countyscore
69.1
County Score
Health 93.5Safety 88Income & Jobs 87.4

County Report Card

About Grundy County, Iowa

An Elite National Standard

Grundy County earns an exceptional composite score of 69.1, placing it in the top tier of all US counties. This score is nearly 20 points higher than the national median of 50.0. It is a powerhouse of livability that rivals the best places to live in the entire country.

One of Iowa’s Premier Locations

With a score of 69.1, Grundy County easily surpasses the Iowa state average of 55.6. It is a standout leader in the state, offering metrics that most other Iowa counties strive to reach. It combines economic prosperity with a very high level of public safety.

Health, Wealth, and Security

Grundy County thrives with a Health Score of 93.5 and an Income Score of 87.4, driven by a $83,617 median income. Safety is equally high at 88.0, and the county is very resilient with a Risk Score of 86.9. These numbers represent a community that is safe, wealthy, and healthy.

Housing Costs and Tax Rates

The primary challenge is the higher entry price for housing, with a Cost Score of 49.6 and median home values at $180,500. While the Tax Score of 33.2 is better than many, the tax burden remains a factor for new residents. Maintaining this high quality of life requires a higher financial commitment from homeowners.

The Gold Standard for Families

Grundy County is the premier choice for families who want the best health outcomes and the safest streets Iowa has to offer. High earners will find a like-minded community with excellent schools and infrastructure. It is a top-tier destination for those who can afford the slightly higher home prices.

2040608010033.249.68893.570.787.486.98650.4Tax33.2Cost49.6Safety88Health93.5Schools70.7Income87.4Risk86.9Water86Weather50.469.1/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Grundy County DNA

C-overall

How Grundy County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Grundy County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (93.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.2-18.799999999999997
Cost
49.6
Safety
88+33
Health
93.5+43.5
Schools
70.7+16.700000000000003
Income
87.4+36.400000000000006
Risk
86.9+39.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
50.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$180,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$777/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$180,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,617/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Counties with similar scores

San Juan County
Colorado
Median income: $73,889
69.1
McCreary County
Kentucky
Median income: $37,355
69.1
Marshall County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,701
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Wahkiakum County
Washington
Median income: $57,091
69.1
Harlan County
Nebraska
Median income: $70,536
69
Pembina County
North Dakota
Median income: $66,884
69
Van Buren County
Tennessee
Median income: $60,281
69
Mineral County
Colorado
Median income: $52,455
69.2

Nearby counties

Tama County
Iowa
56.6
Black Hawk County
Iowa
40.7
Butler County
Iowa
62.1
Hardin County
Iowa
48.1
Marshall County
Iowa
42
Bremer County
Iowa
58.6
Franklin County
Iowa
65.5
Benton County
Iowa
56

Deep Dives

Grundy County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grundy County

via TaxByCounty

Grundy offers exceptional tax savings

At 1.069%, Grundy County has one of the lowest effective tax rates in the nation, ranking in the top 5% nationally. The median tax bill of $1,929 is just 72% of the national median of $2,690.

Second-lowest rate in all Iowa

Grundy County ranks 2nd among Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.069%—0.275 percentage points below the state average. Its median tax of $1,929 remains $231 below the state median despite higher property values.

Region's standout tax advantage

Grundy County's 1.069% rate beats all nearby counties decisively, including Greene County (1.197%) and Fayette County (1.316%). It offers the region's most aggressive tax advantage.

Tax on $180,500 median home

Despite having one of the region's highest median home values at $180,500, Grundy County residents pay just $1,929 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill is $2,049; without, $1,804.

Verify your assessment's accuracy

Grundy County's low rates don't guarantee every homeowner is accurately assessed; overvaluation can happen anywhere. Request a free assessment appeal if you believe your home's value doesn't reflect the current market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grundy County

via CostByCounty

Grundy County boasts strong affordability

Grundy County residents spend just 11.2% of household income on rent—the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below the national average. With median household incomes of $83,617, Grundy combines the region's highest earnings with reasonable housing costs.

Among Iowa's most affordable and wealthiest

Grundy's 11.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Iowa's 14.1% state average, and the county's median income of $83,617 exceeds the national median by $9,000. Grundy delivers excellent affordability paired with strong earning power.

Highest incomes, strong affordability edge

Grundy's median income of $83,617 tops all nearby counties, while its 11.2% rent-to-income ratio remains among the best in the region. Though median rent of $777 is mid-range regionally, Grundy residents earn enough to make it comfortably affordable.

Affluence enables housing flexibility

Grundy households earn $83,617 annually—the highest in this county group—while paying $777 in rent or $1,004 for homeownership. The median home value of $180,500 reflects the county's relative prosperity, and residents' strong incomes make it accessible.

