countyscore
60.2
County Score
Health 86.1Income & Jobs 83.8Lawn Care 78.7

County Report Card

About Guthrie County, Iowa

Highly Competitive National Ranking

Guthrie County’s composite score of 60.2 puts it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of functionality and quality of life for its residents. It serves as a great example of a high-performing rural-suburban hybrid county.

Beating the State Average

Guthrie County outpaces the Iowa state average of 55.6, proving itself to be a desirable destination within the region. Its proximity to Des Moines likely helps bolster its economic and health scores. It stands as a robust choice for anyone looking to relocate within Iowa.

High Earnings and Healthy Living

The county boasts an impressive Income Score of 83.8 and a Health Score of 86.1. Median household income is high for the region at $79,981, and safety is strong with a score of 77.7. These strengths suggest a prosperous, well-maintained community.

Water Infrastructure and Tax Burdens

Water quality is a significant outlier with a low score of 28.6, indicating a clear area for infrastructure improvement. Additionally, the Tax Score of 19.8 reflects an effective rate of 1.325%, which is a hurdle for some. Addressing water systems is the most urgent priority for local officials.

Perfect for Prospering Professionals

Guthrie County is a fantastic fit for high-earning professionals who want a safe, healthy environment near urban centers. While home water filtration may be a necessary investment, the high quality of life elsewhere more than compensates. It is a community on the rise with strong economic fundamentals.

2040608010019.845.977.786.168.383.873.528.646.1Tax19.8Cost45.9Safety77.7Health86.1Schools68.3Income83.8Risk73.5Water28.6Weather46.160.2/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Guthrie County DNA

Doverall

How Guthrie County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Guthrie County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (86.1/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (19.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.8-32.2
Cost
45.9
Safety
77.7+22.700000000000003
Health
86.1+36.099999999999994
Schools
68.3+14.299999999999997
Income
83.8+32.8
Risk
73.5+26.5
Water
28.6-29.4
Weather
46.1-9.899999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Guthrie County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$163,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$823/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$163,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,981/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

47.0

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
Compare Guthrie County with Jackson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
Colorado
Median income: $41,809
60.2
Bradford County
Florida
Median income: $59,740
60.2
Allamakee County
Iowa
Median income: $66,000
60.2
Delaware County
Iowa
Median income: $76,205
60.2
Franklin County
Mississippi
Median income: $45,618
60.2
Smith County
Mississippi
Median income: $51,396
60.2
Ozark County
Missouri
Median income: $42,329
60.2
Prairie County
Montana
Median income: $45,192
60.2

Nearby counties

Audubon County
Iowa
59.7
Adair County
Iowa
62.5
Dallas County
Iowa
42
Greene County
Iowa
58.4
Carroll County
Iowa
61.5
Cass County
Iowa
42.7
Madison County
Iowa
58.6
Shelby County
Iowa
66.5

Deep Dives

Guthrie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Guthrie County

via TaxByCounty

Guthrie's taxes slightly below national

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Guthrie County

via CostByCounty

Guthrie County balances high income and cost

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Guthrie County

via IncomeByCounty

Guthrie Exceeds National Income Median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Guthrie County

via CrimeByCounty

Guthrie County Outperforms National Safety

Guthrie County's total crime rate of 527.4 per 100K is far below the national average of 2,385.5. This results in an excellent safety score of 99.2.

One of Iowa’s Safest Counties

Guthrie County’s safety score of 99.2 is significantly higher than the Iowa state average of 98.3. It consistently ranks as a low-crime area for families and businesses.

Low Crime Compared to Regional Peers

Guthrie's rate of 527.4 is lower than Greene County’s 625.0 and Floyd County’s 871.8. It is one of the quietest counties in the region for criminal activity.

Exceptional Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate of 47.1 per 100K is among the lowest in the state, well below Iowa’s 216.5 average. Property crime is also modest at 480.3 per 100K.

Staying Safe in Guthrie County

With such low violent crime, property awareness remains the primary focus. Standard home security measures like deadbolts and alarm stickers can further discourage intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Guthrie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad View of Guthrie's Schools

Nine public schools support 1,919 students in Guthrie County, distributed across three districts. The system includes four elementary schools and three high schools to ensure coverage across the county's landscape.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county's 95.7% graduation rate is a major highlight, significantly exceeding state and national averages. Despite the lowest per-pupil spending on this list at $7,252, Guthrie maintains a strong 57.1 school score.

Panorama and Guthrie Center Districts

Panorama Community School District is the largest with 691 students, while Guthrie Center serves 470 students. The county does not currently offer any charter school options within its three districts.

Exclusively Rural and Appropriately Sized

All nine schools are situated in rural locales, providing an average school size of 213 students. Panorama Elementary is the largest at 317 students, while Guthrie Center High School hosts a modest 215 students.

