Howard County's composite score of 72.7 ranks 45 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, placing it well into the top quartile of American counties. This score reflects exceptional affordability paired with solid health and risk management.
2 / 5
Iowa's second-strongest livability performer
At 72.7, Howard County ranks second in this eight-county cohort, just 2.4 points behind Ida County and well above Iowa's 69.3 state average. Only Ida County surpasses it in overall livability among these profiled communities.
3 / 5
Unbeatable housing costs and risk resilience
Howard boasts the highest cost score of 84.3 with median home values at $133,900 and rent just $699 per month—the lowest rent-to-value ratio here. The risk score of 84.4 is the strongest among these counties, suggesting excellent economic stability.
4 / 5
Income potential remains limited
The income score of 27.3 reflects median household earnings of $67,336, which is respectable but trails Harrison and Iowa County. This means residents enjoy affordability but have fewer high-wage opportunities locally.
5 / 5
Perfect for families seeking security and affordability
Howard County is ideal for families and remote workers who value rock-bottom housing costs, economic stability, and solid health services over urban job markets. If you can earn income anywhere and prioritize maximum housing security, Howard is a top choice.
Howard County's composite score of 72.7 ranks 45 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, placing it well into the top quartile of American counties. This score reflects exceptional affordability paired with solid health and risk management.
Iowa's second-strongest livability performer
At 72.7, Howard County ranks second in this eight-county cohort, just 2.4 points behind Ida County and well above Iowa's 69.3 state average. Only Ida County surpasses it in overall livability among these profiled communities.
Unbeatable housing costs and risk resilience
Howard boasts the highest cost score of 84.3 with median home values at $133,900 and rent just $699 per month—the lowest rent-to-value ratio here. The risk score of 84.4 is the strongest among these counties, suggesting excellent economic stability.
Income potential remains limited
The income score of 27.3 reflects median household earnings of $67,336, which is respectable but trails Harrison and Iowa County. This means residents enjoy affordability but have fewer high-wage opportunities locally.
Perfect for families seeking security and affordability
Howard County is ideal for families and remote workers who value rock-bottom housing costs, economic stability, and solid health services over urban job markets. If you can earn income anywhere and prioritize maximum housing security, Howard is a top choice.
Score breakdown
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🏛65.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Howard County's life expectancy of 77.7 years slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 15.8% poor or fair health, the county performs better than the national average of 18%, signaling above-average health status.
Right at Iowa's health average
Howard County matches Iowa's state average life expectancy at 77.7 years, placing it firmly in the middle of the state's health outcomes. The 15.8% poor or fair health rate also sits near the state median, reflecting fairly typical Iowa health conditions.
Average health with good providers
Howard County's 77.7-year life expectancy equals Iowa's state average and exceeds neighbors Hardin (77.3 years) and Harrison (76.3 years). The county offers solid provider access—53 primary care providers per 100,000 and 75 mental health providers per 100,000.
Higher uninsured rate despite access
Howard County's 6.8% uninsured rate exceeds Iowa's 5.7% state average, meaning roughly 1 in 15 residents lack coverage. Primary care is available at 53 per 100,000 and mental health at 75 per 100,000, yet insurance gaps may limit residents' ability to use these resources.
Close insurance gaps in Howard
Howard County's above-average uninsured rate is an opportunity to improve health access and outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or Iowa's Department of Human Services to explore affordable coverage options and connect uninsured neighbors to care.
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.