Grundy: prosperity meets affordability

If you're relocating and earning above-median income, Grundy County offers the best overall value: highest local wages, lowest housing burden, and strong community stability. Your financial situation improves fastest in this county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grundy County

via IncomeByCounty

Grundy Leads Region in Income

Grundy County's median household income of $83,617 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 12%. The county ranks among Iowa's most prosperous communities by household earnings.

Top Earner in Iowa

Grundy's $83,617 median income ranks among the highest in Iowa, surpassing the state average of $69,830 by nearly 20%. Per capita income of $39,565 also exceeds the state average of $37,136.

Regional Income Leader

Grundy's $83,617 income outpaces all neighboring counties in this cluster, including Guthrie at $79,981 and Fremont at $73,750. The county's strong earnings reflect robust industrial and agricultural economic activity.

Excellent Housing-to-Income Ratio

Grundy's rent-to-income ratio of 11.2% is the lowest in the region, providing substantial breathing room in household budgets. A median home value of $180,500 remains affordable given the county's strong incomes.

Maximize Wealth-Building Opportunities

Grundy households earning $83,617 should aggressively fund retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and education savings to capitalize on their income advantage. Maxing out 401(k) contributions and exploring additional investment vehicles compounds wealth significantly.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grundy County

via CrimeByCounty

Grundy County Among the Nation's Safest

Grundy County reports a total crime rate of only 259.1 per 100K, nearly ten times lower than the national average. It earns an elite safety score of 99.6.

A Top-Tier Safety Rating in Iowa

With a safety score of 99.6, Grundy County far exceeds the Iowa state average of 98.3. It is one of the most secure counties in the entire state.

Setting the Standard for the Region

Grundy’s crime rate of 259.1 is the lowest among this group, beating even Franklin’s low 389.4. It offers a much quieter environment than neighboring Floyd or Hamilton.

Remarkably Low Crime Across the Board

Violent crime is very low at 81.0 per 100K, while property crime is just 178.1. These figures are a fraction of both state and national averages.

Preserve the Peace in Grundy

Maintaining the county’s high safety score is a community effort. Simple measures like porch lighting and neighborly check-ins keep property crime at these record lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Grundy County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural Schooling in Grundy

Grundy County provides 11 public schools for 2,350 students across three districts. This robust infrastructure features five elementary schools and four high schools to serve the region's youth.

Exceptional Graduation and High Scores

Grundy County reaches a stellar 95.8% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and well above the 87% national mark. Efficiency is key here, as the county achieves a 57.5 school score while spending $7,417 per pupil.

Dike-New Hartford Leads Three Key Districts

The Dike-New Hartford Community School District is the largest, managing four schools and 945 students. Grundy Center and Gladbrook-Reinbeck districts also play significant roles, with no charter schools currently in the county.

Deeply Rural with Small School Comforts

Every school in the county is rural, fostering a community-centric feel with an average size of 214 students. Dike Elementary is the largest campus with 312 students, ensuring personalized attention is a standard across the county.

Top-Ranked Schools for Peace of Mind

If graduation rates are your top priority, Grundy County’s 95.8% mark makes it a premier destination. Invest in a home here to give your children access to some of the state's most successful rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grundy County

via RiskByCounty

Grundy County ranks exceptionally safe

Grundy County's composite risk score of 13.14 places it among the lowest-risk counties nationwide, earning a "Very Low" designation. The county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to most American communities.

Iowa's safest risk profile

Grundy County scores 13.14 against Iowa's 39.68 state average, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. The county enjoys substantially lower natural hazard exposure than nearly all other Iowa counties.

One of region's safest areas

Grundy County's 13.14 score ties it with Fremont County (14.98) as among the lowest-risk counties in central-eastern Iowa. It ranks safer than all nearby counties including Franklin (21.95) and Fayette (50.89).

Tornado risk dominates minimal threats

Tornado risk is Grundy County's highest hazard at 34.76, though even this ranks low nationally. Flood risk at 14.19 and wildfire at 8.05 complete a hazard profile that ranks among America's safest.

Standard insurance suffices here

Grundy County residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance coverage without needing specialized flood or additional wind policies. Maintain a basic tornado safety plan, but the county's low hazard exposure means emergency preparedness is straightforward compared to most regions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Grundy County

via WaterByCounty

High Compliance in Grundy County

Grundy County maintains an 'A' water quality grade with zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is much better than the Iowa state average of 25.9. Local water systems are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Watershed Impairments Not Yet Evaluated

There is currently no data for Grundy County regarding impaired water bodies under Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No water bodies in the county have been covered in the federal ATTAINS reporting cycle yet. This leaves the broader health of local watersheds as an unknown factor.

