countyscore
48.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 81.2Soil Quality 75.9

County Report Card

About Hardin County, Iowa

Slightly Below the National Middle

Hardin County posts a composite score of 48.1, trailing the national median of 50.0 by a small margin. This indicates the county faces more hurdles than the average American locale.

Trailing the Iowa State Average

Hardin's score of 48.1 is significantly lower than the Iowa average of 55.6. Local leaders have clear opportunities to bridge the gap between Hardin and more competitive counties.

Superior Water and Health Systems

Hardin boasts a high water score of 86.0 and a reliable health score of 74.2. Additionally, housing remains accessible with a median home value of $113,000.

Public Safety and Tax Burdens

The county struggles with a safety score of 25.0 and a tax score of 16.3. An effective tax rate of 1.427% combined with safety concerns impacts overall livability.

Best for Budget-Minded Individuals

Hardin suits those seeking very affordable housing and high water quality who are less concerned with public safety rankings. It is a pragmatic choice for residents prioritizing low cost of entry.

2040608010016.357.52574.264.55441.68647.9Tax16.3Cost57.5Safety25Health74.2Schools64.5Income54Risk41.6Water86Weather47.948.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Hardin County DNA

Foverall

How Hardin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hardin County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (16.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
16.3-35.7
Cost
57.5+9.5
Safety
25-30
Health
74.2+24.200000000000003
Schools
64.5+10.5
Income
54
Risk
41.6
Water
86+28
Weather
47.9-8.100000000000001
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Many homeowners in Hardin County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$113,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$814/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$113,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,906/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.9

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
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Nearby counties

Hamilton County
Iowa
57.6
Grundy County
Iowa
69.1
Marshall County
Iowa
42
Franklin County
Iowa
65.5
Story County
Iowa
46.9
Butler County
Iowa
62.1
Wright County
Iowa
59.7
Tama County
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56.6

Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hardin County

via TaxByCounty

Hardin taxes exceed national median significantly

Hardin County's effective tax rate of 1.427% surpasses the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the higher tier nationally for tax burden. The median property tax of $1,613 remains only 60% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower property values even with a higher rate.

Hardin's rate ranks above Iowa's average

At 1.427%, Hardin exceeds Iowa's average effective rate of 1.344%, positioning it among the state's higher-tax counties. The median property tax of $1,613 is about $547 lower than Iowa's state average of $2,160, offset by the county's lower home values.

Among the highest-taxed in the north-central region

Hardin's 1.427% rate is notably higher than neighbors Hancock (1.192%), Howard (1.302%), and Humboldt (1.286%), and second only to Henry County (1.611%) nearby. This makes Hardin a higher-tax choice in the region, despite lower median home values.

A $113,000 home costs about $1,613 yearly

The median Hardin County homeowner with a $113,000 property pays approximately $1,613 in annual property taxes. Over a 30-year mortgage lifespan, that represents roughly $48,400 in cumulative tax payments.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

Hardin County homeowners facing higher-than-average rates should verify their property's assessed value against recent comparable sales. An appeal can be filed if your assessment exceeds the true market value, potentially freeing up hundreds of dollars annually in tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hardin County

via CostByCounty

Renting stretches incomes in Hardin

Hardin County residents spend 15.1% of income on rent, topping the national average and placing housing costs in less comfortable territory. With a median household income of $64,906—nearly $10,000 below the national average—renters here pay $814 monthly, which adds pressure to already-tighter budgets.

Hardin lags behind Iowa on affordability

At 15.1%, Hardin County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's state average of 14.1%, signaling it's less affordable than many neighboring counties. The median rent of $814 also tops the state average, making it one of Iowa's less budget-friendly rental markets.

Among the pricier options regionally

Hardin's $814 rent is the highest in this cluster, edging out Hancock ($784) and significantly outpacing Howard ($699) and Ida ($669). Homebuyers pay $787 monthly, which is competitive with neighbors, and median home values of $113,000 remain affordable despite rental pressures.

Rent eats into already-tight budgets

Hardin's median household income of $64,906 means a typical $814 rent payment consumes 15% of gross income before taxes, taxes, and other essentials. Homebuyers face similar strain with $787 monthly costs, leaving less cushion than the national 30% affordability standard would allow.

Consider Hardin if homeownership calls

For renters, Hardin's 15.1% ratio signals affordability challenges, but homebuyers may find relief with lower mortgage costs relative to income. If you're ready to buy, Hardin's $113,000 median home price and $787 monthly payment could offer a path out of tight rental markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hardin County

via IncomeByCounty

Hardin Trails National Income Standard

Hardin County's median household income of $64,906 lags the national median of $74,755 by $9,849, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This significant gap reflects challenges common to rural Midwestern counties competing with higher-wage urban centers.

