Floyd County's composite score of 69.3 matches Iowa's state average exactly and beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40 percentile points. This alignment with state benchmarks places it among America's more livable regions overall.
2 / 5
Right at Iowa's middle-ground position
At 69.3, Floyd County scores exactly at the Iowa state average, positioning it as a representative county for livability in the state. It neither leads nor lags among Iowa's 99 counties, offering a solid middle path.
3 / 5
Exceptional housing affordability and health
Floyd's standout feature is housing cost at 83.6—the lowest median gross rent in this group at $672/month—paired with a strong health score of 76.7. The effective tax rate of 1.391% remains reasonable, supporting overall residential affordability.
4 / 5
Income levels remain modest for the region
Income score of 25.5 reflects a median household income of $64,500, which is respectable but trails some neighboring counties in earning potential. Risk score of 52.3 is moderate, suggesting manageable but not negligible exposure to economic fluctuations.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious renters and starters
Floyd County appeals to renters, young families, and early-career professionals seeking the lowest possible housing costs without sacrificing health services or taxes. It offers Iowa's livability promise at an entry-level price point.
Floyd County's composite score of 69.3 matches Iowa's state average exactly and beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 40 percentile points. This alignment with state benchmarks places it among America's more livable regions overall.
Right at Iowa's middle-ground position
At 69.3, Floyd County scores exactly at the Iowa state average, positioning it as a representative county for livability in the state. It neither leads nor lags among Iowa's 99 counties, offering a solid middle path.
Exceptional housing affordability and health
Floyd's standout feature is housing cost at 83.6—the lowest median gross rent in this group at $672/month—paired with a strong health score of 76.7. The effective tax rate of 1.391% remains reasonable, supporting overall residential affordability.
Income levels remain modest for the region
Income score of 25.5 reflects a median household income of $64,500, which is respectable but trails some neighboring counties in earning potential. Risk score of 52.3 is moderate, suggesting manageable but not negligible exposure to economic fluctuations.
Ideal for cost-conscious renters and starters
Floyd County appeals to renters, young families, and early-career professionals seeking the lowest possible housing costs without sacrificing health services or taxes. It offers Iowa's livability promise at an entry-level price point.
Score breakdown
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🏛63.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Floyd County's effective tax rate of 1.391% sits slightly below the national median of 1.57%, placing it around the 40th percentile. At $1,854 annually, the median tax bill is still 31% lower than the national median of $2,690.
Slightly above Iowa's middle
Floyd County ranks 55th among Iowa's 99 counties with a 1.391% effective rate—just above the state average of 1.344%. Its median tax of $1,854 trails the state median by $306.
Highest-taxed in immediate region
Floyd County has the highest effective tax rate among its immediate neighbors, exceeding Fayette County (1.316%) and Franklin County (1.348%). Only Fremont County (1.300%) nearby carries a comparable burden.
Annual tax on $133,300 home
The median home in Floyd County is valued at $133,300, generating an annual property tax of $1,854. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,029, while those without pay $1,663.
Appeal may reduce your bill
Many Floyd County homeowners are overassessed and could appeal their valuations at no cost. Contact your county assessor to learn whether your home's assessed value aligns with current market conditions.
Floyd County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.5% sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here dedicate less income to housing than their counterparts nationwide. With a median rent of $672 and median household income of $64,500, Floyd strikes a favorable balance.
Among Iowa's most affordable counties
Floyd's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Iowa's 14.1% state average, placing it in the more affordable tier. The county delivers better housing affordability than most other Iowa communities.
Lowest rents in the regional cluster
Floyd County's median rent of $672 is the cheapest among nearby Fayette ($813), Greene ($774), and Fremont ($753) counties. Combined with strong median incomes of $64,500, Floyd offers exceptional housing value for the region.
Just 12.5% of income pays the rent
Floyd households earn a median of $64,500 annually while paying only $672 in monthly rent, leaving substantial income for other expenses. Homeowners pay $845 monthly, and the median home value of $133,300 remains accessible to local wage earners.
