With a composite score of 72.9, Fremont County surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 46 percentile points, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. This reflects balanced strength across income, health, and risk dimensions.
2 / 5
Iowa's fourth-highest livability score
Fremont's 72.9 score ranks it above Iowa's state average of 69.3, positioning it among the state's top performers. It stands out as one of Iowa's most attractive counties for overall quality of life.
3 / 5
Highest incomes and excellent health outcomes
Fremont's standout strength is income, with a score of 31.5 and median household income of $73,750—the highest in this group. Health score of 78.9 and a risk score of 85.0 round out an impressive profile of economic and physical well-being.
4 / 5
Housing costs rising but still reasonable
Cost score of 81.1 with a median home value of $147,500 indicates housing is less affordable than some peers, though still accessible compared to national standards. Tax score of 65.7 is moderate but leaves room for improvement.
5 / 5
Best for middle-class families seeking balance
Fremont County suits established families and professionals prioritizing good incomes, strong health care, and stable communities over absolute cost minimization. If you value economic security and health outcomes alongside reasonable affordability, Fremont delivers.
With a composite score of 72.9, Fremont County surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 46 percentile points, placing it among the most livable counties nationwide. This reflects balanced strength across income, health, and risk dimensions.
Iowa's fourth-highest livability score
Fremont's 72.9 score ranks it above Iowa's state average of 69.3, positioning it among the state's top performers. It stands out as one of Iowa's most attractive counties for overall quality of life.
Highest incomes and excellent health outcomes
Fremont's standout strength is income, with a score of 31.5 and median household income of $73,750—the highest in this group. Health score of 78.9 and a risk score of 85.0 round out an impressive profile of economic and physical well-being.
Housing costs rising but still reasonable
Cost score of 81.1 with a median home value of $147,500 indicates housing is less affordable than some peers, though still accessible compared to national standards. Tax score of 65.7 is moderate but leaves room for improvement.
Best for middle-class families seeking balance
Fremont County suits established families and professionals prioritizing good incomes, strong health care, and stable communities over absolute cost minimization. If you value economic security and health outcomes alongside reasonable affordability, Fremont delivers.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.