countyscore
58.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 85Health 84.1

County Report Card

About Fremont County, Iowa

Outpacing the National Average

Fremont County earns a composite score of 58.6, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it as a solid choice for Americans looking for a balanced lifestyle. It manages to deliver quality services while keeping the overall cost of living manageable.

Rising Above the State Median

With a score of 58.6, Fremont County stands above the Iowa state average of 55.6. It ranks well among its peers in the southwestern corner of the state, particularly in terms of health and environmental risk. This makes it a standout choice for Iowans looking for a stable rural community.

Resilient Environment and Strong Incomes

Fremont County excels in risk management with a Risk Score of 85.0 and maintains a high Health Score of 84.1. Household earnings are robust, with an Income Score of 75.1 and a median income of $73,750. These metrics indicate a prosperous population with great access to wellness resources.

Taxes and Local Safety Concerns

The Tax Score of 20.8 reflects an effective rate of 1.300%, posing a moderate burden on residents. Safety is the county's lowest-scoring dimension at 49.9, suggesting a need for increased community investment. Addressing local crime and property concerns is the next step for this otherwise thriving area.

Perfect for Wellness-Focused Professionals

Fremont County is best suited for middle-income professionals who value health outcomes and a low risk of natural disasters. With homes averaging $147,500, it remains very accessible for families seeking a stable rural life. It offers a great mix of high earnings and environmental peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax20.8Cost57.1Safety49.9Health84.1Schools68.8Income75.1Risk85Water86Weather48.8
🏛20.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤84.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓68.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Fremont County?

Many homeowners in Fremont County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Fremont County with Conecuh County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Conecuh County
Alabama
Median income: $42,266
58.7
Wrangell City and Borough
Alaska
Median income: $64,545
58.7
Wilcox County
Georgia
Median income: $48,036
58.7
Randolph County
Illinois
Median income: $68,870
58.7
Estill County
Kentucky
Median income: $43,905
58.7
Rowan County
Kentucky
Median income: $53,657
58.7
Morrill County
Nebraska
Median income: $59,773
58.7
Saunders County
Nebraska
Median income: $89,395
58.7

Nearby counties

Otoe County
Nebraska
49.3
Mills County
Iowa
46.7
Atchison County
Missouri
58.3
Cass County
Nebraska
53.6
Nemaha County
Nebraska
57.7
Page County
Iowa
52.7
Sarpy County
Nebraska
44.9
Montgomery County
Iowa
53.5

Deep Dives

Fremont County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fremont County

via TaxByCounty

Fremont well below national burden

Fremont County's 1.300% effective rate ranks around the 33rd percentile nationally, well below the 1.57% median. The median annual tax of $1,918 represents just 71% of the national median of $2,690.

Iowa's friendliest tax environment

Fremont County ranks 17th among Iowa's 99 counties with the lowest effective tax rate of 1.300%, significantly below the state average of 1.344%. Its median tax of $1,918 trails the state median by $242.

Among the region's best rates

Fremont County offers the second-lowest effective rate in its region, beating Fayette County (1.316%) and most neighbors except Greene County (1.197%). Its tax burden is competitive across southwest Iowa.

Tax on $147,500 median home

The median Fremont County home is valued at $147,500, generating an annual tax bill of $1,918. With a mortgage, homeowners pay $2,074; without, $1,755.

Even here, appeals work

Despite Fremont's favorable rates, overassessment still affects some homeowners—and appealing your assessment costs nothing. Review your assessed value against comparable recent sales; if the numbers don't match, file an appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fremont County

via CostByCounty

Fremont County balances income and housing

Fremont County residents spend 12.3% of household income on rent, slightly below the national average and well-managed given strong median incomes of $73,750. At $753 monthly, the median rent is reasonable compared to national housing costs.

Better than average affordability statewide

Fremont's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Iowa's 14.1% state average while the county boasts above-average household incomes. Fremont combines solid earnings with manageable housing costs.

Mid-range rent among nearby counties

Fremont's median rent of $753 falls between the cheaper options (Franklin at $649, Floyd at $672) and pricier neighbors (Greene at $774, Fayette at $813). However, Fremont's stronger incomes of $73,750 make housing more affordable proportionally.

Strong incomes support housing costs

Fremont households earn $73,750 annually while dedicating $753 to rent or $909 to homeownership—reasonable percentages for the income level. The median home value of $147,500 remains within reach for households with these earnings.