Floyd delivers affordability without compromise
If you're relocating to rural Iowa and affordability matters, Floyd County offers the strongest combination of low rents, decent wages, and fair home prices in this region. Your housing dollar stretches further here than in most neighboring counties.
Floyd County's median household income of $64,500 falls 14% short of the $74,755 national median. While the gap is narrower than many rural counties, it still reflects economic headwinds in Iowa's agricultural heartland.
Below Iowa's State Average
Floyd's $64,500 median income trails Iowa's state average of $69,830, though the county ranks in the middle range statewide. Per capita income of $36,221 is also slightly below the state's $37,136 average.
Competitive With Nearby Counties
Floyd's $64,500 income exceeds Fayette County's $58,764 but lags stronger neighbors like Grundy County at $83,617. The variation underscores how adjacent counties can experience different economic trajectories.
Strong Housing Affordability
Floyd boasts an impressive rent-to-income ratio of 12.5%, among the best in the region, meaning housing costs stay well below one-sixth of household earnings. A median home value of $133,300 makes homeownership realistic for most working families.
Strategic Investing Builds Long-Term Wealth
Floyd households with median earnings of $64,500 can leverage low housing costs to free up capital for investment. Starting early with employer 401(k) matches and diversified portfolios transforms modest incomes into substantial wealth over decades.
Floyd County residents have a life expectancy of 76.7 years, about 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Only 15.6% of adults report poor or fair health, which is actually favorable compared to many counties, yet the lower life expectancy suggests hidden health challenges. This paradox hints at issues like acute mortality risks that surveys don't always capture.
Below-average life expectancy for Iowa
Floyd County's 76.7-year life expectancy ranks below Iowa's 77.7-year state average, placing it among the lower-performing counties statewide. The gap of 1 year reflects persistent health disparities that affect residents' longevity compared to their peers across the state. Addressing this gap requires sustained focus on prevention and care access.
Lowest life expectancy in the region
At 76.7 years, Floyd County has the lowest life expectancy among its neighbors, trailing Fayette (77.1 years) and Hamilton (77.2 years). Despite its favorable 15.6% poor/fair health rate, the county's shorter lifespan suggests structural health risks—possibly related to industry, demographics, or healthcare infrastructure. Regional collaboration on health improvement could help lift outcomes across the area.
Strong primary care, moderate mental health access
Floyd County offers 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one of the highest ratios in the region—giving residents solid access to routine care. However, mental health resources lag at 46 providers per 100K, and a 5.1% uninsured rate means most residents can seek help, though some barriers remain for vulnerable populations.
Ensure you have health coverage now
Though Floyd County's 5.1% uninsured rate is better than state average, that still leaves roughly 1 in 20 adults without insurance protection. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact Iowa's Medicaid office to see if you qualify for free or low-cost plans and get ahead of preventive health needs.
Floyd County's composite risk score of 47.74 places it meaningfully above the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" designation overall. This reflects above-typical exposure to natural hazards for an American county, though risk remains moderate rather than acute.
Above Iowa's typical risk profile
At 47.74, Floyd County exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, ranking it in the higher-risk tier statewide. The county faces more natural disaster exposure than most of its peers across the state.
Mid-range risk in northeast Iowa
Floyd County's 47.74 score falls between Fayette County (50.89) to the south and Franklin County (21.95) to the west, placing it in a moderate-risk zone regionally. Its profile aligns with counties in the northeastern corridor facing similar weather patterns.
Tornadoes and floods lead threats
Tornado risk scores 68.00 in Floyd County, making it the primary hazard residents face regularly. Flood risk at 56.27 and wildfire risk at 28.85 create a layered threat environment requiring diverse preparedness strategies.
Secure tornado and flood coverage
Floyd County residents need comprehensive homeowners insurance covering tornado and wind damage, plus flood insurance available through the National Flood Insurance Program. Consider a storm shelter or reinforced safe room given tornado risk near 68, and ensure gutters and drainage systems manage heavy rainfall.