Delaware County's composite score of 70.0 clearly surpasses the national median of 50.0, landing it at approximately the 70th percentile. This upper-tier ranking reflects consistently strong livability across multiple dimensions.
2 / 5
Tops Iowa's Average by Small Margin
At 70.0, Delaware County nudges above Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it among the top tier of Iowa counties. This performance positions Delaware as one of the state's most livable choices.
3 / 5
Tax Efficiency and Health Excellence Shine
Delaware County leads with the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 1.343%, earning a tax score of 64.5, and delivers a strong health score of 80.4. The cost score of 80.4 also ensures affordable housing with a median home value of $168,700.
4 / 5
Income Growth Remains Constrained
The income score of 33.1 reflects a median household income of $76,205, limiting wealth accumulation and career advancement relative to national top earners. Risk exposure at 50.3 also sits in the moderate range, suggesting modest vulnerability to broader economic pressures.
5 / 5
For Tax-Conscious Families Seeking Value
Delaware County appeals to families and professionals prioritizing low taxes, good health outcomes, and affordable housing in a stable rural setting. It's an excellent value choice for those with moderate incomes seeking fiscal responsibility and quality of life.
Delaware County's composite score of 70.0 clearly surpasses the national median of 50.0, landing it at approximately the 70th percentile. This upper-tier ranking reflects consistently strong livability across multiple dimensions.
Tops Iowa's Average by Small Margin
At 70.0, Delaware County nudges above Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it among the top tier of Iowa counties. This performance positions Delaware as one of the state's most livable choices.
Tax Efficiency and Health Excellence Shine
Delaware County leads with the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 1.343%, earning a tax score of 64.5, and delivers a strong health score of 80.4. The cost score of 80.4 also ensures affordable housing with a median home value of $168,700.
Income Growth Remains Constrained
The income score of 33.1 reflects a median household income of $76,205, limiting wealth accumulation and career advancement relative to national top earners. Risk exposure at 50.3 also sits in the moderate range, suggesting modest vulnerability to broader economic pressures.
For Tax-Conscious Families Seeking Value
Delaware County appeals to families and professionals prioritizing low taxes, good health outcomes, and affordable housing in a stable rural setting. It's an excellent value choice for those with moderate incomes seeking fiscal responsibility and quality of life.
Score breakdown
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🏛64.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Delaware County's effective tax rate of 1.343% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.1%, placing it squarely in the middle of U.S. county rankings. The median property tax of $2,266 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting moderate rates applied to modestly valued properties.
Delaware County nearly matches state average
At 1.343%, Delaware County's effective rate essentially mirrors Iowa's state average of 1.344%, showing it's a textbook example of typical Iowa property taxation. The median tax bill of $2,266 sits above the state median of $2,160, though only by a slim margin.
Delaware County sits in regional middle
Delaware County's 1.343% rate places it squarely between regional high-taxers like Decatur (1.695%) and Davis (1.518%), and lower-taxers like Dickinson (0.977%) and Dubuque (1.260%). It represents the most moderate tax burden in the northeastern Iowa corridor.
Your annual Delaware County tax bill
On a median home valued at $168,700, Delaware County homeowners pay approximately $2,266 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the annual escrow typically reaches $2,364; those without a mortgage pay around $2,116.
Your tax bill may be too high
Even in a moderate-tax county like Delaware, many homeowners find themselves overassessed relative to current market conditions. A periodic assessment review or appeal could reveal tax reduction opportunities.
Delaware County achieves a remarkable 11.7% rent-to-income ratio, the best in this entire comparison and well below the national average of 14%. With median household income of $76,205 and monthly rent of just $743, Delaware offers genuine housing affordability paired with respectable earning potential.
Best rental affordability in Iowa
Delaware County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.7% significantly outperforms Iowa's state average of 14.1%, making it the most affordable county for renters in this analysis. The median rent of $743 sits slightly below the state average of $812, while median income of $76,205 provides reliable household economics.
Delaware beats every nearby county
Delaware County's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio surpasses all regional peers: Dickinson (15.0%), Dubuque (14.9%), Davis (13.3%), and Decatur (13.9%). The combination of moderate rents and solid incomes gives Delaware an unmatched affordability advantage in northeast Iowa.
Money left over in Delaware
Renters dedicate just 11.7% of their $76,205 income to $743 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 15.2% on $966 owner costs for $168,700 properties. Delaware County residents enjoy the healthiest affordability cushion of any county examined, with room for savings and life flexibility.
