countyscore
60.2
County Score
Health 91.1Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 78.8

County Report Card

About Delaware County, Iowa

Superior National Percentile Ranking

Delaware County earns a strong composite score of 60.2, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top tier of American counties for overall livability.

A Top Performer in Iowa

The county's score of 60.2 is significantly higher than the Iowa state average of 55.6. It maintains a competitive edge through its high health standards and reliable school systems.

Health and Education Excellence

Delaware County boasts a Health Score of 91.1 and an Income Score of 78.8. A median household income of $76,205 combined with a solid School Score of 75.3 makes it a well-rounded community.

Managing the Tax Load

The county’s Tax Score of 19.2 is its lowest dimension, reflecting the fiscal pressures felt by residents. While the 1.343% effective tax rate is lower than some neighbors, it remains the primary area for potential improvement.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Families

Delaware County is perfect for those seeking a healthy lifestyle and quality education in a stable economic environment. It provides a high-quality, balanced life for families and professionals alike.

2040608010019.255.456.391.175.378.850.38650.8Tax19.2Cost55.4Safety56.3Health91.1Schools75.3Income78.8Risk50.3Water86Weather50.860.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Delaware County DNA

Doverall

How Delaware County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Delaware County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Health (91.1/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (19.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.2-32.8
Cost
55.4
Safety
56.3
Health
91.1+41.099999999999994
Schools
75.3+21.299999999999997
Income
78.8+27.799999999999997
Risk
50.3
Water
86+28
Weather
50.8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Delaware County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$168,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$743/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$168,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,205/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.7

per 100K

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
Compare Delaware County with Jackson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
Colorado
Median income: $41,809
60.2
Bradford County
Florida
Median income: $59,740
60.2
Allamakee County
Iowa
Median income: $66,000
60.2
Guthrie County
Iowa
Median income: $79,981
60.2
Franklin County
Mississippi
Median income: $45,618
60.2
Smith County
Mississippi
Median income: $51,396
60.2
Ozark County
Missouri
Median income: $42,329
60.2
Prairie County
Montana
Median income: $45,192
60.2

Nearby counties

Buchanan County
Iowa
62.4
Jones County
Iowa
60.7
Linn County
Iowa
40.7
Clayton County
Iowa
59.9
Dubuque County
Iowa
45.4
Fayette County
Iowa
57
Grant County
Wisconsin
49.2
Benton County
Iowa
56

Deep Dives

Delaware County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Delaware County

via TaxByCounty

Delaware County taxes near national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Delaware County

via CostByCounty

Delaware County: Iowa's affordability sweet spot

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Delaware County

via IncomeByCounty

Delaware County keeps pace nationally

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Delaware County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe and Stable Community Living

Delaware County earns a strong safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1004.4 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2385.5.

Aligning With Iowa Averages

The county's crime rate of 1004.4 is very close to the Iowa state average of 1095.3. Its safety score of 98.4 is essentially identical to the statewide benchmark of 98.3.

Consistently Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Delaware County maintains a safer profile than neighboring urban centers like Dubuque. Three local agencies manage a consistent and manageable level of law enforcement activity.

Property Concerns Over Violence

Property crimes make up 741.9 incidents per 100K, compared to 262.5 for violent crimes. Most incidents involve non-violent theft or burglary rather than person-to-person crime.

Defending Your Property

Focusing on home security is the best way to stay safe in Delaware County. Motion-activated lighting and secure window locks are effective deterrents against common property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Delaware County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Across Three Districts

Delaware County supports 2,708 students through 10 public schools and three distinct districts. The infrastructure is elementary-heavy, featuring six elementary buildings alongside two middle and two high schools.

High-Achieving Students, Strong Support

A graduation rate of 96.4% puts Delaware County well ahead of the 87% national average. The county spends $7,693 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $7,591 and contributing to an impressive 58.4 school score.

West Delaware County District Hub

The West Delaware County Community School District is the largest, educating 1,360 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's offerings as no charter schools are present.

Small Towns and Rural Settings

The county features a mix of seven rural schools and three town-based schools, with an average size of 271 students. Lambert Elementary is the largest campus at 509 students, ensuring a manageable scale for younger learners.

Excellence in Every Town

With school scores and graduation rates that outperform state averages, Delaware County is a premier choice for residential buyers. High per-pupil investment makes this an attractive market for families prioritizing quality education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Delaware County

via RiskByCounty

Delaware County: Moderate Risk, Flood-Focused

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Delaware County

via WaterByCounty

Delaware County maintains perfect water compliance

The county earns an A grade for drinking water, recording zero health violations over the past five years. This performance is superior to the state average violation rate of 25.9 per 100,000 people. Residents can trust that local utilities are consistently meeting all federal safety standards.

Watershed status currently unclassified by EPA

Federal assessments under Clean Water Act §303(d) do not yet cover the water bodies within Delaware County. Because these streams are not yet in the ATTAINS reporting cycle, there is no data on impairment rates or primary pollutants. Comprehensive watershed planning will require future federal or state evaluation.

