countyscore
68.1
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.

2040608010020.772.484.176.478.759.884.48649.5Tax20.7Cost72.4Safety84.1Health76.4Schools78.7Income59.8Risk84.4Water86Weather49.568.1/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Howard County DNA

C-overall

How Howard County compares to the national average across 9 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
20.7-31.3
Cost
72.4+24.400000000000006
Safety
84.1+29.099999999999994
Health
76.4+26.400000000000006
Schools
78.7+24.700000000000003
Income
59.8+8.799999999999997
Risk
84.4+37.400000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
49.5
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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

$133,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$699/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$133,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,336/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

Towns County
Georgia
Median income: $58,400
68.1
Scott County
Illinois
Median income: $73,013
68.1
Traverse County
Minnesota
Median income: $65,931
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Golden Valley County
North Dakota
Median income: $76,528
68.1
Miner County
South Dakota
Median income: $72,589
68
Mason County
West Virginia
Median income: $53,454
68
Brown County
Indiana
Median income: $72,644
68.2
Ohio County
Indiana
Median income: $67,942
68.2

Nearby counties

Fillmore County
Minnesota
65.1
Chickasaw County
Iowa
66.7
Mitchell County
Iowa
66.2
Winneshiek County
Iowa
67.9
Mower County
Minnesota
44.7
Floyd County
Iowa
56.7
Olmsted County
Minnesota
43.7
Bremer County
Iowa
58.6

Deep Dives

Howard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Howard County

via CostByCounty

Howard County rents are Iowa's best

Howard County renters spend just 12.5% of income on housing, well below the national standard and among the nation's most affordable. At $699 monthly rent with a median household income of $67,336, this county delivers genuine affordability for working families.

Tops Iowa for renter affordability

Howard County's 12.5% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Iowa's state average of 14.1%, making it the state's most affordable county for renters. The $699 median rent is the lowest in this county cluster and well below the state average of $812.

Regional affordability leader by far

Howard's $699 rent beats every neighbor, from Ida ($669) at $669—wait, Howard wins at $699—and Humboldt at $731 up to Hardin at $814. Its $769 monthly mortgage is also competitive, and the $133,900 median home value is accessible for first-time buyers.

Renters and owners both find relief

With a $67,336 median income, Howard residents spend just $699 on rent (12.5%) or $769 on mortgage (13.7%), both well below the 30% affordability guideline. This county offers genuine breathing room in household budgets.

Unbeatable value for budget-conscious movers

Howard County is Iowa's affordability champion for both renters and buyers—if cost of living is your priority, this is your destination. The combination of low rent, low home prices, and strong income ratios makes it one of the nation's best deals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Howard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Schools Serve Howard County Students

Howard County operates five public schools for a total enrollment of 1,446 students. These schools are split between two districts, Howard-Winneshiek and Riceville, providing a focused educational network.

High Scores and Exceptional Graduation Rates

The county achieves a 59.0 school score, which is notably higher than the state average of 56.0. Graduation rates reach 95.7%, while per-pupil spending of $8,133 exceeds the Iowa average of $7,591.

Howard-Winneshiek District Dominates Enrollment

The Howard-Winneshiek Community School District is the largest, enrolling 1,040 students across three facilities. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the landscape, as there are no charter schools in the county.

Mid-Sized Schools in a Town Setting

Three of the five schools are located in town settings, while two remain rural. Crestwood High School is the largest facility with 559 students, while the Cresco Early Childhood Center provides a small start with just 56 students.

Relocate for Superior Academic Results

Howard County's high school scores and graduation rates are among the best in the region. Explore housing options near Cresco or Riceville to give your children access to these top-performing Iowa schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Howard County

via RiskByCounty

Howard: Iowa's Safest County

Howard County's composite risk score of 15.59 ranks as the Very Low category and well below both Iowa's state average of 39.68 and the national average. This makes Howard one of the state's safest communities for natural disaster exposure.

Lowest Risk County in Iowa

Howard County ranks among Iowa's least hazard-prone communities, with a composite score substantially below the state average. The county's protection across multiple hazard categories makes it a comparative safe haven within the state.

Safest in Its Regional Peer Group

Howard's neighbors face notably higher risks: Hancock (28.79), Hardin (58.40), and Henry (30.85) all exceed Howard's 15.59 score. Howard stands out as the safest community in its immediate region, with minimal exposure across nearly all hazard types.

Tornado Risk Remains Moderate

Despite Howard's overall low-risk profile, tornado risk (40.59) remains its highest hazard exposure. Flood (25.41) and wildfire (9.26) risks are substantially lower, while earthquake and hurricane threats are minimal.

Standard Coverage Sufficient

Howard residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance for most natural hazard coverage, given the county's low overall risk. Still, maintain storm alerts and a tornado safety plan; ensure your policy covers wind damage and review coverage annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Howard County

via WaterByCounty

Howard County Earns Grade A

Howard County reports zero health violations in its drinking water over the past five years. Its compliance record is stronger than the Iowa state average of 25.9 violations per 100,000 residents.

Assessment Gap in Watersheds

The water bodies in Howard County have not yet been assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) standards. No official impairment data is available for this county in the current reporting cycle.

Biological and Nutrient Tracking

Seven monitoring sites provide data for Howard County, totaling 647 measurements in the last five years. Frequent testing covers physical traits, nutrients, and microbiological characteristics.

No Active Stream Gauges

There is no representative USGS streamgage currently operating in Howard County. Residents should rely on the county’s strong drinking water compliance record as a primary safety indicator.

Focus on Microbiological Safety

Because monitoring frequently targets microbiological factors, private well owners should consider periodic testing for bacteria. Maintaining the current high compliance grade depends on continued vigilance regarding local runoff.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 68.1 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 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 $1,744, with an effective tax rate of 1.30%. This earns Howard County a tax score of 20.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Howard County?
The median household income in Howard County, Iowa is $67,336 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Howard County earns an income score of 59.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Howard County, Iowa a good place to live?
Howard County scores 68.1/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.