CountyScore

Humboldt County

Iowa · IA

#18 in Iowa
72.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Humboldt County, Iowa

Humboldt delivers strong national standing

Humboldt County's composite score of 72.1 ranks 44 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the upper tier of American counties. This well-rounded profile reflects strong performance across cost, health, and tax dimensions.

Above Iowa's average, fourth-best overall

At 72.1, Humboldt County exceeds Iowa's state average of 69.3 and ranks fourth among the eight profiled counties, just behind Ida, Howard, and Hancock. It represents a solid, above-average option within the state.

Cost and health excel together

Humboldt scores 83.4 on cost and 76.9 on health, with median home values of $146,900 and rent at $731 per month. The effective tax rate of 1.286% is among the lowest in this group, making it genuinely affordable.

Income growth opportunities are modest

The income score of 27.1 reflects median household income of $66,994, which is solid but doesn't lead to rapid wealth accumulation. This limits long-term financial mobility for younger families planning to stay and grow.

Ideal for cost-conscious health-focused residents

Humboldt County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable living and good health outcomes over climbing income brackets. This is a stable, unpretentious choice for those seeking quiet Midwestern quality of life.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.1Cost83.4SafetyComing SoonHealth76.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.1Risk75.9WaterComing Soon
🏛66.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡75.9
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 Humboldt County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Geneva County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $50,951
Winston County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $48,032
Stone County
Arkansas
72.1
Median income: $38,531
Montezuma County
Colorado
72.1
Median income: $63,005
Rio Grande County
Colorado
72.1
Median income: $62,166

Deep Dives

Humboldt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Humboldt County

via TaxByCounty

Humboldt's taxes moderate relative to national norms

Humboldt County's effective tax rate of 1.286% moderately exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the mid-range nationally. The median property tax of $1,889 represents 70% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower property values cushioning the impact of its moderate tax rate.

Humboldt rates slightly below Iowa's statewide average

At 1.286%, Humboldt's effective rate trails Iowa's average of 1.344%, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. The median property tax of $1,889 is about $271 below Iowa's state average of $2,160, making Humboldt an attractive option for budget-minded homeowners.

Lower taxes than most north-central peers

Humboldt's 1.286% rate undercuts Hardin (1.427%), Henry (1.611%), and Iowa (1.349%), while exceeding only Hancock (1.192%) and Ida (1.064%) regionally. This positions Humboldt as a solid mid-tier option in the north-central Iowa tax landscape.

A $146,900 home runs about $1,889 yearly

Humboldt County homeowners with the median-valued property of $146,900 pay roughly $1,889 in annual property taxes. Over a typical 30-year mortgage, this totals approximately $56,700 in cumulative property tax burden.

Appeal if your assessment exceeds market value

Humboldt homeowners should cross-reference their property's assessed value with recent sales of comparable homes in the county. If your assessment appears high, filing a reassessment appeal may reduce your annual tax bill by $100 to $200 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Humboldt County

via CostByCounty

Humboldt renters beat national averages

Humboldt County renters spend 13.1% of income on housing, comfortably below the national standard and reflecting genuine affordability. With a median household income of $66,994 and median rent of $731, this county offers reliable financial breathing room.

Better than Iowa's state average

At 13.1%, Humboldt County's rent-to-income ratio beats Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties. The $731 median rent is $81 below the state average, further strengthening its affordability case.

Solid value in a competitive cluster

Humboldt's $731 rent sits between Howard's excellent $699 and Hancock's $784, offering good value without being the absolute cheapest. Its $789 monthly mortgage and $146,900 home value make homeownership accessible for households with modest incomes.

Balanced affordability for both groups

Humboldt's $66,994 median income supports a manageable 13.1% rent burden or roughly 14.1% for homeowners paying $789 monthly. Both renter and owner households stay well below the 30% affordability threshold, allowing flexibility in household planning.

