CountyScore

Hardin County

Iowa · IA

#75 in Iowa
67.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Hardin County, Iowa

Hardin holds its own nationally

Hardin County's composite score of 67.2 sits 34 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, indicating solid livability across most dimensions. While not as strong as some Midwest peers, the county still outperforms the majority of American counties.

Slightly below Iowa's average profile

At 67.2, Hardin County falls just below Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it in the middle tier of the eight profiled counties. It performs better than Henry County and Hardin County but trails Howard, Ida, and Hancock.

Affordability remains the clear asset

Hardin's cost score of 81.8 reflects median home values of $113,000 and rent at just $814 per month—among the most affordable in this group. Health services score a solid 75.0, providing reliable medical access for residents.

Risk and income scores lag behind

The risk score of 41.6 is notably low—the weakest among these eight counties—suggesting economic or natural hazard vulnerabilities worth investigating further. Income also trails at 25.8, with median household earnings of $64,906 limiting long-term wealth building.

Budget-conscious buyers seeking stable, quiet living

Hardin County appeals to those who prioritize low housing costs and don't require high incomes or rapid economic growth. This is a steady, affordable option for retirees and remote workers seeking rural calm over career opportunity.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax62.1Cost81.8SafetyComing SoonHealth75SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.8Risk41.6WaterComing Soon
🏛62.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡41.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hardin County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Baldwin County
Alabama
67.2
Median income: $75,019
Aleutians East Borough
Alaska
67.2
Median income: $72,692
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Alaska
67.2
Median income: $74,223
Garland County
Arkansas
67.2
Median income: $55,409
Berrien County
Georgia
67.2
Median income: $50,414

Deep Dives

Hardin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Hardin County

via HealthByCounty

Hardin's life expectancy lags nationally

Hardin County residents live 77.3 years on average—1.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county ahead of the nation overall. However, 17% report poor or fair health, slightly below the national average of 18%, indicating moderate health challenges.

Below-average health in Iowa

At 77.3 years, Hardin County's life expectancy falls 0.4 years short of Iowa's 77.7-year state average. The 17% poor or fair health rate also exceeds the state median, suggesting residents face more chronic conditions and health barriers than many Iowa counties.

Health struggles in a struggling region

Hardin County's 77.3-year life expectancy ranks below neighbors Hancock (78.6 years) and Howard (77.7 years), and its 17% poor/fair health rate matches Hancock's surrounding peers. Better primary care access (36 per 100K) partially offsets these health headwinds.

Uninsured rate creeps above average

Hardin County's 6.2% uninsured rate exceeds Iowa's 5.7% state average, meaning roughly 1 in 16 residents lack coverage. With 36 primary care providers per 100,000, access is better than Hancock but still below ideal—supplemented by 49 mental health providers per 100,000.

Close the insurance gap in Hardin

Hardin's above-state-average uninsured rate signals gaps in coverage. If you're among the uninsured, marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or state Medicaid programs can provide affordable options—visit Iowa's Department of Human Services to explore coverage today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.