countyscore
58.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 81.7Income & Jobs 80.1

County Report Card

About Harrison County, Iowa

Well Above National Standards

Harrison County scores a 58.5, beating the national median of 50.0 by over eight points. This indicates a quality of life that exceeds the typical American experience.

Beating the Iowa Average

Harrison's composite score of 58.5 outpaces the state average of 55.6. It stands out as a reliable and stable choice within the western Iowa landscape.

Strong Incomes and Top Safety

The county features an impressive income score of 80.1, backed by a median household income of $77,027. Safety is also a major highlight, earning a high score of 81.7.

Tax and Housing Affordability

Cost of living is a concern, reflected in a cost score of 41.8 and a tax score of 19.3. Median home values of $165,300 are higher than some surrounding rural peers.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Harrison is perfect for professionals seeking a safe community with high earning potential. While taxes and costs are elevated, the safety and income scores offer a strong trade-off.

Score breakdown

Tax19.3Cost41.8Safety81.7Health69.8Schools65.2Income80.1Risk68.7Water86Weather43.6
🏛19.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼80.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Washington County
Nebraska
55.3
Burt County
Nebraska
64.7
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
36.1
Douglas County
Nebraska
29.6
Monona County
Iowa
59.3
Shelby County
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66.5
Crawford County
Iowa
55.3
Dodge County
Nebraska
42.2

Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harrison County

via TaxByCounty

Harrison's rate hovers near the national norm

Harrison County's effective tax rate of 1.339% aligns closely with the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the mainstream for tax burden. The median property tax of $2,214 represents about 82% of the national median of $2,690, showing Harrison residents pay closer to typical U.S. levels.

Harrison sits just below Iowa's average rate

At 1.339%, Harrison's effective rate trails Iowa's average of 1.344% by a fraction, making it essentially aligned with the state norm. The median property tax of $2,214 falls modestly below Iowa's average of $2,160, reflecting Harrison's slightly higher home values and competitive positioning.

Mid-range taxes in its regional peer group

Harrison's 1.339% rate places it between the lower-taxed Hancock (1.192%) and Howard (1.302%), and below Henry (1.611%), making it moderate within the region. With a median home value of $165,300, Harrison combines reasonable tax rates with stronger property values than most neighbors.

A $165,300 median home runs $2,214 yearly

Harrison County homeowners with the median-valued property of $165,300 pay roughly $2,214 in annual property taxes. This is one of the higher median tax bills among the eight-county group, though rates remain reasonable relative to home values.

Reassessment appeals may unlock savings

Harrison homeowners should periodically verify their assessed value against recent sales of similar homes in the county. If your assessment appears inflated, filing an appeal could reduce your tax liability and free up funds for maintenance or improvements.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harrison County

via CostByCounty

Harrison offers excellent renter deals

Harrison County renters spend just 13.3% of income on housing, beating the national average and reflecting strong affordability. Despite higher median incomes of $77,027—above both state and national averages—renters here pay $854 monthly, balancing income and cost effectively.

Among Iowa's most affordable counties

With a 13.3% rent-to-income ratio, Harrison County outperforms Iowa's 14.1% state average, ranking solidly in the top tier for renter affordability. The $854 median rent exceeds the state average of $812, yet higher incomes ($77,027) make it manageable.

Premium pricing with premium incomes

Harrison's $854 rent and $974 monthly mortgage are the highest in this cluster, reflecting its wealthier profile: median income of $77,027 tops all neighbors. Its $165,300 median home value is also the highest, positioning Harrison as the region's affluent hub.

Higher costs, higher incomes balance well

Harrison's $77,027 median income sustains both $854 rent and $974 mortgage payments while maintaining healthy affordability ratios of 13.3% for renters and roughly 15% for owners. The math works because incomes here run stronger than in neighboring counties.

Best bet if your income is solid

Harrison County suits relocators with stable, above-average incomes seeking a vibrant community with strong schools and amenities. The higher costs are offset by strong earning potential and excellent public services across the county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Harrison County

via IncomeByCounty

Harrison Tops National Household Income

Harrison County's median household income of $77,027 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $2,272, placing it among the stronger-earning counties nationwide. This achievement is notable for a rural Iowa county and reflects a diversified, resilient local economy.

One of Iowa's Top Earners

At $77,027, Harrison County ranks in Iowa's upper tier, outearning the state average of $69,830 by $7,197. This leadership position within Iowa underscores the county's economic strength and competitive advantage within the state.

