CountyScore

Harrison County

Iowa · IA

#59 in Iowa
69.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Harrison County, Iowa

Harrison beats the national average clearly

Harrison County's composite score of 69.2 ranks 38 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, confirming its position as a livable Midwestern destination. This mid-range score reflects a balanced county where no single dimension dominates but most metrics remain solid.

Right at Iowa's livability midpoint

At 69.2, Harrison County essentially matches Iowa's state average of 69.3, making it a representative profile for the state. It ranks fifth among the eight profiled counties, slightly above Hardin and Henry but below the top performers.

Income and health lead the way

Harrison's income score of 33.7 is the highest in this group, with median household income reaching $77,027, offering stronger earning potential than most peers. Health services score 73.9, and the effective tax rate of 1.339% remains manageable for residents.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

With a cost score of 78.2 and median home values of $165,300, Harrison's housing is noticeably pricier than Hancock, Howard, or Ida. This higher cost-to-income ratio requires families to budget more carefully despite solid wages.

Best for earners seeking balanced prosperity

Harrison County suits professionals and established families with solid incomes who want good health services and don't need the absolute cheapest housing. If you earn well and value balanced livability over rock-bottom costs, Harrison delivers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.6Cost78.2SafetyComing SoonHealth73.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.7Risk68.7WaterComing Soon
🏛64.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡68.7
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 Harrison County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Sierra County
California
69.2
Median income: $60,000
Teller County
Colorado
69.2
Median income: $80,666
Haralson County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $65,016
White County
Georgia
69.2
Median income: $69,747
Stark County
Illinois
69.2
Median income: $62,284

Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.