Guthrie County's composite score of 71.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 43 percentile points, placing it among America's more livable counties. This reflects strong income levels and health outcomes relative to national standards.
2 / 5
Above Iowa average, strong regional performer
At 71.3, Guthrie County surpasses Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it in the upper portion of the state's 99 counties. It represents one of Iowa's more attractive options for overall livability.
3 / 5
Strong income and excellent health outcomes
Guthrie's income score of 35.6 reflects solid earning potential with median household income of $79,981, second-highest in this group. Health score of 78.6 and risk score of 73.5 provide additional stability and community wellness.
4 / 5
Housing affordability below peer-group average
Cost score of 79.0 with median home value of $163,900 indicates housing is more expensive than several alternatives here. Tax score of 65.0 is moderate, offering room for tax-efficiency improvements.
5 / 5
Suited for middle-to-upper income professionals
Guthrie County attracts established professionals and families with solid incomes seeking good health care and economic stability. If you earn a comfortable income and value strong public health and modest risk, Guthrie offers balanced livability.
Guthrie County's composite score of 71.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 43 percentile points, placing it among America's more livable counties. This reflects strong income levels and health outcomes relative to national standards.
Above Iowa average, strong regional performer
At 71.3, Guthrie County surpasses Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it in the upper portion of the state's 99 counties. It represents one of Iowa's more attractive options for overall livability.
Strong income and excellent health outcomes
Guthrie's income score of 35.6 reflects solid earning potential with median household income of $79,981, second-highest in this group. Health score of 78.6 and risk score of 73.5 provide additional stability and community wellness.
Housing affordability below peer-group average
Cost score of 79.0 with median home value of $163,900 indicates housing is more expensive than several alternatives here. Tax score of 65.0 is moderate, offering room for tax-efficiency improvements.
Suited for middle-to-upper income professionals
Guthrie County attracts established professionals and families with solid incomes seeking good health care and economic stability. If you earn a comfortable income and value strong public health and modest risk, Guthrie offers balanced livability.
Score breakdown
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🏛65
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Guthrie County's effective rate of 1.325% sits slightly below the national median of 1.57%, placing it around the 38th percentile. The median tax of $2,172 remains 19% below the national median of $2,690.
Above average for Iowa
Guthrie County ranks 61st among Iowa's 99 counties with a 1.325% effective rate slightly below the state average of 1.344%. Its median tax of $2,172 is just $12 below the state median—the closest in this analysis.
Mid-range among regional peers
Guthrie County's rate places it between Fayette County (1.316%) and Hamilton County (1.366%), making it moderate for the region. It falls above more favorable neighbors like Greene County (1.197%) and Grundy County (1.069%).
Annual tax on $163,900 home
Guthrie County's median home value of $163,900 generates an annual tax of $2,172—the highest among these eight counties. With a mortgage, homeowners pay $2,327; without, $1,976.
Appeal if assessment seems high
Guthrie County homeowners with higher tax bills should especially verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. A free appeal could save hundreds if your home is overvalued.
Guthrie County residents spend 12.3% of household income on housing, below the national average, supported by strong median incomes of $79,981. At $823 monthly rent, the cost is reasonable relative to what residents earn.
Well above average affordability in Iowa
Guthrie's 12.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Iowa's 14.1% state average, while median household income of $79,981 significantly exceeds state norms. The county ranks among Iowa's more prosperous and affordable communities.
Competitive pricing among stronger-income counties
Guthrie's median rent of $823 is highest in this county cluster, but paired with strong incomes of $79,981—second only to Grundy—the burden remains manageable at 12.3%. Guthrie residents earn enough to absorb the higher rent comfortably.
Strong income supports quality housing
Guthrie households earn $79,981 annually while dedicating $823 to rent or $958 to homeownership, leaving substantial income for other needs. The median home value of $163,900 reflects solid community investment and remains accessible to local earners.
Guthrie suits prosperous rural seekers
If you're relocating with above-average income, Guthrie County offers excellent small-town living with strong local wages and manageable housing costs. Your purchasing power here supports quality homes and community amenities.
Guthrie County's median household income of $79,981 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 7%. The county ranks among the stronger-earning communities nationwide.
Among Iowa's Top Earners
Guthrie's $79,981 median income ranks in the top tier statewide, exceeding Iowa's average of $69,830 by 14%. Per capita income of $42,898 significantly outpaces the state average of $37,136.
Second-Strongest in the Region
Guthrie's $79,981 income ranks second only to Grundy County's $83,617 in this cluster, substantially outperforming counties like Hamilton at $71,750 and Franklin at $63,648. The county's economic strength is evident.
Housing Remains Highly Affordable
Guthrie's rent-to-income ratio of 12.3% ensures housing costs stay well under one-sixth of household earnings. A median home value of $163,900 is comfortably attainable for working families earning nearly $80,000.
Build a Diversified Investment Strategy
Guthrie households with median income of $79,981 have substantial capacity to invest beyond retirement accounts. Consider real estate, index funds, and education savings to create multiple wealth streams.
Guthrie County residents live an average of 78.8 years, 1.9 years above the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing the county among America's healthier communities. With 14.5% of adults reporting poor or fair health—well below national norms—residents enjoy both longevity and strong perceived wellness. This combination suggests effective management of chronic disease and robust preventive care.
Exceeds Iowa average by over a year
Guthrie County's 78.8-year life expectancy surpasses Iowa's 77.7-year state average by 1.1 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. The 14.5% poor/fair health rate also outperforms the state, indicating residents enjoy healthier lives by multiple measures. This performance reflects advantageous health factors or healthcare investments that warrant recognition and replication.
Second-best life expectancy in region
At 78.8 years, Guthrie County trails only Grundy County (79.3 years) in regional life expectancy, outperforming all other neighbors by at least 1.6 years. Its 14.5% poor/fair health rate also ranks among the region's best, positioning Guthrie as a consistent performer in health outcomes. The county's sustained advantage suggests replicable factors worth studying for regional improvement.
Guthrie County has 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, providing reasonable access for routine care, though mental health resources (28 per 100K) are more limited. The 6.0% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average, meaning about 1 in 20 residents lack insurance—a proportion worth addressing to ensure all can access the county's care network.
Fill the coverage gap in your community
With a 6.0% uninsured rate, Guthrie County has room to improve—check if you or someone you know is unprotected and help them enroll in Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid. Full coverage for everyone strengthens community health and ensures Guthrie's strong outcomes extend to all residents.
Guthrie County's composite risk score of 26.53 sits below the national average, earning a "Very Low" risk rating. The county experiences less natural disaster exposure than typical American communities, though local tornado activity warrants attention.
Below Iowa's typical hazard level
Guthrie County scores 26.53 compared to Iowa's 39.68 state average, placing it among the safer counties statewide. The county maintains lower natural disaster risk than most of its peers across the state.
Central Iowa's moderately safe county
Guthrie County's 26.53 score ranks it safer than Fayette (50.89) and Hamilton (42.91) counties to the east, but slightly riskier than Fremont (14.98) and Grundy (13.14) to the south. It occupies the middle-safety tier in its region.
Wildfire and tornado tie for concern
Wildfire risk scores 39.09 in Guthrie County, unusually high compared to most Iowa counties and the county's primary natural hazard. Tornado risk follows at 64.12, creating a dual threat from wind-driven events requiring distinct preparedness strategies.
Manage wildfire and tornado risks
Guthrie County residents should ensure homeowners insurance explicitly covers tornado and wind damage, plus maintain defensible space around homes during fire season. Develop a tornado safety plan and stay alert to wildfire conditions during drought periods, which pose elevated seasonal risk.