Regional Leader in Household Earnings

Harrison County significantly outearns all neighboring counties in its region—Hancock ($70,212), Hardin ($64,906), and Henry ($64,604)—by $2,000 to $12,000 per household. This income advantage positions Harrison as the economic anchor of north-central Iowa.

Strong Income Supports Housing Goals

Harrison County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is well below affordability thresholds, leaving households substantial income after housing costs. With a median home value of $165,300 and strong household earnings, residents enjoy genuine financial flexibility.

Leverage Superior Income for Growth

Harrison County's $77,027 median household income—above national norms—creates genuine opportunity to invest beyond basic needs. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying investments, or exploring real estate opportunities to accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Harrison County

via CrimeByCounty

Harrison County is Exceptionally Safe

Harrison County earns an elite safety score of 99.3, placing it well above national benchmarks. The total crime rate of 437.7 per 100K is roughly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Iowa Public Safety

The county outperforms the Iowa state safety score average of 98.3 with its own 99.3 rating. Its total crime rate of 437.7 per 100K is significantly lower than the state average of 1,095.3.

Safer Than Nearby Regional Centers

Harrison County's crime rate of 437.7 per 100K is lower than neighbors like Pottawattamie County to the south. It maintains a peaceful profile even when compared to the statewide average of 1,095.3.

Rare Violent Crime and Low Theft

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 123.1 per 100K compared to the national 369.8. Property crime is also minimal at 314.6 per 100K, far below the national rate of 2,015.7.

Maintaining Safety in Harrison County

Despite the high 99.3 safety score, residents should still practice basic home security. Simple measures help keep the already low property crime rate of 314.6 per 100K from rising.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Harrison County

via HealthByCounty

Harrison struggles with life expectancy

At 76.3 years, Harrison County residents live 0.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing the county near the national baseline. The county's 17.6% poor or fair health rate also mirrors national trends, reflecting typical American health burdens.

Lowest life expectancy in this group

Harrison County ranks among Iowa's lower-performing counties, with a life expectancy of 76.3 years versus the state average of 77.7 years—a 1.4-year gap. The 17.6% poor or fair health rate further signals elevated health challenges across the population.

Health lags surrounding counties

Harrison County's 76.3-year life expectancy trails neighbors Hancock (78.6 years) and Hardin (77.3 years) by significant margins. Its 17.6% poor/fair health rate is the highest among immediate neighbors, suggesting unique community health stressors.

Reasonable access, persistent health gaps

Harrison's 5.8% uninsured rate tracks close to Iowa's 5.7% state average, but primary care remains limited at 34 providers per 100,000. Mental health providers are relatively robust at 61 per 100,000, yet overall health outcomes remain constrained.

Strengthen Harrison's health foundation

With health outcomes trailing the state, ensuring full insurance coverage is critical in Harrison County. Check your coverage status at healthcare.gov and connect with Iowa's Department of Human Services to confirm eligibility for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Harrison County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ten Schools Across Four County Districts

Harrison County's public education system includes 10 schools serving a total enrollment of 2,542 students. The infrastructure is managed by four districts and features four elementary schools and five high schools.

Academic Scores Top State Averages

The county earns a 56.5 school score, placing it just above the state average of 56.0. Students here graduate at a rate of 92.9%, surpassing both the national benchmark of 87% and the Iowa average of 92.3%.

Missouri Valley and Logan-Magnolia Lead

Missouri Valley Community School District is the largest by enrollment with 754 students, followed closely by Logan-Magnolia with 725 students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the 10 traditional public schools serve the entire student population.

Cozy Schools in Rural and Town Settings

Seven of the ten schools are located in rural areas, contributing to a modest average school size of 254 students. Logan-Magnolia Elementary is the county's largest school with 418 students, while West Harrison schools offer even smaller enrollments.

Settle Near Top-Rated Rural Schools

Harrison County offers a blend of rural charm and academic excellence for families looking to relocate. Check for homes in the Logan-Magnolia or Missouri Valley districts to benefit from high graduation rates and localized learning.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harrison County

via RiskByCounty

Harrison: Low Risk, Wildfire Concern

Harrison County's composite risk score of 31.30 sits in the Very Low category and below Iowa's state average of 39.68. However, the county's wildfire risk (59.80) is notably elevated compared to most U.S. counties, reflecting unique exposure to dry-season fire threats.

Safe Overall, But Wildfire-Prone

Harrison ranks safely within Iowa's risk landscape overall, but its wildfire score of 59.80 significantly exceeds the state average. For fire risk specifically, Harrison stands among the state's more vulnerable counties, unusual for this agricultural region.

