countyscore
56.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 83.3Health 79.4

County Report Card

About Floyd County, Iowa

Steady Growth Above National Norms

Floyd County earns a composite score of 56.7, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This ranking indicates that the county provides a better-than-average balance of cost and services compared to the rest of the country. It remains a stable choice for those seeking a standard of living above the baseline.

Matching Iowa’s High Standards

Floyd County slightly exceeds the Iowa state average score of 55.6. While it is competitive within the state, it maintains its own identity through strong health outcomes and affordable living. It sits comfortably in the middle of Iowa's pack of high-performing rural counties.

Exceptional Health and Affordability

The county shines with a Health Score of 79.4 and a Cost Score of 69.2, driven by a median gross rent of just $672. Clean water is a major asset here, reflected in a robust Water Score of 86.0. These strengths make it a standout for wellness-focused living.

Educational and Tax Improvements

The School Score of 46.8 suggests there is room for growth in local educational outcomes. Additionally, a Tax Score of 17.6 reflects an effective tax rate of 1.391%, which is high relative to many peers. Navigating these fiscal and academic challenges is key to the county's future growth.

Ideal for Health-Conscious Renters

Floyd County is an excellent match for residents who value high-quality healthcare and very low housing costs. With median homes valued at $133,300, it is a prime location for those entering the housing market. It offers a healthy, affordable lifestyle for retirees and young professionals alike.

2040608010017.669.262.379.446.852.152.38651Tax17.6Cost69.2Safety62.3Health79.4Schools46.8Income52.1Risk52.3Water86Weather5156.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average1 below average

Floyd County DNA

Foverall

How Floyd County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Floyd County excels in 3 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Health (79.4/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Property Tax (17.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.6-34.4
Cost
69.2+21.200000000000003
Safety
62.3
Health
79.4+29.400000000000006
Schools
46.8
Income
52.1
Risk
52.3
Water
86+28
Weather
51
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$133,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$672/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$133,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,500/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.5

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

Mitchell County
Iowa
66.2
Cerro Gordo County
Iowa
42.5
Butler County
Iowa
62.1
Chickasaw County
Iowa
66.7
Bremer County
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58.6
Worth County
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70.4
Franklin County
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65.5
Howard County
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68.1

Deep Dives

Floyd County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Floyd County

via TaxByCounty

Floyd ranks near national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Floyd County

via CostByCounty

Floyd County keeps housing costs lean

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Floyd County

via IncomeByCounty

Floyd Earns Below National Median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Floyd County

via CrimeByCounty

Floyd County Maintains High Security Standards

The county's total crime rate of 871.8 per 100K is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. Floyd County currently holds a strong safety score of 98.6.

Exceeding the Iowa Safety Average

Floyd County's safety score of 98.6 puts it ahead of the state average of 98.3. Residents enjoy a level of security that ranks well among Iowa's 99 counties.

Consistent Performance Compared to Neighbors

Floyd's crime rate of 871.8 is nearly identical to Hamilton County's 874.6. However, it sees more activity than Fayette County, which reports a much lower 543.0 rate.

Understanding the Floyd County Crime Profile

Property crime sits at 634.6 per 100K, while violent crime is 237.2. Both figures remain well below national averages, though the violent crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 216.5.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Using outdoor motion lighting can effectively deter property crimes at night. Maintaining visible security measures helps protect the low crime rates Floyd County residents value.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Floyd County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Centered in Charles City

Floyd County operates eight public schools serving 2,378 students across three districts. The system includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools to support local youth.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

Floyd County matches the national graduation rate at 87.5% and maintains a composite school score of 53.7. Local districts spend $7,704 per pupil, which is slightly above the Iowa state average of $7,591 but well below the national median.

Charles City District Dominates Enrollment

The Charles City Community School District serves 1,516 students, accounting for more than half of the county's total enrollment. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county's three districts.

Balanced Town and Rural Learning

The county features an even split between four town-based schools and four rural sites. Charles City High School is the largest facility with 534 students, while RRMR Elementary provides a smaller environment for 248 students.

Community Schools with Room to Grow

Floyd County offers a blend of town and rural school settings perfect for any lifestyle. Consider moving near Charles City for access to the county's largest educational and extracurricular programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Floyd County

via RiskByCounty

Floyd faces above-average US risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Floyd County

via WaterByCounty

Floyd County Achieves Top Water Grade

The county earns an 'A' grade for drinking water, reporting zero health-based violations over a five-year lookback. This 0.0 violation rate outpaces the state average of 25.9 per 100,000 people. Systems here demonstrate consistent compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

Unassessed Watershed Status

The federal §303(d) assessment has not yet covered the water bodies within Floyd County. Because of this, there is no official record of impaired water bodies or specific pollutant causes available for this reporting cycle. Identifying future impairment risks will require new federal or state-level assessment efforts.

