CountyScore

Dickinson County

Iowa · IA

#20 in Iowa
72
County Score

County Report Card

About Dickinson County, Iowa

Dickinson County Leads This Regional Group

Dickinson County's composite score of 72.0 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 72nd percentile across all U.S. counties. This upper-quartile ranking reflects strong, balanced livability across multiple dimensions.

Surpasses Iowa's State Average

At 72.0, Dickinson County outperforms Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking among the state's strongest performers. It's a top-tier choice within Iowa's consistently high-performing landscape.

Tax Advantage and Balanced Strengths

Dickinson County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at just 0.977%, earning a tax score of 74.8, and delivers solid health (80.1) and risk (63.7) scores. This combination of low taxes and balanced performance creates exceptional value.

Income Growth Remains Modest

The income score of 32.1 reflects a median household income of $74,570, limiting long-term wealth accumulation relative to national leaders. While adequate for comfortable rural living, it offers fewer opportunities for rapid income growth.

For Tax-Savvy Families Seeking Quality

Dickinson County appeals to professionals and families who value tax efficiency, good health outcomes, and reasonable housing costs in a stable environment. It's an excellent choice for those with solid but not exceptional incomes seeking maximum value and lifestyle quality.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.8Cost76SafetyComing SoonHealth80.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.1Risk63.7WaterComing Soon
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dickinson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Logan County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $54,237
Marion County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $46,953
Nevada County
Arkansas
72
Median income: $41,761
Archuleta County
Colorado
72
Median income: $76,524
Echols County
Georgia
72
Median income: $61,723

Deep Dives

Dickinson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dickinson County

via TaxByCounty

Dickinson County offers lowest tax rate

At 0.977%, Dickinson County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 1.1%, making it one of the nation's most tax-friendly counties. The median property tax of $2,458 lands just below the national median of $2,690, reflecting a modest rate applied to modestly valued lakefront properties.

Iowa's most tax-friendly county

Dickinson County's 0.977% effective rate is the lowest in Iowa, running 27% below the state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $2,458 exceeds the state median of $2,160, showing that the county's advantage stems from its favorable rate structure, not from lower property values.

Dickinson County stands apart regionally

At 0.977%, Dickinson County's rate significantly undercuts all regional peers: Emmet County (1.478%), Dubuque County (1.260%), Delaware County (1.343%), and all southern neighbors. This makes Dickinson a rare tax haven in Iowa, likely reflecting smaller local government operations and lower service demands.

Your annual Dickinson County tax bill

On a median home valued at $251,600, Dickinson County homeowners pay approximately $2,458 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the annual escrow typically reaches $2,356; those without a mortgage pay around $2,594.

Your tax bill may be too high

Even in Dickinson County's favorable tax environment, some homeowners remain overassessed relative to market values. A periodic assessment review ensures you're not paying more than your property's current worth warrants.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dickinson County

via CostByCounty

Dickinson County rents exceed national average

Dickinson County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 14%, placing it in the tighter affordability zone despite relatively stable local income. With median household income of $74,570 (essentially at the national median of $74,755) and monthly rent of $930, the county mirrors broader U.S. housing pressure.

Above-average rents across Iowa

Dickinson County's median rent of $930 runs 15% higher than Iowa's state average of $812, while its 15.0% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 14.1%. The county's rental market is noticeably tighter than most of Iowa, driven by modest income levels and elevated housing costs.

Dickinson pricier than most nearby counties

Dickinson's $930 monthly rent exceeds Delaware County ($743), Davis County ($878), Decatur County ($663), and Dubuque County ($944) only slightly. However, Dickinson's median home value of $251,600 is notably higher than neighbors like Delaware ($168,700) and Davis ($146,000), signaling a stronger ownership market.

Moderate income, elevated housing costs

Renters dedicate 15.0% of their $74,570 income to $930 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 16.5% on $1,026 owner costs for $251,600 properties. Dickinson's housing demand outpaces income growth, creating middle-ground affordability pressure without the extremes seen in other counties.

Dickinson offers lake country at a premium

Moving to Dickinson County means accessing recreational lakefront amenities and above-average home values ($251,600), but expect to pay 15% rent premiums and elevated affordability ratios. The trade-off between quality of life and housing costs shapes relocation decisions here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dickinson County

via IncomeByCounty

Dickinson County near national income level

Dickinson County's median household income of $74,570 almost exactly matches the national median of $74,755, placing the county squarely in the American middle-income mainstream. This alignment reflects typical earning patterns across diverse economic sectors.

