Hamilton County's composite score of 69.5 beats the national median of 50.0 by 39 percentile points, placing it comfortably above the typical American county. This reflects solid fundamentals in income, health, and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Essentially at Iowa's average livability
At 69.5, Hamilton County closely mirrors Iowa's state average of 69.3, positioning it as a representative Iowa county. It holds its own among the state's 99 counties without major standouts or significant gaps.
3 / 5
Solid income and strong health care access
Hamilton's income score of 30.2 with median household income of $71,750 reflects respectable earning potential, while health score of 77.9 indicates good access to medical services. Tax score of 63.9 keeps overall fiscal burden manageable.
4 / 5
Risk exposure and housing costs moderate concerns
Risk score of 57.1 is the lowest in this group, suggesting greater economic vulnerability compared to peers, and cost score of 80.2 means housing is less affordable than some alternatives. Rental costs at $853/month are also higher here.
5 / 5
Good fit for risk-tolerant middle-class families
Hamilton County appeals to families with stable middle-class incomes seeking decent health services and willing to accept modest economic risks. If you prioritize good income and health access over absolute cost minimization, Hamilton delivers solid livability.
Hamilton County's composite score of 69.5 beats the national median of 50.0 by 39 percentile points, placing it comfortably above the typical American county. This reflects solid fundamentals in income, health, and tax efficiency.
Essentially at Iowa's average livability
At 69.5, Hamilton County closely mirrors Iowa's state average of 69.3, positioning it as a representative Iowa county. It holds its own among the state's 99 counties without major standouts or significant gaps.
Solid income and strong health care access
Hamilton's income score of 30.2 with median household income of $71,750 reflects respectable earning potential, while health score of 77.9 indicates good access to medical services. Tax score of 63.9 keeps overall fiscal burden manageable.
Risk exposure and housing costs moderate concerns
Risk score of 57.1 is the lowest in this group, suggesting greater economic vulnerability compared to peers, and cost score of 80.2 means housing is less affordable than some alternatives. Rental costs at $853/month are also higher here.
Good fit for risk-tolerant middle-class families
Hamilton County appeals to families with stable middle-class incomes seeking decent health services and willing to accept modest economic risks. If you prioritize good income and health access over absolute cost minimization, Hamilton delivers solid livability.
Score breakdown
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🏛63.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hamilton County's effective rate of 1.366% sits below the national median of 1.57%, placing it around the 42nd percentile. The median tax of $1,807 represents 67% of the national median of $2,690.
Slightly above Iowa average
Hamilton County ranks 62nd among Iowa's 99 counties with a 1.366% effective rate just above the state average of 1.344%. Its median tax of $1,807 falls $353 below the state median.
Mid-tier among region's counties
Hamilton County's rate ranks it between Guthrie County (1.325%) and Floyd County (1.391%), placing it in the regional middle. It significantly underperforms compared to Greene County (1.197%) and Grundy County (1.069%).
Annual tax on $132,300 home
The median Hamilton County home is valued at $132,300, generating an annual property tax of $1,807. With a mortgage, homeowners pay $1,750; without, $1,859.
Free assessments appeals available
Hamilton County homeowners should review their assessed values against current market sales—overassessment is common statewide. Filing a free appeal costs nothing and could reduce your tax bill if warranted.
Hamilton County residents spend 14.3% of household income on rent—slightly above the national average—with median incomes of $71,750. At $853 monthly, the median rent is moderate, though the income-to-cost ratio is tighter than ideal.
Slightly above average for Iowa
Hamilton's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, positioning it near the statewide middle ground. The county ranks in the moderate affordability band across Iowa's counties.
Mid-range costs among the eight counties
Hamilton's median rent of $853 ranks mid-high regionally, slightly above Fayette ($813) but lower than only Guthrie ($823) and above all others. However, Hamilton's median income of $71,750 is competitive, making the housing burden manageable.
Solid income supports moderate housing
Hamilton households earn $71,750 annually while paying $853 in rent or $846 for homeownership, with median home values of $132,300. The ratio is reasonable for the income level, though renters dedicate a noticeable share to housing.