High site density tracks microbiological health

A network of 19 monitoring sites has generated 1,364 results in the last five years. Testing focuses heavily on microbiological factors, nutrients, and physical water characteristics. This high number of sites ensures that different regions of the county receive consistent water quality oversight.

Maquoketa River running below typical levels

At Manchester, the Maquoketa River shows a discharge of 248 cubic feet per second, about 78% of its typical long-term mean. While flow is lower than average, it remains within a manageable range for the 275-square-mile drainage area. Monitoring these levels is key for maintaining the health of the river ecosystem.

Maintain safety with consistent testing

Delaware County's excellent compliance record is a strong signal of safety, but the focus on microbiological monitoring suggests residents should remain aware of bacteria risks. As streamflow is currently 78% of normal, residents should conserve water to maintain healthy levels in local aquifers. Regular testing of private wells is recommended to complement the high marks of the public systems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Delaware County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Midwestern Stronghold

Delaware County’s 46.3°F annual average is notably cooler than the national median, reflecting its northern latitude. The county receives a healthy 38.6 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than many parts of the Great Plains. This climate is characterized by long, snowy winters and mild, comfortable summers.

Below the Iowa Temperature Average

Delaware County's average temp of 46.3°F falls below the state average of 48.0°F. However, it receives more precipitation than the average Iowa county, logging 38.6 inches versus the state’s 36.1. This creates a landscape that is both cooler and moisture-rich compared to the rest of the state.

Colder Than Its River Neighbors

Compared to nearby Dubuque County, Delaware is slightly cooler, with an average of 46.3°F vs 47.8°F. It is significantly more temperate than northwestern Emmet County, which bottoms out at 44.7°F. Delaware strikes a balance, offering more snow but less extreme winter cold than the far northern border.

Mild Summers and Heavy Snowfall

Summers are remarkably pleasant, with only 9 days per year hitting 90°F and an average July temperature of 71.6°F. The trade-off is a heavy winter, bringing 34.7 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 17.1°F. This county is a haven for those who prefer cool summers over intense heat.

Prioritize Winter Readiness

Winter gear is the top priority here, as residents must navigate nearly 35 inches of snow and sub-20-degree January averages. While summer cooling needs are lower than in southern Iowa, high-performance heating is a must for the three-month winter average of 20.7°F. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan for a long snow season and a brief, mild window for summer activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Delaware County

via SoilByCounty

Alfisols and Silt Loams of Delaware

Delaware County is characterized by Alfisols, a taxonomic order known for being naturally productive for agriculture. The average pH of 6.29 is slightly acidic compared to the national 6.5 median but provides a healthy base for various crops. These well-developed soils are a hallmark of the region's glacial history.

The Ideal Silt Loam Mix

The dominant texture here is silt loam, composed of 49.0% silt, 30.9% sand, and 19.1% clay. This specific ratio offers excellent workability and enough sand to ensure the soil doesn't become too sticky or compacted. It is a highly desirable mix for both large-scale farmers and home gardeners.

Productive Soils with Solid Foundations

Delaware County boasts 3.24% organic matter, well above the 2.0% national average. While its available water capacity of 0.187 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.195, the soil remains highly productive. A soil score of 68.7 indicates a strong agricultural foundation for the eastern part of the state.

Well Drained and Ready to Plant

Classified as 'well drained' and falling into Hydrologic Group B, this soil manages water efficiently without staying saturated. These Alfisols allow for early spring planting because they dry out faster than heavier clay soils. This makes the county particularly well-suited for high-yield row crops and healthy root systems.

Cooler Seasons in Zone 5a

In Zone 5a, Delaware County experiences shorter growing seasons, but the silt loam soil makes every day count. This soil is perfect for cool-weather crops like broccoli and kale, as well as traditional Iowa corn. Start your seeds early to take advantage of this well-drained, productive earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Delaware County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Zone 5a

Delaware County earns a 77.1 lawn difficulty score, placing it right in line with the Iowa state average. As a Zone 5a region, it faces slightly colder winters than southern neighbors but remains much easier to manage than the national average.

Cooler Summers, Consistent Moisture

With only 9 extreme heat days per year, Delaware County lawns face less summer scorch than the state average of 16 days. The 38.6 inches of annual precipitation provide ample hydration for the 2660 growing degree days recorded here.

Superior Silt Loam Foundation

The county features well-drained silt loam soil, which is widely considered the gold standard for gardening and lawns. A soil pH of 6.29 ensures that your grass can easily access the minerals it needs to stay vibrant and green.

Monitoring Moisture Levels

The county endured 16 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Because the soil is well-drained, residents should monitor for signs of wilting and water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Plan Around a Later Spring

Wait until after the May 3 frost date to begin spring projects to ensure tender new sprouts survive. Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here, but be sure to finish your fall work before the October 4 frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delaware County's county score?
Delaware County, Iowa has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Delaware County rank among counties in Iowa?
Delaware County ranks #35 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 Delaware County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Delaware County is $2,266, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Delaware County a tax score of 19.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Delaware County?
The median household income in Delaware County, Iowa is $76,205 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Delaware County earns an income score of 78.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Delaware County, Iowa a good place to live?
Delaware County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Delaware 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 Delaware County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.