage significant moisture throughout the year.

Leading the State in Warmth

At 50.9°F, Decatur County sits nearly 3 degrees above the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also outpaces the state average for rainfall, receiving 39.2 inches compared to the 36.1-inch norm. This makes the county part of the 'Banana Belt' of Iowa's southern tier.

Matching the Southern Iowa Profile

Decatur County's climate is nearly identical to Davis County, with both averaging roughly 51°F and 39 inches of rain. These counties are significantly warmer than central Iowa hubs like Dallas County. The southern border proximity results in 21 days of 90-degree heat, a common trend among its regional neighbors.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Decembers

Summer in Decatur County is defined by a 73.5°F average and 21 days of temperatures over 90°F. Winter is equally active, delivering 27.6 inches of snow and a January average of 23.5°F. The seasonal transition is marked by heavy precipitation, as seen in the high annual rainfall totals.

Equip for a Dynamic Climate

Residents need high-capacity cooling systems to combat the frequent 90-degree summer days. Winter preparation requires tools to manage nearly 28 inches of snow, particularly during the 26.6°F winter months. Given the high annual precipitation, investing in waterproof outdoor gear and home drainage is a smart move.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Decatur County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils of the South

Decatur County soils have an average pH of 6.18, which is more acidic than the state average of 6.43. This acidity level can influence how plants absorb minerals, often requiring amendments for peak productivity. The soil score of 66.5 reflects a challenging but manageable landscape compared to the state's 72.9 average.

Fine Texture with Moderate Clay

The soil mix is 51.1% silt, 26.9% clay, and 21.9% sand, creating a dense and fine-textured earth. The higher clay content compared to neighboring counties improves nutrient retention but can make the soil heavy to till when wet. This composition is typical for the rolling hills of southern Iowa.

Steady Moisture in Moderate Soils

Organic matter sits at 2.70%, beating the national average of 2.0% but falling short of the state’s 3.81% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is almost identical to the state average of 0.195. This indicates that while the soil isn't the richest in the state, it handles moisture reliably.

Reliable Hydrology for Diverse Land Use

Decatur's soil water capacity suggests a stable hydrologic environment for both farming and building. Because the clay content is nearly 27%, the soil may hold water longer than sandier northern counties. This necessitates good drainage planning for any new construction or intensive garden beds.

Vibrant Growth in Zone 5b

Decatur County resides in Zone 5b, where the soil and climate support robust hay, pasture, and row crops. Gardeners should focus on adding compost to improve the 2.70% organic matter for better yields. With the right care, this soil produces excellent root vegetables and hardy perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Decatur County

via LawnByCounty

Decatur County Leads in Lawn Ease

With a score of 85.1, Decatur County is one of the easiest places in the nation to maintain a healthy lawn. This score dwarfs the national average of 50.0, suggesting that the 5b hardiness zone here is nearly perfect for residential turf.

High Rainfall Boosts Turf Vitality

Annual precipitation reaches 39.2 inches, providing more natural irrigation than the typical Iowa county. Despite 21 extreme heat days, the 3378 growing degree days support a vigorous and long growing season for cool-season grasses.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The local soil pH of 6.18 is well-suited for lawn health, sitting comfortably within the 6.0-7.0 target. While detailed drainage data is limited, the 26.9% clay content suggests the soil holds onto nutrients and moisture effectively.

Strong Resilience to Water Stress

Decatur County experienced only 2 weeks of drought in the past year, though the entire county is currently labeled as abnormally dry. Maintaining a taller grass height of 3 to 4 inches can help shade the soil and reduce evaporation during these dry stretches.

Take Advantage of a Long Season

The spring frost usually clears by April 17, offering an early start for seeding or sodding projects. With the first fall frost not expected until October 21, you have a generous window to establish a lush, green lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Decatur County's county score?
Decatur County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.4 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 Decatur County rank among counties in Iowa?
Decatur County ranks #41 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 Decatur County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Decatur County is $1,856, with an effective tax rate of 1.70%. This earns Decatur County a tax score of 7.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Decatur County?
The median household income in Decatur County, Iowa is $57,146 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Decatur County earns an income score of 30.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Decatur County, Iowa a good place to live?
Decatur County scores 59.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Decatur 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 Decatur County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.