Below Iowa's State Average

At $64,906, Hardin County falls $4,924 below Iowa's state median of $69,830, ranking it in the lower half of Iowa's 99 counties. This gap suggests the local economy faces headwinds relative to stronger performing regions in the state.

One of the Region's Weakest Earners

Hardin County's $64,906 median income ranks among the lowest in its north-central cluster, significantly trailing Harrison County ($77,027) and Iowa County ($72,185). Only Henry County ($64,604) performs comparably in this immediate region.

Housing Affordability Slightly Strained

Hardin County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable but edges closer to stress than neighbors, indicating households spend a larger share of earnings on housing. With a median home value of $113,000, the gap between income and housing costs warrants careful household budgeting.

Strategic Savings Unlock Future Security

With median household income of $64,906, Hardin County residents benefit from affordable housing but must prioritize consistent saving to build wealth. Even modest monthly contributions to a retirement account or emergency fund compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hardin County

via CrimeByCounty

Hardin County Faces Higher Local Crime Trends

Hardin County holds a safety score of 97.1, which is lower than the national average safety trend. While its total crime rate of 1,856.4 per 100K is below the national average of 2,385.5, specific categories show higher activity.

Above Average Crime Rates for Iowa

The county's total crime rate of 1,856.4 per 100K is much higher than the Iowa state average of 1,095.3. Its safety score of 97.1 trails the state average score of 98.3, indicating room for improvement in local safety.

Crime Rates Exceed Neighboring Hancock County

Hardin County's total crime rate of 1,856.4 per 100K is over three times higher than neighboring Hancock County's 574.6. It also sees more activity than Hamilton or Story counties, though it remains below national peaks.

High Violent Crime Rates Pose Challenges

Hardin County reports a violent crime rate of 782.9 per 100K, which is more than double the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1,073.5, which is lower than the national rate but high for the region.

Prioritize Personal and Home Security

With violent crime rates exceeding state norms, residents should prioritize home security and awareness. Updating locks and using motion-sensor lighting can help deter the 1,073.5 property crimes occurring per 100K residents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hardin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Levels Across Seven Districts

Hardin County supports 14 public schools, including seven elementary and four high schools, for nearly 3,000 students. This network is managed by seven different school districts, offering families a variety of local options.

Consistent Performance and Solid Investment

The county maintains a 92.6% graduation rate, which slightly exceeds the Iowa state average. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $7,675, closely matching the state average of $7,591 but trailing the $13,000 national benchmark.

Iowa Falls District Anchor the Area

The Iowa Falls Community School District is the largest provider, serving 1,278 students across four schools. The county also features one charter school, which represents about 7% of the total public schools in the region.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Environment

Ten of the county's 14 schools sit in rural locales, with an average enrollment of 214 students per school. Iowa Falls - Alden High School is the largest facility with 412 students, while several primary schools maintain smaller, intimate cohorts.

Invest in a Community That Values Education

With 14 schools to choose from and a graduation rate above the national average, Hardin County is ideal for families. Research homes in the Iowa Falls or AGWSR districts to secure a place in this stable academic environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hardin County

via RiskByCounty

Hardin: Higher Risk Than Most

Hardin County's composite risk score of 58.40 earns a Relatively Low rating but sits well above Iowa's state average of 39.68. This score reflects elevated exposure to several hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding, compared to the national baseline.

Among Iowa's Riskier Counties

Hardin ranks in the upper half of Iowa counties for natural disaster risk, significantly exceeding the state average. The county faces notably higher tornado (72.17) and flood (52.86) risks than most of its Hawkeye peers.

Hardin Stands Out for Risk

Hardin's neighbors like Hancock (28.79) and Howard (15.59) face substantially lower overall risk, making Hardin notably more exposed to natural disasters. Its 58.40 score reflects higher-than-regional-average threats, particularly from severe storms and water events.

Tornadoes and Floods Lead Threats

Tornado risk (72.17) is Hardin's most serious natural hazard, nearly 50% higher than Hancock County's. Flood risk (52.86) ranks second and significantly exceeds state averages, making both severe weather and water management critical concerns for residents.

Prioritize Flood and Storm Coverage

Hardin residents must secure both comprehensive homeowners insurance and separate flood insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage. Document your home's contents, maintain a weather alert system, and identify a storm shelter to prepare for the county's elevated tornado and flood exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hardin County

via WaterByCounty

Hardin Maintains Perfect Grade

Hardin County earns a Water Quality Grade of A with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. This performance beats the Iowa average of 25.9 violations per 100,000 people.

Watersheds Await Federal Assessment

The county's water bodies currently lack coverage in the federal §303(d) assessment cycle. Until these assessments occur, the formal impairment status of local streams remains unclassified.

