countyscore
59.1
County Score
Health 88.5Income & Jobs 76.7Soil Quality 76

County Report Card

About Dickinson County, Iowa

Beating the Median with Ease

Dickinson County’s composite score of 59.1 places it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high-performing community that offers a better quality of life than most U.S. counties.

Outpacing the Iowa Average

With a 59.1 score, Dickinson County exceeds the Iowa state average of 55.6. It is a standout performer in the state, particularly in terms of health and income levels.

Vibrant Health and Low Taxes

The county excels with a Health Score of 88.5 and a Tax Score of 39.9, which is relatively high for the region. An effective tax rate of 0.977% is one of the most attractive in the state.

Affordability and Water Quality

A Cost Score of 33.0 reflects high housing prices, with median home values at $251,600. Additionally, the Water Score of 46.3 suggests a need for continued investment in local resource management.

A Haven for Healthy Retirees

Dickinson County is an excellent choice for affluent retirees or professionals who value health and low tax rates. Its safe environment and strong income metrics support a high-end, active lifestyle.

2040608010039.93370.788.566.576.763.746.345.4Tax39.9Cost33Safety70.7Health88.5Schools66.5Income76.7Risk63.7Water46.3Weather45.459.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Dickinson County DNA

Foverall

How Dickinson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dickinson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (88.5/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (33/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.9-12.100000000000001
Cost
33-15
Safety
70.7+15.700000000000003
Health
88.5+38.5
Schools
66.5+12.5
Income
76.7+25.700000000000003
Risk
63.7+16.700000000000003
Water
46.3-11.700000000000003
Weather
45.4-10.600000000000001
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Compare mortgage rates in Dickinson County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$251,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$930/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$251,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,570/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.0

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
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Nearby counties

Jackson County
Minnesota
72.5
Clay County
Iowa
59.7
Emmet County
Iowa
61.6
Osceola County
Iowa
65.3
O'Brien County
Iowa
61.5
Palo Alto County
Iowa
62.4
Nobles County
Minnesota
50.4
Martin County
Minnesota
59.2

Deep Dives

Dickinson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Dickinson County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier Safety in Dickinson

Dickinson County earns an impressive 98.9 safety score. Its crime rate of 695.2 per 100K is roughly 70% lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Outperforming Iowa Safety Benchmarks

The county is safer than the typical Iowa community, which averages 1095.3 crimes per 100K. Its safety score of 98.9 beats the state average of 98.3.

Safe Management of Tourism Hubs

Despite high seasonal visitor traffic, three reporting agencies keep crime rates low. Dickinson remains one of the most secure counties in Northern Iowa.

Low Rates of Violent Crime

The county reports 593.5 property crimes and only 101.7 violent crimes per 100K residents. This very low violent crime rate makes it one of the most secure regions in the state.

Protecting Your Home and Rentals

Use smart home technology to keep your property safe, especially if it is a seasonal residence. Doorbell cameras and entry sensors are great tools for maintaining this high level of safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dickinson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Quality Education by the Lakes

Dickinson County supports 3,027 students across nine public schools and three school districts. The landscape is balanced with four elementary, two middle, and three high schools serving the community.

Exceptional Graduation and Solid Scores

The county's 96.2% graduation rate significantly outperforms the national average of 87%. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,036, which is lower than the state's $7,591, the county achieves a strong school score of 56.9.

Spirit Lake and Okoboji Leaders

The Spirit Lake and Okoboji districts are the primary providers, serving 1,304 and 1,244 students respectively. There are zero charter schools in the county, maintaining a focus on these high-performing traditional districts.

A Small-Town Learning Environment

Six of the county's schools are located in towns, while three are rural, with an average enrollment of 336 students. Spirit Lake Elementary is the largest school in the area, housing 537 students.

Settle Near Top-Tier Schools

Dickinson County is a top contender for families looking for high graduation rates in a scenic lakefront setting. Invest in a home near Spirit Lake or Okoboji to take advantage of these highly-regarded school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Dickinson County

via WaterByCounty

Dickinson County drinking water receives a D

The county has recorded 3 health violations over the past five years, resulting in a D grade. While the violation rate of 21.8 per 100,000 is still slightly below the state average, it signals a need for improvement in system reliability. Local utilities face more challenges than neighbors with higher compliance grades.

Local watersheds await formal classification

Federal authorities have not yet evaluated Dickinson County's water bodies for the current §303(d) assessment cycle. No data is available regarding impairment percentages or the specific pollutants affecting local lakes and streams. Without this ATTAINS data, the broader health of the county's aquatic ecosystems remains unverified.

Iowa's densest monitoring network tracks toxins

Dickinson County boasts 24 monitoring sites that have recorded 6,509 measurements in the last five years. A significant portion of this testing targets cyanotoxins and phytotoxins, likely due to the county's famous recreational lakes. This high density of data provides residents with an exceptional level of scientific oversight.

