CountyScore

Emmet County

Iowa · IA

#64 in Iowa
68.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Emmet County, Iowa

Emmet County Ranks Well Above National Norm

Emmet County's composite score of 68.7 clearly surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 69th percentile. This upper-tier ranking reflects strong livability fundamentals across a rural, affordable landscape.

Nearly Matches Iowa's Competitive Average

At 68.7, Emmet County sits just slightly below Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it among the state's stronger performers. It's a solid, competitive choice within Iowa's overall high-livability portfolio.

Affordability Stands Out Dramatically

Emmet County leads this group with a cost score of 84.6, offering the lowest median home value at $106,200 and monthly rent at just $731. This exceptional affordability makes it attractive for budget-conscious households and young families.

Income Levels Lag Peer Counties

The income score of 25.9 reflects a median household income of $65,181, among the lowest in this group and limiting financial flexibility. The health score of 73.7 also trails stronger-performing peers, suggesting fewer advanced healthcare resources.

For Affordable Living in Rural Iowa

Emmet County suits retirees, remote workers, and families seeking maximum affordability and cost control in a stable rural setting. It's an excellent choice for those with modest incomes or limited savings seeking genuine livability without financial strain.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.7Cost84.6SafetyComing SoonHealth73.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.9Risk57.3WaterComing Soon
🏛60.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡57.3
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 Emmet County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

La Plata County
Colorado
68.7
Median income: $85,296
Butts County
Georgia
68.7
Median income: $59,221
Adams County
Indiana
68.7
Median income: $63,128
Wichita County
Kansas
68.7
Median income: $71,282
Talbot County
Maryland
68.7
Median income: $84,378

Deep Dives

Emmet County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Emmet County

via TaxByCounty

Emmet County taxes above national average

Emmet County's effective tax rate of 1.478% runs roughly 34% higher than the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the upper quartile of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,570 falls well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's modest home valuations combined with an aggressive rate structure.

Emmet County among state's higher taxers

At 1.478%, Emmet County's effective rate exceeds Iowa's state average of 1.344% by about 10 percentage points, placing it in the upper third of Iowa counties. The median tax of $1,570 trails the state median of $2,160 considerably, showing that Emmet's tax burden stems entirely from its high rate, not from property values.

Emmet County ranks high regionally

Emmet County's 1.478% rate outpaces Dickinson County (0.977%), Dubuque County (1.260%), and Delaware County (1.343%), though it sits below Davis County (1.518%), Des Moines County (1.531%), and Decatur County (1.695%). In north-central Iowa, it represents a relatively elevated tax burden.

Your annual Emmet County tax bill

On a median home valued at $106,200, Emmet County homeowners pay approximately $1,570 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the annual escrow typically reaches $1,652; those without a mortgage pay around $1,453.

Your tax bill may be too high

With Emmet County's above-average rate, overassessment can significantly impact household costs, especially on lower-valued rural properties. A formal assessment appeal is worth exploring if your property has lost value or your assessment hasn't been challenged recently.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Emmet County

via CostByCounty

Emmet County rents align with national norms

Emmet County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.5% sits comfortably below the national average of 14%, offering solid affordability despite modest local wages. With median household income of $65,181 (13% below the national median) and monthly rent of just $731, Emmet demonstrates that lower-income areas can still offer reasonable housing access.

Below-average rents and costs

Emmet County's median rent of $731 sits 10% below Iowa's state average of $812, while its 13.5% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.1%. The county ranks among Iowa's most affordable rental markets despite earning below-state-average incomes.

Emmet offers rural affordability advantage

Emmet's $731 rent falls between Decatur ($663) and Delaware ($743), while its median income of $65,181 outpaces Decatur ($57,146) significantly. The county delivers genuine affordability that exceeds peers like Dickinson (15.0% ratio) and Dubuque (14.9% ratio) despite lower absolute wages.

Lowest ownership costs statewide

Renters dedicate 13.5% of their $65,181 income to $731 monthly rent, while homeowners spend just 13.1% on $709 owner costs for homes valued at $106,200. Emmet County achieves Iowa's rarest combination: ownership actually costs less than renting, offering unmatched wealth-building opportunity for homebuyers.