Efficiency and Excellence for Homeowners

Guthrie County proves that high performance doesn't require high spending, making it a smart choice for families. Explore residential options near Panorama or Guthrie Center for a high-value educational experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Guthrie County

via RiskByCounty

Guthrie faces below-average US risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Guthrie County

via WaterByCounty

Urgent Compliance Challenges in Guthrie

Guthrie County holds an 'F' grade for drinking water, with five health violations recorded over the last five years. The violation rate of 73.1 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the state average of 25.9. This indicates significant recurring issues with Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

Watershed Assessment Data Missing

The water bodies within Guthrie County have not yet been assessed under federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. Because these waters are not included in the current ATTAINS cycle, we cannot determine the share of impaired lakes or streams. This adds uncertainty to the county's already challenged water profile.

Monitoring for Toxins and Nutrients

Nine monitoring sites are active in the county, providing 713 measurements in the last five years. Beyond standard physical and nutrient tracking, there is a specific focus on cyanotoxins and phytotoxins. These readings help detect hazardous biological conditions in local water sources.

Middle Raccoon River Flow is Low

The Middle Raccoon River at Panora is currently flowing at 171 cfs, which is just 63% of its long-term mean. This reduced flow for the 440-square-mile drainage area can affect the concentration of contaminants. Low river levels often complicate the treatment process for local water utilities.

Take Action on Drinking Water Safety

Given the 'F' grade and high violation rate, Guthrie County residents should proactively review their annual Consumer Confidence Reports and consider home filtration. The Middle Raccoon River's low flow (63% of typical) may exacerbate existing treatment challenges. Stay alert for local advisories regarding both tap water and potential toxins in natural water bodies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Guthrie County

via WeatherByCounty

A moderate Midwestern temperature profile

Guthrie County’s 48.4°F annual average is slightly warmer than many of its northern peers but remains below the national median. It receives a healthy 37.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Typical Iowa warmth and rain

Guthrie County is slightly warmer than the state average of 48.0°F. Its 37.1 inches of annual precipitation also exceeds the Iowa state average of 36.1 inches.

Milder than the northern tier

The county is significantly warmer than Hamilton County, which sits at 46.1°F. It experiences 21 days of extreme heat, similar to its neighbor Greene County's 19 days.

Warm summers and cold Januaries

July averages 74.1°F, and the county sees 21 days of extreme heat above 90°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, the January average of 19.6°F indicates cold, snowy winters.

Focus on summer cooling needs

High summer temperatures require reliable air conditioning, especially during the 21 days of extreme heat. Homeowners should also prepare for winter lows that average 23.0°F across the season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Guthrie County

via SoilByCounty

Guthrie County's Acidic Alfisols

Guthrie County features Alfisols with a pH of 6.25, placing it on the more acidic side of the Iowa spectrum. Despite this, the land earns a high soil score of 75.8, beating the state average by nearly three points.

Unique Loamy Sand Blend

The dominant texture is Loamy Sand, consisting of 23.9% sand and a high 49.7% silt content. This blend offers a unique combination of easy cultivation and strong moisture-holding potential.

Above-Average Fertility and Water

Organic matter is strong at 4.18%, which is well above the 3.81% state average. The available water capacity of 0.199 in/in provides an exceptional moisture buffer during the peak of the growing season.

Excessive Drainage for Fast Runoff

Classified as excessively drained and part of Hydrologic Group A, this soil moves water extremely quickly. This makes it a great choice for construction but requires gardeners to keep a close eye on watering.

A Garden Ready for Zone 5a

Zone 5a gardeners will find success with root vegetables and grains that prefer well-drained conditions. Grab your tools and start planting in this high-fertility Iowa soil today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Guthrie County

via LawnByCounty

Turf Care in Guthrie County

Guthrie County has a lawn difficulty score of 78.7, outperforming the state average and the national median. As a zone 5a county, it is a great place for cool-season varieties to flourish. You can expect high success rates with standard lawn care practices.

Managing the Summer Heat

With 21 days over 90°F, Guthrie experiences more summer heat than the Iowa average of 16 days. However, the 37.1 inches of annual precipitation helps offset this heat stress. Homeowners should focus on deep watering to keep lawns hydrated during those 21 hot days.

Guthrie's Excessively Drained Soils

The county features loamy sand that is classified as excessively drained. This means your lawn will dry out faster than in other counties, requiring more frequent monitoring. The 6.25 pH provides a healthy chemical balance for most turfgrass species.

Preparing for Drier Conditions

Guthrie County is currently 38.1% abnormally dry, with 7 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. Given the sandy, fast-draining soil, irrigation is more critical here during dry weeks than in clay-heavy regions. Focus on adding organic matter like compost to improve water retention.

Best Grasses for Fast Drainage

A mix of Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass works well to handle Guthrie's heat and drainage. Seeding should occur after the May 2nd frost to ensure the soil has warmed enough. The growing season ends relatively early with a first frost on October 3rd.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Guthrie County's county score?
Guthrie County, Iowa has a composite county score of 60.2 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 Guthrie County rank among counties in Iowa?
Guthrie County ranks #36 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 Guthrie County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Guthrie County is $2,172, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Guthrie County a tax score of 19.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Guthrie County?
The median household income in Guthrie County, Iowa is $79,981 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Guthrie County earns an income score of 83.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Guthrie County, Iowa a good place to live?
Guthrie County scores 60.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Guthrie 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 Guthrie 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.