Fremont suits higher-income relocators

If you earn above-median income and seek small-town Iowa living, Fremont offers good housing value and strong local incomes. The county delivers balanced affordability without sacrificing home quality or community stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fremont County

via IncomeByCounty

Fremont Nearly Matches National Median

Fremont County's median household income of $73,750 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, placing it among Iowa's stronger-earning communities. The county's economic performance rivals many national benchmarks.

Above Average in Iowa

Fremont's $73,750 median income exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830, ranking it in the upper tier of Iowa counties. Per capita income of $39,761 also surpasses the state average of $37,136.

Strong Earner in Southwest Iowa

Fremont's $73,750 income positions it among the stronger counties in this regional cluster, outpaced only by Grundy County's $83,617 and Guthrie County's $79,981. The county's performance reflects robust economic activity.

Solid Housing Affordability

Fremont's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% keeps housing costs manageable for most households. With a median home value of $147,500, homeownership requires discipline but remains achievable for working families.

Higher Income Enables Aggressive Investing

Fremont households earning $73,750 are well-positioned to maximize retirement contributions and build diversified investment portfolios. Taking advantage of employer matches and tax-advantaged accounts can accelerate wealth accumulation substantially.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fremont County

via CrimeByCounty

Fremont County Safety in a National Lens

Fremont County reports a total crime rate of 1129.7 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a respectable safety score of 98.2.

Interpreting Local Data Trends

The county's safety score of 98.2 is almost equal to the state average of 98.3. Because only one agency reported data, these numbers should be interpreted with some caution.

How Fremont Compares to Nearby Areas

Fremont's crime rate of 1129.7 is higher than Guthrie County's 527.4. It represents a more active area compared to the extremely low rates found in Franklin and Grundy.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 888.7 per 100K, while violent crime stands at 241.0. While property crime is well below national levels, the violent crime rate is slightly higher than Iowa's 216.5 average.

Proactive Security for Fremont Homeowners

Installing a security system can provide peace of mind in areas with higher property crime activity. Staying connected with neighbors through local watch programs also helps deter crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fremont County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy below U.S. average but improving

Fremont County residents live 76.3 years on average, about 2.6 years shy of the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years. Only 13.2% of adults report poor or fair health—one of the best rates in the region—suggesting residents perceive themselves as relatively healthy despite the lower lifespan. This disconnect may reflect undiagnosed chronic conditions or sudden mortality risks like accidents or suicide.

Below state average but solid health perceptions

Fremont County's 76.3-year life expectancy trails Iowa's 77.7-year average by 1.4 years, though its 13.2% poor/fair health rate places it among the state's better performers. This mismatch suggests residents maintain relatively good health behaviors or access preventive care, even if underlying mortality risks persist. Continued focus on health maintenance could help narrow the life expectancy gap.

Regional health performance varies widely

Fremont's 76.3-year life expectancy is slightly above Franklin County (75.9 years) but trails most other neighbors, while its 13.2% poor/fair health rate is among the region's best. The county represents a mixed picture: residents report good health subjectively, but objective lifespan measures lag, hinting at hidden risks or acute events rather than chronic disease burden.

Limited primary care, low uninsured rate

Fremont County has only 15 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below the regional average, yet a strong 4.7% uninsured rate (the lowest in the region) suggests most residents can access care when they find it. Mental health providers at 31 per 100K are also sparse, potentially leaving residents with emotional health needs underserved despite adequate insurance coverage.

Keep coverage strong for your family

With just 4.7% of Fremont County residents uninsured—the lowest rate in the region—most households already have insurance protection. Maintain your coverage by reviewing your plan each year at Healthcare.gov and report any life changes to ensure your family stays protected against unexpected health costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fremont County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Excellence in Fremont County

Fremont County serves 1,155 students through eight public schools across three districts. The landscape is unique, consisting of three high schools and three elementary schools for a relatively small student population.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the 87% national average. A school score of 57.1 puts the county ahead of state averages, despite a leaner per-pupil spend of $7,438.

Sidney and Fremont-Mills Districts Drive Success

The Sidney Community School District is the largest, enrolling 512 students, followed closely by Fremont-Mills with 469 students. One charter school operates in the county, making up 12.5% of the total school count.

An Entirely Rural School Experience

Every single school in Fremont County is classified as rural, offering students an average school size of just 144. Sidney Elementary is the largest school with 283 students, while Marnie Simons Elementary serves only 99 children.

Find Your Home Near Top-Tier Schools

Fremont County is a standout for families seeking small class sizes and exceptional 95% graduation rates. Explore rural properties to enjoy a high-performing education system in a quiet setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fremont County

via RiskByCounty

Fremont County ranks among safest

Fremont County's composite risk score of 14.98 places it far below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk designation. The county is among America's safest for natural disaster exposure, with minimal hazard exposure overall.

