countyscore
68.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 84.4Safety 84.1

County Report Card

About Howard County, Iowa

A National Leader in Livability

Howard County's composite score of 68.1 puts it in a high national percentile compared to the 50.0 median. It represents some of the best rural living the country has to offer.

Elite Standing in Iowa

With a 68.1, Howard far exceeds the Iowa average of 55.6. It is one of the most well-rounded counties in the state across multiple data categories.

Safety, Schools, and Stability

Howard dominates with a risk score of 84.4, a safety score of 84.1, and a school score of 78.7. It also offers affordable housing with a median gross rent of $699.

Moderate Income and Taxes

The primary weaknesses are a tax score of 20.7 and an income score of 59.8. While the tax rate is 1.302%, the lower income levels can make those taxes feel more impactful.

Best for Growing Families

Howard is a premier choice for families who want safe streets, great schools, and low environmental risk. It is a stable, high-value community for those prioritizing quality of life.

2040608010021.373.384.176.478.755.884.48649.5Tax21.3Cost73.3Safety84.1Health76.4Schools78.7Income55.8Risk84.4Water86Weather49.568.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Howard County DNA

C-overall

How Howard County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Howard County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (84.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.3-30.7
Cost
73.3+25.299999999999997
Safety
84.1+29.099999999999994
Health
76.4+26.400000000000006
Schools
78.7+24.700000000000003
Income
55.8
Risk
84.4+37.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
49.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Howard County?

Many homeowners in Howard 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

$147,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$713/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$147,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,446/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.6

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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Counties with similar scores

Perry County
Alabama
Median income: $37,654
68.2
Hamilton County
Illinois
Median income: $65,746
68.2
Osage County
Missouri
Median income: $76,681
68.2
LaMoure County
North Dakota
Median income: $80,664
68.2
Menifee County
Kentucky
Median income: $45,096
68.3
Big Stone County
Minnesota
Median income: $70,400
68.3
Van Buren County
Tennessee
Median income: $54,931
68.3
Grundy County
Iowa
Median income: $87,205
68.1

Nearby counties

Fillmore County
Minnesota
64.3
Chickasaw County
Iowa
68.7
Mitchell County
Iowa
67.3
Winneshiek County
Iowa
67.2
Mower County
Minnesota
43.6
Floyd County
Iowa
56.2
Olmsted County
Minnesota
43.5
Bremer County
Iowa
57.7

Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Howard County

via TaxByCounty

Howard's tax rate sits modestly below national median

Howard County's effective tax rate of 1.302% exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, though remains in the moderate range nationally. The median property tax of $1,744 represents 65% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting Howard's lower home values within a middle-tier tax environment.

Howard slightly trails Iowa's average rate

At 1.302%, Howard's effective rate is marginally below Iowa's average of 1.344%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The median property tax of $1,744 trails Iowa's average of $2,160 by about $416, making Howard a reasonable choice for tax-conscious homeowners.

Moderate taxes in a diverse regional landscape

Howard's 1.302% rate sits comfortably between lower-taxed Hancock (1.192%) and higher-taxed Hardin (1.427%) and Henry (1.611%), making it a middle ground. With balanced rates and modest home values around $133,900, Howard appeals to budget-conscious buyers.

A $133,900 median home costs $1,744 yearly

Howard County homeowners with a median-valued property of $133,900 pay approximately $1,744 in annual property taxes. This moderate bill helps explain Howard's appeal to homeowners seeking reasonable tax burdens without sacrificing community services.

Assessment reviews can still yield savings

Even with moderate baseline taxes, Howard homeowners should verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales in the county. If your property is assessed above market value, an appeal could reduce your annual tax obligation by $100 to $300 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Howard County

via IncomeByCounty

Howard Below U.S. Income Benchmarks

Howard County's median household income of $67,336 trails the national median of $74,755 by $7,419, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. This gap is typical for rural Iowa counties competing for talent and investment against urban centers.

Slightly Below Iowa's State Average

At $67,336, Howard County falls modestly below Iowa's state median of $69,830 by $2,494, ranking it in the middle-lower portion of Iowa's 99 counties. The county maintains reasonable parity with state performance despite rural headwinds.

Mid-Pack Performance Among Peers

Howard County's $67,336 median income places it solidly between stronger performers like Harrison ($77,027) and weaker ones like Hardin ($64,906). This middle positioning reflects balanced economic conditions within the region.

Excellent Housing Affordability Ratio

At 12.5%, Howard County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the region's best, well below affordability thresholds and leaving households substantial discretionary income. With a median home value of $133,900, homeownership remains highly accessible for median-income households.