No USGS gauge currently active

Dickinson County currently lacks a primary USGS streamgage to provide real-time discharge data. Without live flow metrics, officials and residents must rely more heavily on the county's extensive water quality monitoring records. Public drinking water compliance remains the most immediate signal of water safety in the absence of river data.

Prioritize safety in lake country

The D grade for drinking water suggests residents should be proactive by using home water filters and monitoring local alerts. The heavy monitoring of cyanotoxins indicates that seasonal algal blooms are a primary concern for local water sources. Given the lack of streamflow data, paying attention to lake levels and clarity is a practical way to gauge environmental health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dickinson County

via WeatherByCounty

A True Northern Continental Climate

Dickinson County’s 45.9°F annual average is well below the national median, placing it firmly in the cold northern tier of the U.S. It receives 30.0 inches of precipitation, making it one of the drier regions in the Midwest. This climate is defined by long, frigid winters and short, vibrant summers.

Colder and Drier Than Average

Dickinson County is significantly cooler than the Iowa average of 48.0°F and drier than the state average of 36.1 inches. With an average temperature of 45.9°F, it is among the coldest counties in the state. The 30.0 inches of annual precipitation reflects the more arid conditions of northwest Iowa.

Frigid Northwest Regional Climate

Dickinson is slightly warmer than its neighbor Emmet County (44.7°F) but remains one of the coldest spots in Iowa. It is much colder than central counties like Dallas, which averages nearly 3 degrees warmer. This region is known for its harsh winter winds and heavy snow accumulation.

Vast Snowfall and Deep Winter Chill

Winter is the dominant season here, with a staggering 40.2 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 15.5°F. Summers are brief but warm, with 14 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 73.1°F. The winter average of 18.7°F makes this one of the most challenging winter climates in the state.

Equip for Serious Winter

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and elite-rated winter clothing are non-negotiable for the 40-inch snow season. While summers are pleasant, the 14 days of 90-degree heat still require functional cooling systems. Homeowners should prioritize high-efficiency heating and thick insulation to withstand the 15-degree January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dickinson County

via SoilByCounty

Sweet, Alkaline Soils of the Lakes

Dickinson County stands out with an average pH of 6.77, making it more alkaline than the state average of 6.43. This 'sweet' soil is excellent for nutrient availability and exceeds the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile helps drive a high soil score of 76.0, well above the state benchmark.

A Gritty and Productive Mix

The soil composition consists of 41.8% silt, 34.2% sand, and 24.0% clay. This relatively high sand content compared to southern Iowa provides excellent aeration and structural stability. The result is a soil that is both breathable for roots and firm enough to support heavy crop yields.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Dickinson County boasts a remarkable 5.81% organic matter, nearly triple the national average and far exceeding the state's 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is almost perfectly aligned with the Iowa state average. This high fertility makes it some of the most productive land in the region.

Highly Retentive Glacial Earth

The combination of high organic matter and a balanced texture creates a soil that manages water with extreme efficiency. With a water capacity of 0.194, the soil provides a consistent supply of moisture to crops even during northern Iowa's variable summers. This stability is a key component of the county's superior soil score.

Rich Growing in Zone 5a

Located in Zone 5a, Dickinson County offers a world-class foundation for gardening despite the colder winters. The 5.81% organic matter is a dream for any grower, meaning you likely won't need much fertilizer for a bumper crop. Plant hearty vegetables like carrots and potatoes to take advantage of this deep, rich soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dickinson County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging but Manageable North

Dickinson County’s lawn difficulty score of 71.1 is lower than the Iowa average but still better than the national median. In Hardiness Zone 5a, northern winters and slightly lower precipitation require more attentive care than in the south.

Drier Climate and Shorter Season

Annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, the lowest in this group and below the state average of 36.1. With 2821 growing degree days and 14 heat days, your lawn grows more slowly, which may actually reduce your weekly mowing frequency.

Near-Neutral Soil Chemistry

The soil pH of 6.77 is almost neutral, which is excellent for most turfgrasses and reduces the need for lime applications. The soil contains 34.2% sand, which may lead to faster drainage and a need for more frequent, light watering.

Water Conservation is Key

The county had 7 weeks of drought last year, but currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. Given the lower annual rainfall, installing a rain barrel or smart irrigation controller can help manage your lawn's water needs efficiently.

Watch the Late April Frost

The typical last frost arrives on April 30, so wait until May to start your heavy seeding. Focus on drought-tolerant varieties like Fine Fescue to handle the 30-inch annual rainfall before the first frost on October 10.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dickinson County's county score?
Dickinson County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Dickinson County rank among counties in Iowa?
Dickinson County ranks #44 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 Dickinson County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Dickinson County is $2,458, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Dickinson County a tax score of 39.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dickinson County?
The median household income in Dickinson County, Iowa is $74,570 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dickinson County earns an income score of 76.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dickinson County, Iowa a good place to live?
Dickinson County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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.