Iowa's lowest-risk county tier

Fremont County scores 14.98 against Iowa's 39.68 state average, ranking it in the state's safest cohort. The county has substantially lower natural disaster risk than virtually all other Iowa counties.

Southwest Iowa's safest county

Fremont County's 14.98 score is the lowest or tied lowest in its region, including versus Guthrie County (26.53) to the north and Greene County (31.77) to the east. Its position in southwest Iowa puts it away from major storm corridors.

Wildfire and tornado, but minor

Wildfire risk is Fremont County's highest threat at 36.83, followed by tornado risk at 45.67—both modest by national standards. The county faces virtually no hurricane risk (0.00) and minimal earthquake exposure at 13.33.

Basic coverage meets local needs

Fremont County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without specialized additions for flood or hurricane coverage. A simple tornado safety plan and awareness of wildfire conditions during dry seasons provide adequate protection for this very low-risk area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fremont County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the Iowa norm

Fremont County averages 50.7°F annually, which is much closer to the national median than its northern neighbors. The area receives 34.2 inches of annual precipitation, making it slightly drier than the U.S. average.

One of Iowa's warmest counties

Fremont's 50.7°F average temperature is significantly higher than the state average of 48.0°F. It is one of the few Iowa counties to average over 50 degrees annually.

Milder winters than Central Iowa

Compared to Guthrie County's 48.4°F average, Fremont is notably warmer at 50.7°F. It also sees far less snow than northern counties, recording only 22.3 inches annually.

Hot summers and lighter snow

Summers are intense here, with 24 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are milder than the rest of the state, with a January average of 22.8°F and only 22.3 inches of snow.

Invest in heavy-duty cooling

Due to the 24 days of extreme heat, a high-performance air conditioning system is a critical investment. Residents can expect shorter winter heating seasons compared to northern Iowa counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fremont County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Clay-Rich Mollisols

Fremont County soil scores a 76.6, well above the Iowa state average of 72.9. These Mollisols have a pH of 6.75, making them slightly more alkaline than the national average.

Dense Silty Clay Composition

The dominant texture is Silty Clay, featuring 57.3% silt and 26.8% clay. With only 15.0% sand, this soil is exceptionally good at holding onto nutrients and binding together.

Top-Tier Water Retention

Fremont County has an available water capacity of 0.206 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.195 in/in. Even with organic matter at 3.66%, the high clay and silt content create a resilient sponge for your plants.

Slow Drainage Challenges

Classified as poorly drained and in Hydrologic Group D, these soils move water very slowly. While this requires careful management for farming, it provides a stable water source during drier summers.

Warm Summer Success in Zone 5b

As a Zone 5b region, Fremont County is perfect for heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers. Take advantage of the high water capacity and start your vegetable garden this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fremont County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Heat in Fremont County

Fremont County has a lawn difficulty score of 72.3, which is slightly below the state average of 77.2. Falling into hardiness zone 5b, it experiences warmer conditions that require more attention than northern neighbors. However, it still remains far easier to manage than the national median of 50.0.

Higher Heat Requires Vigilance

With 24 extreme heat days, Fremont exceeds the state average of 16 days significantly. The 34.2 inches of annual precipitation is also lower than the state average, meaning supplemental watering is often necessary. Mowing heights should be kept higher during the peak of summer to shade the soil.

Working with Silty Clay

The soil is classified as poorly drained silty clay with a high clay content of 26.8%. While the 6.75 pH is excellent for turf, the drainage class means you must avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Aeration is highly recommended for these heavier soil types.

Drought Challenges in the South

Fremont County spent 21 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. Efficient irrigation is critical; water early in the morning to reduce evaporation. Focus on building organic matter in your soil to improve its water-holding capacity.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties Work Best

Tall Fescue is a great choice here because it handles the 24 annual heat days better than Bluegrass. You have a longer window to grow with a late frost of October 19th. Start seeding projects as soon as the spring frost risk ends around April 19th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fremont County's county score?
Fremont County, Iowa has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Fremont County rank among counties in Iowa?
Fremont County ranks #47 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 Fremont County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Fremont County is $1,918, with an effective tax rate of 1.30%. This earns Fremont County a tax score of 20.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fremont County?
The median household income in Fremont County, Iowa is $73,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fremont County earns an income score of 75.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fremont County, Iowa a good place to live?
Fremont County scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Fremont 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 Fremont County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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