Robust Monitoring at Key Sites

Despite having only three monitoring sites, the county has recorded a substantial 1,851 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and metals. This high density of readings per site offers a detailed look at inorganic water chemistry.

Cedar River Flowing Below Average

Current discharge for the Cedar River at Charles City is 516 cfs, representing 60% of its historic mean flow. The river drains a large 1,054-square-mile area, but current levels reflect a notable deficit compared to typical conditions. Lower volume often changes the aquatic environment and the transport of dissolved solids.

Monitor Trends in the Cedar River

The high volume of monitoring results for metals and nutrients provides a strong baseline for residents interested in local chemistry. Given that the Cedar River is flowing at just 60% of its typical volume, residents should be aware of potential changes in source water characteristics. Compliance is currently perfect, so prioritize protecting these high-performing systems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Floyd County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold winters define the local climate

Floyd County's annual average temperature of 46.5°F is well below the national median. The county experiences a humid continental climate with 37.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Below the Iowa thermal baseline

With an annual average of 46.5°F, Floyd County is cooler than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its 37.7 inches of annual rain is slightly higher than the state average of 36.1 inches.

Comparing North-Central Iowa trends

Floyd County is slightly warmer than neighboring Fayette County’s 46.3°F average. However, it is marginally cooler than Franklin County, which sits at 46.6°F annually.

Icy Januaries and manageable heat

January temperatures average a cold 16.6°F, contributing to 37.5 inches of annual snowfall. Extreme heat is rare, as the county typically sees only 9 days per year hitting the 90°F mark.

Prepare for significant snow accumulation

Homeowners should ensure roofs and gutters are ready for 37.5 inches of annual snow. Reliable HVAC systems are essential to navigate the 20.1°F average winter temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Floyd County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Mollisols in Floyd County

Floyd County is dominated by Mollisols with a pH of 6.58, mirroring the national median for ideal nutrient availability. This high-quality profile earns a soil score of 73.9, outperforming the state average.

Loam: The Gold Standard for Texture

The dominant texture is Loam, comprising 43.4% silt, 34.5% sand, and 21.4% clay. This balanced mix ensures the soil is easy to work while providing excellent support for root development.

Superior Organic Nutrients

Organic matter reaches 3.96% here, exceeding the Iowa state average of 3.81%. While the water capacity of 0.186 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, the rich organic content helps plants survive dry spells.

Well Drained for Farming and Building

These soils are classified as well drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B. This combination allows for moderate water transmission, making the land ideal for both intensive farming and stable building foundations.

Ideal Conditions for Zone 5a Staples

Zone 5a conditions make Floyd County a prime location for corn, soybeans, and backyard orchards. Your garden will benefit from the naturally balanced pH and excellent loamy structure.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Floyd County

via LawnByCounty

Floyd County Beats the State Average

Floyd County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 83.3, making it one of the easiest places in Iowa to maintain turf. This score far exceeds the national average of 50.0. The 5a hardiness zone is perfectly suited for resilient, cool-season grass varieties.

Favorable Temperatures for Turf

Annual precipitation of 37.7 inches sits comfortably above the state average of 36.1 inches. With only 9 days above 90°F, your lawn avoids the heavy heat stress found in southern Iowa counties. The 2754 growing degree days provide a consistent, predictable schedule for mowing and fertilization.

Rich Loam Soil Foundations

The county features well-drained loam soil with a 6.58 pH, which is near-perfect for grass. A 21.4% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming waterlogged. This balance makes it an excellent environment for deep-rooting lawn varieties.

Resilient Landscapes and Low Stress

Floyd County saw only 6 weeks of drought over the last year and currently has 0% drought coverage. This stability reduces the need for expensive irrigation systems. Standard mulching of grass clippings can further preserve soil moisture during brief dry periods.

Planting for Success in Floyd

Fine fescues and bluegrass blends are the gold standard for this region's climate. Plan your seeding projects after the April 30th frost to take advantage of the spring rains. Establishing your lawn by early October ensures it survives the first frost typically arriving on October 6th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Floyd County's county score?
Floyd County, Iowa has a composite county score of 56.7 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 Floyd County rank among counties in Iowa?
Floyd County ranks #57 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 Floyd County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Floyd County is $1,854, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Floyd County a tax score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Floyd County?
The median household income in Floyd County, Iowa is $64,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Floyd County earns an income score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Floyd County, Iowa a good place to live?
Floyd County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Floyd 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 Floyd 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.