Emmet County: rent-to-own opportunity

Moving to Emmet County unlocks a rare advantage: ownership costs ($709/month) undercut rents ($731/month), giving homebuyers an immediate financial edge. For those prioritizing wealth-building over urban amenities, Emmet's affordable ownership market represents Iowa's strongest relocation value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Emmet County

via IncomeByCounty

Emmet County moderately below national

Emmet County's median household income of $65,181 falls 13% short of the national median of $74,755, indicating economic conditions below the American average. The gap reflects agricultural and rural economic constraints typical of northwest Iowa.

Below Iowa's state average

At $65,181, Emmet County earns 7% less than Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The shortfall suggests limited diversified employment beyond traditional agriculture.

Mid-range among regional peers

Emmet County's $65,181 income falls between Dickinson County's $74,570 (the regional leader) and Decatur County's $57,146, showing moderate economic performance. The county maintains higher incomes than the most rural neighbors.

Housing costs well-controlled

With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.5%, Emmet County residents maintain excellent housing affordability, spending just 45% of the 30% standard threshold. The median home value of $106,200 is highly accessible at local income levels.

Use housing savings to build reserves

Emmet County's strong housing affordability frees up approximately $7,000 annually compared to national norms, providing genuine wealth-building capacity despite moderate baseline income. Direct these savings toward emergency reserves first, then automated investment plans for retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Emmet County

via HealthByCounty

Emmet County faces health disadvantages

Emmet County's life expectancy of 77.0 years falls below both the national average (76.4 years)—though marginally—and Iowa's state average (77.7 years). With 16.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county shows health challenges slightly below the national average of 18%.

Below-average health outcomes statewide

Emmet County's life expectancy of 77.0 years trails Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 0.7 years, placing it among the weaker performers in Iowa. The county's 16.4% poor/fair health rate, while not the highest, still signals room for improvement.

Moderate provider access, lower longevity

Emmet County's 77.0-year life expectancy ranks below most of its neighbors except Des Moines and Decatur counties, despite having a solid 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. The county's 260 mental health providers per 100,000 is strong, yet the life expectancy gap suggests other barriers to health.

Uninsured rate exceeds state and regional norms

Emmet County's uninsured rate of 7.9% exceeds both the state average (5.7%) and most neighboring counties, leaving nearly 8% of residents without healthcare coverage. While the county provides 64 primary care and 260 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the uninsured population struggles to access them.

Emmet County, coverage is urgent

With 7.9% uninsured—above state average—Emmet residents need coverage now. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-855-336-8930 to explore plans; many are affordable with subsidies, and coverage directly improves your access to the primary and mental health providers your county offers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Emmet County

via RiskByCounty

Emmet County: Low Risk, Northern Iowa Safety

Emmet County scores 42.75 on the composite risk scale, placing it "Very Low" and roughly aligned with Iowa's state average of 39.68. Tornado exposure at 43.19 is the county's highest individual hazard but remains below state norms, while flood (20.42), wildfire (23.82), and earthquake (5.18) risks all score as minimal. Hurricane risk data is unavailable, but other indicators suggest Emmet is among Iowa's safer counties overall.

Below-Average Risk in Iowa Landscape

Emmet County ranks in Iowa's lower half for disaster risk, with its 42.75 composite score slightly above the state average but well below high-risk counties like Dubuque and Dallas. Tornado risk at 43.19 is the only category exceeding state norms, while all other hazards score notably below average. This balanced, low-exposure profile positions Emmet among Iowa's safer counties for residents and property.

Safest Northern Iowa County Profile

Emmet County's 42.75 score exceeds neighboring Dickinson (36.32) but compares favorably to Winnebago and Palo Alto counties in northern Iowa. Emmet's tornado risk at 43.19 aligns with regional patterns, while earthquake exposure at 5.18 is exceptionally low for the state. The county's compact hazard profile makes it one of northern Iowa's safer communities.

Tornado Is Emmet's Primary Consideration

Tornado risk at 43.19 is Emmet's dominant natural disaster exposure but remains well below the state average, making standard spring preparedness sufficient. Flood risk at 20.42, wildfire at 23.82, and earthquake at 5.18 present minimal practical concerns for most residents. The county's overall low-risk profile simplifies emergency planning and insurance decision-making.

Standard Preparedness Meets Your Needs

Maintain a basic family tornado plan and monitor weather alerts during spring and early summer, but Emmet's moderate tornado risk does not demand an elaborate safe room. Standard homeowner's insurance with wind and fire coverage provides adequate protection for Emmet County's risk environment. Keep trees trimmed and gutters clear as routine maintenance, and review your policy annually with your agent.

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.