Build Wealth on Solid Affordability

Howard County's exceptional housing affordability ratio frees up income for saving and investing beyond basic needs. Direct those monthly savings into diversified investments—mutual funds, IRAs, or education accounts—to multiply your wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Howard County

via CrimeByCounty

Howard County is One of Iowa's Safest

Howard County boasts a near-perfect safety score of 99.4, significantly higher than national norms. Its crime rate of 369.2 per 100K is exceptionally low compared to the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Pack in State Safety

Howard County ranks well above the Iowa safety average of 98.3 with its 99.4 score. The total crime rate of 369.2 per 100K is about one-third of the state average of 1,095.3.

Superior Safety Among Northern Neighbors

Howard County’s rate of 369.2 per 100K is lower than Chickasaw or Winneshiek counties. This small-town security provides a stark contrast to more urban areas in the state.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 63.3 per 100K, far below the national 369.8. Property crime is also very low at 305.9, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Keep Howard County Safe and Secure

A 99.4 safety score makes this a secure community, but residents should still lock doors to prevent crimes of opportunity. With only 305.9 property crimes per 100K, simple vigilance goes a long way.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Howard County

via WeatherByCounty

A Frigid Northern Frontier

Howard County’s 45.0°F annual average temperature is one of the lowest in the region, firmly establishing a cold humid continental climate. This is significantly cooler than the national median and reflects its position near the Minnesota border.

Coldest in the State

With an annual average of 45.0°F, Howard County is a full three degrees colder than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also experiences higher than average precipitation, receiving 38.0 inches annually.

Lower Temps than Western Neighbors

Howard is notably colder than Humboldt County, which averages 46.2°F. It also receives much more snow than neighboring counties, topping the list with 40.3 inches per year.

Heavy Snow and Bracing Winters

Winters are harsh, featuring a January average of 14.9°F and over 40 inches of snow. Summers are very brief and mild, with only 8 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 71.4°F.

Winterize for the Long Haul

Residents must prioritize high-grade home insulation and reliable snow blowers to handle the 40.3 inches of annual snow. Heating costs will be a major budget item given the 18.3°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Howard County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sandy Loams and Mollisols

Howard County features Mollisols with an average pH of 6.20, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This pH level is also below the Iowa state average of 6.43. The dominant sandy loam texture sets a unique foundation compared to much of the state.

A Gritty, Well-Structured Mix

These soils contain 37.7% sand and 40.0% silt, with only 19.4% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration and prevents the soil from becoming overly sticky when wet. It is generally easier to work with early in the spring than heavier clay soils.

High Organic Content in the North

The organic matter level is a robust 4.90%, which is significantly higher than the Iowa average of 3.81%. Although the available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic matter provides a wealth of nutrients. This creates a fertile environment for diverse plant life.

Fast-Draining Soils for Active Gardening

This soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group A. This means water moves through the profile very quickly, reducing the risk of root rot. However, it also means plants may require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Hardy Growth in Zone 4b

Howard County sits in the cooler Hardiness Zone 4b, requiring plants that can handle harsh winters. The sandy loam soil is perfect for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes that thrive in looser ground. Embrace the fast drainage and high fertility to build a productive cold-climate garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Howard County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Hardiness in Howard County

With a lawn score of 79.2, Howard County is a strong performer despite its colder 4b hardiness zone. It beats both the state average of 77.2 and the national median of 50.0, though the shorter season requires specific timing.

High Rainfall and Brisk Summers

Howard County receives a robust 38.0 inches of rain annually while only facing 8 extreme heat days. This combination is nearly perfect for cool-season grasses, which thrive in the county's relatively mild 71.4°F July average.

Sandy Loam Provides Superior Drainage

The soil is classified as a sandy loam with 37.7% sand and a pH of 6.20. These 'somewhat excessively drained' conditions mean the soil won't stay waterlogged, but you may need to water more frequently during dry spells compared to neighbors with heavier clay.

Low Drought Risk for Northern Turf

The county currently has 0% drought coverage and only experienced 6 weeks of drought in the past year. Because the sandy soil drains quickly, keep a close eye on the grass for signs of curling blades even during minor dry periods.

Timing the Short Growing Season

Because the last spring frost isn't until May 8 and the first fall frost arrives October 1, the window for growth is tighter than southern Iowa. Select cold-hardy Fine Fescues that can withstand the 14.9°F January average.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Howard County's county score?
Howard County, Iowa has a composite county score of 68.2 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 Howard County rank among counties in Iowa?
Howard County ranks #5 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 Howard County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Howard County is $1,853, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Howard County a tax score of 21.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Howard County?
The median household income in Howard County, Iowa is $67,446 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Howard County earns an income score of 55.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Howard County, Iowa a good place to live?
Howard County scores 68.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Howard 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 Howard County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.