Hamilton offers middle-ground affordability
If you're relocating to rural Iowa with near-median income, Hamilton County delivers balanced affordability without the premium costs of Guthrie or Grundy. Your budget finds equilibrium between housing and other expenses here.
Hamilton County's median household income of $71,750 trails the national median of $74,755 by 4%. While the gap is narrow, it reflects the economic pressures facing Iowa's smaller rural counties.
Slightly Below Iowa Average
Hamilton's $71,750 median income falls just shy of Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the middle range of Iowa counties. Per capita income of $38,075 slightly exceeds the state average of $37,136.
Middle Performer Regionally
Hamilton's $71,750 income ranks in the middle of this county cluster, outpacing Franklin at $63,648 but trailing Grundy's $83,617 and Guthrie's $79,981. The county shows moderate economic strength.
Moderate Housing Affordability
Hamilton's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% indicates housing costs consume a reasonable share of household earnings. With a median home value of $132,300, homeownership requires planning but is achievable.
Consistent Saving Builds Long-Term Wealth
Hamilton households earning $71,750 should prioritize employer retirement benefits and establish automatic savings transfers to investment accounts. Even disciplined saving of $300–$400 monthly can generate substantial wealth over time.
Hamilton County residents live an average of 77.2 years, just below the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 1.7 years, reflecting middle-of-the-road national health performance. With 14.5% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county sits on the favorable side of regional trends, suggesting residents manage chronic disease reasonably well. This baseline offers a foundation for targeted improvements.
Slightly below Iowa's life expectancy average
Hamilton County's 77.2-year life expectancy is just 0.5 years below Iowa's 77.7-year state average, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. Its favorable 14.5% poor/fair health rate suggests residents perceive themselves as relatively healthy, indicating the life expectancy gap may reflect factors beyond subjective health perceptions. Small improvements in mortality prevention could help meet the state benchmark.
Mid-range performer regionally
Hamilton County's 77.2-year life expectancy ranks it just below Fayette (77.1 years) and above Floyd (76.7 years), placing it squarely in the region's middle tier. Its 14.5% poor/fair health rate ties with Guthrie and exceeds both Grundy and Fremont, suggesting residents enjoy decent perceived wellness despite the moderate lifespan. Regional collaboration could help lift all communities toward Grundy's exemplary outcomes.
Strong mental health resources, adequate primary care
Hamilton County offers 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a respectable level for rural Iowa—and impressively high mental health coverage at 82 providers per 100K. The 5.2% uninsured rate is just below the state average, meaning most residents can access both physical and mental health services when needed. This balanced provider mix positions the county well for comprehensive care.
Get insured and stay healthy
Hamilton County's 5.2% uninsured rate is near the state average; if you're without coverage, visit Healthcare.gov or contact Iowa Medicaid to enroll and tap the county's strong mental and primary care networks. Insurance opens the door to preventive care that can keep you and your family healthy for years to come.
Hamilton County's composite risk score of 42.91 sits modestly above the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. The county experiences above-typical natural disaster exposure for an American county, though overall risk remains manageable.
Above-average for Iowa
Hamilton County scores 42.91 against Iowa's 39.68 state average, placing it among the higher-risk counties statewide. The county faces more natural hazard exposure than most of its peers across Iowa.
Higher-risk central Iowa county
Hamilton County's 42.91 score ranks it riskier than nearby Guthrie (26.53) and Grundy (13.14) counties, approaching the risk level of Fayette (50.89) to the east. It represents the highest-risk county in its immediate west-central region.
Tornado and flood lead threats
Tornado risk scores 64.79 in Hamilton County, making it the dominant hazard residents face. Flood risk at 41.03 follows closely, creating a water and wind threat environment requiring comprehensive household preparedness.
Secure flood and tornado coverage
Hamilton County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with explicit tornado and wind coverage, plus obtain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program given the county's 41.03 flood risk score. Identify a basement safe room and create a flood response plan focusing on evacuation routes and property protection.