Delaware: Iowa's affordability champion
If housing affordability drives your relocation decision, Delaware County offers Iowa's best value: moderate rents, manageable home prices, and income levels that don't require compromise. The county's 11.7% rent-to-income ratio leaves families with genuine financial breathing room.
Delaware County's median household income of $76,205 slightly exceeds the national median of $74,755, positioning the county just above the American middle-income benchmark. This performance demonstrates solid economic footing relative to national standards.
Above-average earner in Iowa
At $76,205, Delaware County exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830 by 9%, ranking it among the state's stronger-performing counties economically. The county attracts residents seeking above-average income potential within Iowa's borders.
Solid regional position
Delaware County's $76,205 income places it in the middle tier of its region, between Dubuque County ($75,919) and Davis County ($79,505). The tight clustering suggests consistent economic strength across northeast Iowa.
Best rent affordability in the region
Delaware County boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at just 11.7%, meaning residents spend less than one-eighth of income on housing and retain significant spending power. The median home value of $168,700 is very accessible at local income levels.
Leverage low housing costs aggressively
Delaware County's exceptional housing affordability—11.7% of income—frees up roughly $6,800 annually compared to the national 30% standard, providing genuine wealth-building capacity. Direct this surplus toward Roth IRAs, index funds, or debt paydown to compound financial security.
Delaware County outperforms national health trends
Delaware County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 79.3 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 3 years. With 13.6% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 18%—the county demonstrates solid population health management.
Above-average health for Iowa
Delaware County's life expectancy of 79.3 years exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, placing it among the stronger performers statewide. The county's poor/fair health rate of 13.6% is also favorable, suggesting better-than-average preventive care engagement.
Strong provider access supports outcomes
Delaware County's 79.3-year life expectancy ranks among the highest in this region, surpassed only by Dallas and Dickinson counties. The county backs this up with 46 primary care providers and 136 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing residents with solid access to specialists.
High insurance coverage fuels access
With just 5.3% uninsured—nearly matching Iowa's 5.7% average—Delaware County ensures most residents can seek preventive care. The strong provider-to-population ratio of 46 primary care and 136 mental health providers per 100,000 allows most residents to establish lasting care relationships.
Delaware County, keep coverage strong
Your county's low uninsured rate shows the power of coverage in maintaining health. If you lack insurance or worry about open enrollment deadlines, visit Healthcare.gov or contact Iowa's marketplace to renew or upgrade your plan.
Delaware County scores 49.75 on the composite risk scale, placing it "Relatively Low" but modestly above Iowa's state average of 39.68. The county's risk profile centers on flood exposure at 61.74, one of the state's highest water-related risks, while tornado (58.46) presents secondary concern. This flood-dominant pattern reflects Delaware's position along the Turkey River and other significant tributaries.
Upper-Middle Ranking, Driven by Flooding
Delaware County ranks in Iowa's upper-middle tier for overall disaster risk, with its 61.74 flood score substantially exceeding the state average and positioning it among the state's most flood-exposed counties. Tornado risk at 58.46 adds secondary hazard exposure, while wildfire and earthquake risks remain below state norms. This combination creates a distinctive flooding-first risk profile within northeastern Iowa.
Flood Risk Exceeds Regional Peers
Delaware County's flood score of 61.74 substantially exceeds neighboring Dubuque (65.36—comparable), Buchanan, and Clayton counties, making Delaware a regional flooding hotspot. Tornado risks align closely with neighbors, but Delaware's water vulnerability stands apart in the immediate region. The county's riverine geography and tributary networks create above-average water hazard exposure.
Flooding Is Your Primary Concern Here
Flood risk at 61.74 dominates Delaware County's hazard profile, reflecting proximity to the Turkey River and multiple creek systems that regularly overflow during spring snowmelt and heavy rain. Tornado risk at 58.46 requires standard severe weather preparedness but remains secondary to flood planning. Wildfire risk at 12.44 is minimal and earthquake risk at 24.62 presents negligible concern for most residents.
Flood Insurance Is Essential for Delaware
If you're in or near a flood-prone area, flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is critical—standard homeowner's policies explicitly exclude flood damage. Obtain an elevation certificate for your property and understand your local flood zone; many Delaware properties sit in mapped flood zones requiring mandatory coverage. Create a family flood evacuation plan and monitor weather alerts during spring months and heavy rain events.