Limited Monitoring Records Available

There are no water-quality monitoring records currently listed in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal for Grundy County over the past five years. The absence of federal data suggests a potential gap in tracking environmental water trends. Local assessments may be occurring but are not reflected in the national database.

No Live Streamflow Gauges

Grundy County lacks a primary USGS streamgage to provide live flow data for its local waterways. Without this information, it is difficult to determine if current river levels are above or below the long-term mean. In the absence of flow data, drinking water compliance remains the most reliable indicator for residents.

Rely on System Compliance Data

Because there is a lack of federal monitoring and streamflow data for Grundy County, residents should lean on the county’s perfect drinking water compliance record. Without local watershed assessments, it is wise to participate in community water testing programs if available. Maintaining the current 'A' grade will require continued vigilance from local utilities.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grundy County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Grundy County averages 47.1°F annually, reflecting a cooler humid continental climate. The county receives 37.2 inches of precipitation, which is typical for the American heartland.

Slightly cooler than state average

The county's 47.1°F average is roughly one degree cooler than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. However, it is wetter than the state norm, receiving 37.2 inches of rain compared to 36.1 inches.

Warmer than Fayette and Hamilton

At 47.1°F, Grundy is notably warmer than Hamilton County’s 46.1°F. It experiences a similar snowfall level to Greene County, recording 32.0 inches annually.

Damp years and moderate summers

Grundy sees 11 days of 90°F heat during its 70.9°F average summer. Winters are cold and snowy, with a January average of 17.4°F and 32.0 inches of total snowfall.

Manage moisture and winter chill

With 37.2 inches of annual precipitation, ensuring proper property drainage is essential. Residents should also prepare for a 20.9°F winter average with robust home heating.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grundy County

via SoilByCounty

Rich, Acidic Soil in Grundy

Grundy County has a pH of 6.28, making it more acidic than the Iowa average of 6.43. Despite the lower pH, the county maintains a solid soil score of 74.0, indicating high quality for farming.

Silt-Heavy and Smooth Texture

The soil composition is nearly half silt at 49.9%, combined with 23.2% clay. The 25.5% sand content provides just enough drainage to prevent the silty surface from compacting into a hard crust.

Elite Organic Matter Levels

At 4.84% organic matter, Grundy County is significantly richer than the average Iowa soil. While available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, the high nutrient density ensures plants have the fuel they need to thrive.

Monitoring Local Water Movement

Specific drainage and taxonomic data are limited for this area. Because the soil is nearly 50% silt, growers should focus on maintaining cover to prevent erosion and manage moisture effectively.

Bountiful Zone 5a Harvests

The local Zone 5a climate is perfect for growing everything from berries to soybeans. With such high organic matter, your soil is already optimized for an productive gardening season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grundy County

via LawnByCounty

Grundy County's Reliable Lawn Score

Grundy County earns an 80.6 lawn difficulty score, making it a very hospitable place for grass. This score is higher than the state average of 77.2 and significantly better than the national median. Zone 5a provides the perfect cool-weather foundation for lush turf.

Ideal Rainfall and Growing Temps

The annual precipitation of 37.2 inches is slightly higher than the Iowa average, reducing the need for irrigation. Only 11 heat days occur each year, keeping your grass from entering a dormant state during July and August. The 2866 growing degree days support a steady, healthy growing season.

Strong Foundation with 6.28 pH

A soil pH of 6.28 is excellent for a thriving lawn without the need for lime or sulfur. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the 23.2% clay and 25.5% sand indicate a balanced soil structure. This mix generally provides both good drainage and nutrient retention.

Staying Green Through Dry Spells

Only 7 weeks of drought were recorded in the past year, and the county currently shows 0% drought status. This means natural rainfall is usually sufficient to maintain a healthy appearance. It remains a very stable environment for those looking to avoid constant watering.

Establishing Your Grundy Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass is highly recommended for these consistent 5a conditions. Plan your seeding for early May after the April 29th frost to maximize the spring growth spurt. Ensure your lawn is prepared for winter by the first frost on October 9th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grundy County's county score?
Grundy County, Iowa has a composite county score of 69.1 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 Grundy County rank among counties in Iowa?
Grundy County ranks #3 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 Grundy County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Grundy County is $1,929, with an effective tax rate of 1.07%. This earns Grundy County a tax score of 33.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grundy County?
The median household income in Grundy County, Iowa is $83,617 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grundy County earns an income score of 87.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grundy County, Iowa a good place to live?
Grundy County scores 69.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Grundy 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 Grundy 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.