Above Iowa's state average

At $74,570, Dickinson County exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830 by 7%, positioning it among the state's stronger-performing counties. The county benefits from tourism, recreation, and regional economic activity.

Competitive with regional peers

Dickinson County's $74,570 income aligns closely with Dubuque County ($75,919) and Delaware County ($76,205), suggesting consistent economic strength across northeast Iowa. The clustering indicates regional stability despite variations in industry mix.

Housing costs manageable but notable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.0%, Dickinson County residents spend just over half the national 30% affordability threshold, leaving room for other expenses. The median home value of $251,600 reflects a higher cost structure than nearby counties but remains accessible.

Balance lifestyle with long-term planning

Dickinson County's income supports both present-day recreational enjoyment and future security, but residents should formalize investment plans to protect against market downturns. Consider consulting a fee-only financial planner to align savings with education, retirement, and lifestyle goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dickinson County

via HealthByCounty

Dickinson County residents live longest

Dickinson County boasts a life expectancy of 81.2 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 5 years—one of the strongest performances in this analysis. With 15.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs well below the national average of 18%.

Iowa's top life expectancy performers

At 81.2 years, Dickinson County's life expectancy is 3.5 years above Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, ranking it among the state's very best. The combination of high life expectancy and favorable health perception rates signals a county with strong underlying health assets.

Outstanding provider resources and longevity

Dickinson County's 81.2-year life expectancy ranks second only to Dallas County (81.9 years) among these eight counties, and it pairs this with the highest primary care provider ratio (84 per 100,000). This combination of longevity and abundant healthcare access represents a model rural health success.

Excellent coverage and robust provider access

Dickinson County's uninsured rate of 5.6% nearly matches the state average of 5.7%, and the county backs this coverage with 84 primary care and 116 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This alignment of broad coverage and ample provider capacity directly supports the county's exceptional life expectancy.

Dickinson County, sustain your health lead

Your county's outstanding life expectancy reflects strong insurance coverage and healthcare engagement. Maintain that advantage: if you lack coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to explore plans, and use preventive care to keep Dickinson County's health leadership strong.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dickinson County

via RiskByCounty

Dickinson County's Modest Risk Profile

Dickinson County scores 36.32 on the composite risk scale, placing it "Very Low" and below Iowa's state average of 39.68—a favorable position in the national disaster risk landscape. Tornado exposure at 64.03 represents the county's primary hazard, while wildfire (54.23) and flood (49.87) remain moderate. Hurricane risk data is unavailable, but other categories indicate a relatively benign natural disaster environment.

Well Below Average Risk for Iowa

Dickinson County ranks in the lower half of Iowa's disaster risk distribution, with its 36.32 composite score well below the state average of 39.68. Tornado risk at 64.03 represents an above-average state hazard but remains the primary exposure, while all other categories score below or near state norms. This profile positions Dickinson among Iowa's safer counties for overall disaster preparedness.

Among Northern Iowa's Safest Counties

Dickinson County's 36.32 score matches or exceeds neighboring Emmet (42.75) and Winnebago counties in relative safety, making it one of northern Iowa's lower-risk areas. Tornado exposure at 64.03 aligns with regional patterns but remains manageable compared to counties like Dallas or Dubuque. The county's low earthquake (13.42) and wildfire (54.23) exposures contribute to its favorable regional standing.

Tornadoes Represent Primary Hazard

Tornado risk at 64.03 is Dickinson County's dominant natural disaster threat, requiring standard spring severe weather preparedness and a safe room strategy. Wildfire risk at 54.23 and flood risk at 49.87 remain secondary concerns but warrant basic property maintenance and awareness. Earthquake risk is minimal at 13.42, and hurricane data is unavailable but likely negligible for this northern Iowa location.

Tornado Prep and Routine Maintenance Suffice

Develop a family tornado plan with a designated safe room, and practice your shelter-in-place routine annually before spring storm season. Maintain clear gutters, trim trees near your home, and keep your roof in good condition to prevent weather-related damage. Standard homeowner's insurance with wind and fire coverage provides adequate protection for Dickinson County's risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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