Wildfire Sets Harrison Apart

While neighbors Hancock (28.79) and Henry (30.85) have lower composite scores, Harrison's wildfire risk (59.80) substantially exceeds theirs. Ida County (18.35) faces far less fire risk, making Harrison's landscape and vegetation patterns a distinguishing factor in the region.

Wildfire and Tornado Risks Peak

Wildfire (59.80) and tornado (60.08) risks are nearly equal as Harrison's top threats, both scoring above regional norms. Flood risk (37.02) presents a secondary concern, while earthquake and hurricane exposures remain minimal.

Prepare for Fire and Storm Damage

Harrison residents should verify homeowners coverage includes wind and fire damage, and clear vegetation near structures to reduce wildfire risk. Maintain adequate emergency supplies, develop a family evacuation plan for both wildfires and severe storms, and review policy limits annually given the county's dual hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Harrison County

via WeatherByCounty

Western Iowa’s Warm and Wet Climate

Harrison County averages 48.6°F annually, keeping it warmer than many of its northern peers but still below the national median. Its humid continental climate is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 37.1 inches per year.

Above the Iowa Temperature Baseline

Harrison is warmer and wetter than the average Iowa county, exceeding the state’s 48.0°F temperature and 36.1-inch precipitation marks. This makes it one of the more productive but humid agricultural zones in the region.

Hotter Than Central Neighbors

Compared to Ida County at 47.1°F, Harrison is significantly warmer and faces nearly double the number of extreme heat days. Its 25 days above 90°F set it apart from the cooler counties found further east and north.

Intense Summer Heat and Heavy Snow

July brings a warm average of 74.3°F and 25 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F. Despite the summer warmth, winters remain snowy with 37.1 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 19.7°F.

Engineered for Extreme Peaks

Robust cooling systems are essential here given the high frequency of 90°F days. Residents must also maintain heavy-duty snow equipment to manage the 37.1 inches of annual accumulation that arrives during the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Harrison County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils Dominate the West

Harrison County averages a soil pH of 7.12, making it noticeably more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is significantly higher than the Iowa state average of 6.43. Although taxonomic details are not currently specified, this alkaline profile influences which nutrients are most available to plants.

Silt-Dominant Loess-Like Soils

The soil contains a heavy 59.2% silt and 25.2% clay, with only 15.6% sand. This composition is typical of the Loess Hills region, offering a fine-textured soil that holds onto moisture exceptionally well. It is highly productive but can be prone to erosion if left uncovered.

High Water Storage Despite Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 2.66%, which is below the Iowa average of 3.81% but still above the national average of 2.0%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity is high at 0.200 in/in. This allows the soil to act as a deep reservoir for crops during dry spells.

Hydrology in the Loess Hills

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not provided in the current dataset. However, the silt-heavy nature of these soils often means they drain slowly and require careful management to prevent runoff. The overall soil score of 63.7 reflects these unique regional challenges.

Thriving in Zone 5b Soils

Hardiness Zone 5b allows for a slightly longer growing season, making these silty soils great for deep-rooted perennials and grains. Because the pH is over 7.0, you might choose plants that tolerate alkaline conditions, like asparagus or lavender. Adding compost can help improve the organic matter and boost your garden's health.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Harrison County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Western Iowa's Lawn Challenges

Harrison County presents a slightly tougher environment with a lawn score of 75.9, falling just below the state average of 77.2. While still much easier than the national median of 50.0, the Zone 5b climate requires more active management.

Higher Heat Demands Extra Care

Lawns here face 25 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the Iowa average of 16. While the 37.1 inches of rain is sufficient, the 3,139 growing degree days mean grass grows fast and requires frequent mowing during peak season.

Managing Alkaline Silt and Clay

The soil pH averages 7.12, which is slightly above the ideal range and may occasionally limit iron availability. With only 15.6% sand content, these heavier soils may suffer from compaction, making annual aeration a helpful practice for local yards.

Bracing for Dry Summer Winds

About 26.6% of the county currently feels abnormally dry after seeing 4 weeks of drought this past year. To protect your lawn during those 25 heat days, maintain a higher mowing height of 3.5 to 4 inches to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Resilient Grass for Warm Days

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is an excellent choice for Harrison County's warmer summers and Zone 5b winters. Plan your spring seeding after May 1, but keep an eye on the thermometer to ensure young grass survives the early summer heat spikes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harrison County's county score?
Harrison County, Iowa has a composite county score of 58.5 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 Harrison County rank among counties in Iowa?
Harrison County ranks #50 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 Harrison County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Harrison County is $2,214, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, Iowa is $77,027 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 80.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, Iowa a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 58.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Harrison 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 Harrison County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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