Sweet spot for stable, practical movers

Humboldt County offers the stability of strong affordability without requiring the highest incomes—ideal for families and individuals seeking reliable, predictable housing costs. Its combination of reasonable rents and modest home prices makes it a safe, sensible choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Humboldt County

via IncomeByCounty

Humboldt Below National Income Standard

Humboldt County's median household income of $66,994 trails the national median of $74,755 by $7,761, reflecting the rural income gap typical across the Midwest. Despite this shortfall, the county maintains reasonable economic footing for a rural area.

Slightly Below Iowa's Median

At $66,994, Humboldt County falls $2,836 below Iowa's state median of $69,830, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Iowa's 99 counties. The county underperforms the state average but remains competitive within rural Iowa.

Competitive Within North-Central Cluster

Humboldt County's $66,994 median income ranks solidly within its regional peer group, outpacing Hardin ($64,906) and Henry ($64,604) while trailing Harrison ($77,027). This positioning reflects balanced local economic conditions.

Strong Housing Affordability Index

Humboldt County's 13.1% rent-to-income ratio is excellent, far below the 30% affordability threshold and leaving households ample room for other expenses. With a median home value of $146,900, housing costs remain very manageable for median-income earners.

Affordability Unlocks Investment Opportunities

Humboldt County's strong housing affordability frees substantial income for wealth-building activities on a $66,994 base. Take advantage of this breathing room by establishing an investment plan—whether stocks, bonds, or real estate—tailored to your timeline.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Humboldt County

via HealthByCounty

Humboldt outlives most Americans

At 78.2 years, Humboldt County residents live 1.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 16.3% poor or fair health rate falls well below the national average of 18%, reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Top health outcomes in Iowa

Humboldt County's 78.2-year life expectancy ranks among Iowa's best, outpacing the state average of 77.7 years by 0.5 years. The 16.3% poor or fair health rate also sits below state medians, placing Humboldt among Iowa's healthiest counties.

Excellent health in rural context

Humboldt's 78.2-year life expectancy matches or exceeds neighbors Hancock (78.6 years) and outpaces Hardin (77.3 years) and Howard (77.7 years). The 16.3% poor/fair health rate shows strong community wellness despite rural geography.

Health strength hampered by access

Humboldt's 5.6% uninsured rate matches Iowa's state average, but primary care access is limited at just 10 providers per 100,000—the lowest in this region. Mental health services at 32 per 100,000 also lag, meaning residents likely travel substantial distances for routine care despite excellent health outcomes.

Preserve Humboldt's health advantage

Humboldt County's excellent health outcomes show what's possible—maintain coverage to sustain this success. Confirm your insurance at healthcare.gov and consider telemedicine options to address the county's limited provider density.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Humboldt County

via RiskByCounty

Humboldt: Very Low Risk Profile

Humboldt County's composite risk score of 24.08 earns a Very Low rating, substantially below Iowa's state average of 39.68 and the national baseline. The county benefits from relatively modest exposure across most natural hazard categories.

Well Below Iowa's Risk Average

Humboldt ranks safely within Iowa's natural disaster landscape, its 24.08 score reflecting significantly lower hazard exposure than the state average. The county's profile shows consistent low-to-moderate risk across multiple hazard types.

Among the Region's Safer Counties

Humboldt's neighbors vary in risk: Hancock (28.79) and Iowa (28.24) are slightly higher, while Howard (15.59) is lower. Humboldt sits comfortably in the safer half of its regional peer group, with notably lower risk than more western neighbors like Ida.

Tornado Risk Dominates Hazards

Tornado risk (45.45) is Humboldt's primary natural hazard concern, scoring moderate compared to the state average. Flood (18.89), wildfire (5.06), and earthquake (8.56) risks all remain well below regional and state benchmarks.

Basic Coverage Provides Protection

Humboldt residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and tornado damage, the county's main hazard. Annual policy reviews, a tornado safety plan, and weather alert subscriptions provide essential protection without requiring specialized coverage.

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.