Extensive Water Quality Data

Hardin County boasts a robust monitoring network of 30 sites that have produced 27,682 measurements in five years. The primary focus of these records includes organics, pesticides, and nutrient levels.

Iowa River Flows Near Typical

The South Fork Iowa River gauge near New Providence reports a current discharge of 163 cfs. This represents 90% of its long-term mean, indicating slightly lower than average but stable flow.

Sustain High Water Standards

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the high volume of pesticide monitoring suggests agricultural runoff is a local priority. Residents can support water health by managing landscape chemicals and following local conservation updates.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hardin County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Four-Season Profile

Hardin County averages 46.8°F annually, placing it among the cooler continental climates in the United States. It maintains a consistent moisture profile with 36.7 inches of annual precipitation, slightly outpacing the national average.

Aligning With Iowa Norms

The county's climate closely mirrors state averages, though its 46.8°F annual temp is just over a degree cooler than the Iowa benchmark of 48.0°F. It receives 36.7 inches of rain, almost perfectly matching the statewide average of 36.1 inches.

Warmer Than Northern Neighbors

Hardin is noticeably warmer than Hancock County to the north, which averages just 45.5°F. This slight southern shift brings more heat, with Hardin experiencing 13 days of extreme heat compared to Hancock’s eight.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer temperatures peak at a July average of 72.7°F, accompanied by 13 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winter brings 29.1 inches of snow and a chilly January average of 17.0°F.

Prepare for Variable Weather

With nearly 30 inches of snow and a dozen extreme heat days, homes need both reliable air conditioning and heavy-duty insulation. Outdoor planning should account for the 36.7 inches of annual precipitation that keeps the local landscape lush.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hardin County

via SoilByCounty

A Near-Perfect pH Balance

Hardin County soils maintain an average pH of 6.61, resting very close to the national ideal of 6.5. This is slightly more alkaline than the Iowa state average of 6.43. While taxonomic order data is currently limited, the 75.9 soil score indicates a high-quality foundation for plant life.

Silt-Heavy Soils with High Workability

With a composition of 46.3% silt and 29.4% sand, these soils feel velvety and are generally easy to till. The 23.5% clay content provides a stable structure that prevents nutrients from leaching away too quickly. This mix creates a reliable medium for both large-scale farming and home gardening.

Strong Organic Foundation for Growth

The organic matter level of 4.52% exceeds the Iowa state average of 3.81% and the national average of 2.0%. Though the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.195, the high organic content helps maintain moisture. This combination results in a robust environment for root development.

Managing Water in Productive Fields

While specific drainage and hydrologic group records are unavailable, the soil score of 75.9 remains well above the Iowa average of 72.9. This suggests the soil manages water effectively for most agricultural needs. Gardeners should ensure proper site selection to avoid localized saturation during heavy rains.

Cultivating Success in Zone 5a

The local climate in Hardiness Zone 5a pairs excellently with these silty, fertile soils to support a wide variety of prairie plants and vegetables. You can expect strong yields from tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens. Get outside and start a garden to enjoy one of the state's more productive soil profiles.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hardin County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions in Hardin

Hardin County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 81.2, making it one of the easiest places in the state to keep a lawn green. This score sits well above the state average of 77.2, reflecting a favorable environment for Zone 5a gardeners.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Heat

The county receives 36.7 inches of rain annually, surpassing the state average of 36.1 inches. With 13 extreme heat days and 2,834 growing degree days, the climate supports steady growth without the scorching conditions found further south.

Naturally Ideal Soil Chemistry

Local soil averages a pH of 6.61, which is the sweet spot for nutrient uptake in turfgrass. The texture contains 29.4% sand and 23.5% clay, a mix that generally provides decent aeration for roots while retaining necessary moisture.

Consistent Moisture and Low Stress

Hardin County experienced 6 weeks of drought over the past year but currently reports 0% drought coverage. You can focus on maintenance rather than recovery, though mulching grass clippings back into the lawn will help preserve this natural moisture.

Timing Your Hardin County Lawn

The growing season begins after the April 28 last frost and concludes around October 10. Perennial Ryegrass or Bluegrass blends work best here, especially when seeded in the late summer window to take advantage of the 46.8°F average temperature transition.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hardin County's county score?
Hardin County, Iowa has a composite county score of 48.1 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 Hardin County rank among counties in Iowa?
Hardin County ranks #76 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 Hardin County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Hardin County is $1,613, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Hardin County a tax score of 16.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardin County?
The median household income in Hardin County, Iowa is $64,906 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardin County earns an income score of 54/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardin County, Iowa a good place to live?
Hardin County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Hardin 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 Hardin County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.