countyscore
63.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 83.3Health 81

County Report Card

About Humboldt County, Iowa

Outpacing the U.S. Median

Humboldt County earns a 63.4 composite score, well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of stability and resident satisfaction.

Stronger Than the State Average

Humboldt's score of 63.4 beats the Iowa average of 55.6. It provides a more balanced profile than many of its rural counterparts in the state.

Top-Tier Wellness and Water

The county features an 86.0 water score and an 81.0 health score. Combined with a 75.9 risk score, residents enjoy a safe and healthy environment.

Economic and Tax Constraints

Taxes remain a hurdle with a score of 21.5, while the income score sits at 59.0. The effective tax rate is 1.286% on a median household income of $66,994.

Best for Peace of Mind

Humboldt is ideal for retirees or families looking for a low-risk, healthy environment. The strong infrastructure and safety scores make it a reliable place to call home.

2040608010021.567.97581625975.98654Tax21.5Cost67.9Safety75Health81Schools62Income59Risk75.9Water86Weather5463.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Humboldt County DNA

D+overall

How Humboldt County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Humboldt County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (81/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.5-30.5
Cost
67.9+19.900000000000006
Safety
75+20
Health
81+31
Schools
62+8
Income
59+8
Risk
75.9+28.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
54
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Think property taxes are too high in Humboldt County?

Many homeowners in Humboldt County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$146,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$731/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$146,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,994/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.4

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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Nearby counties

Pocahontas County
Iowa
65.2
Wright County
Iowa
59.7
Webster County
Iowa
41.6
Palo Alto County
Iowa
62.4
Hancock County
Iowa
61.6
Kossuth County
Iowa
66.6
Calhoun County
Iowa
65.9
Hamilton County
Iowa
57.6

Deep Dives

Humboldt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Humboldt County

via CrimeByCounty

Humboldt County Maintains High Safety Standards

Humboldt County features a safety score of 99.1, comfortably exceeding national safety averages. The total crime rate of 593.4 per 100K is roughly one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Strong Safety Performance in Iowa

At 99.1, Humboldt County's safety score sits above the Iowa average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 593.4 per 100K is much lower than the state average of 1,095.3.

Localized Comparisons to Nearby Counties

Humboldt's rate of 593.4 per 100K is similar to Hancock County's 574.6. It is significantly safer than Webster County to the south, which typically reports higher crime activity.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Low

The violent crime rate is just 62.5 per 100K, which is nearly six times lower than the national average. Property crime accounts for most local incidents at 530.9 per 100K.

Guarding Against Property Crime

Although the county is very safe, residents should address the 530.9 property crimes per 100K with smart home tech. Outdoor lighting and cameras can help preserve the county's 99.1 safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Humboldt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Six Schools Across Three Small Districts

Humboldt County provides six public schools for 1,621 students across three distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Competitive Graduation Rates and State-Level Funding

The county's 92.0% graduation rate nearly matches the Iowa state average of 92.3% and easily beats the 87% national average. Per-pupil spending is $7,706, which is slightly above the state average investment of $7,591.

Humboldt Community District Leads the Way

The Humboldt Community School District is the primary educational hub, serving 1,485 students across four schools. All six schools in the county are traditional public schools, with zero charter schools in operation.

A Rural Focus with Larger Town Hubs

Four schools are located in rural areas, though the town-based Humboldt High School is the largest with 496 students. The average school size is 270 students, offering a blend of intimate primary settings and larger secondary environments.

Join the Humboldt County School Community

Stable graduation rates and a focused district structure make Humboldt County an attractive destination for families. Consider browsing homes in the Humboldt district to benefit from its strong academic results and centralized facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Humboldt County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance for Humboldt

Humboldt County holds a Water Quality Grade of A with no health violations recorded in the five-year lookback period. This places the county well ahead of the average Iowa violation rate.

Watershed Health Data N/A

Local streams and rivers have not been assessed under the current federal §303(d) reporting cycle. Information regarding impaired water bodies is not yet available for this jurisdiction.

Multi-Factor Water Monitoring

Technicians have collected 1,603 measurements from 4 sites across the county over the last five years. Monitoring focuses on physical characteristics, nutrients, and metals.

Des Moines River Steady

The Des Moines River at Humboldt is flowing at 1,160 cfs, which is 93% of its long-term mean. This suggests the river is maintaining nearly typical volume for this time of year.

Healthy Flow Supports Quality

Stable streamflow in the Des Moines River helps maintain consistent source water quality. Residents can help preserve the county's Grade A status by monitoring for potential metal and nutrient contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Humboldt County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Temps and Low Extremes

Humboldt County maintains a cool 46.2°F annual average temperature, placing it well below the national median. This region experiences a traditional continental climate with distinct seasons but few days of extreme summer heat.

Lower Precipitation than State Norms

The county is slightly drier than the Iowa average, seeing 35.0 inches of precipitation compared to the state's 36.1 inches. Its annual temperature of 46.2°F also trails the statewide average by nearly two degrees.

A Middle Ground in Temperature

Humboldt is slightly warmer than Hancock County to the north (45.5°F) but cooler than Hardin County (46.8°F). It enjoys very few extreme heat days, recording only 6 per year compared to Hardin's 13.

Frigid Winters and Gentle Summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 19.8°F, dipping to a January low of 16.4°F. Summers are temperate with a July average of 72.1°F and only 6 days reaching the 90°F mark.

Focus on Winter Efficiency

While local snowfall data is limited, the cold 16.4°F January average suggests a strong need for furnace maintenance. Minimal extreme heat days mean cooling costs are lower here than in much of southern Iowa.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Humboldt County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils with High Potential

Humboldt County's soil pH averages 6.57, nearly identical to the national median of 6.5. This balance is slightly more alkaline than the Iowa state average of 6.43. With a soil score of 78.3, this land is ranked among the higher-quality agricultural areas in the state.

Balanced Texture for All Uses

The composition is split between 38.0% sand, 37.0% silt, and 23.1% clay. This balance provides the drainage benefits of sand alongside the nutrient retention of clay and silt. It is a versatile mix that supports both traditional row crops and diverse home gardens.

Rich Organic Matter and Solid Capacity

Organic matter is very high at 5.56%, far exceeding the Iowa average of 3.81%. While the available water capacity of 0.188 in/in is just below the state average, the rich organic content ensures high fertility. This soil is naturally well-equipped to feed growing plants throughout the season.

Productive Ground with Stable Hydrology

While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the county's high soil score of 78.3 suggests favorable water management. The balanced texture usually allows for decent infiltration while maintaining enough moisture for crop health. You can expect reliable performance from this land in most weather conditions.

Planting Powerhouse in Zone 5a

In Hardiness Zone 5a, these high-organic soils are ideal for everything from corn to heavy-feeding vegetables like broccoli and squash. The near-neutral pH means most plants can access nutrients without needing soil amendments. Start your seeds with confidence in this premium Iowa soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Humboldt County

via LawnByCounty

Iowa's Premier Lawn Growing Territory

Humboldt County earns an impressive 83.3 lawn difficulty score, the highest in this group and well above the state average of 77.2. Maintaining a beautiful yard in this 5a zone is significantly easier than in most U.S. counties.

The Goldilocks Climate for Grass

Humboldt only experiences 6 extreme heat days per year, the lowest in the region, while receiving 35.0 inches of rain. This prevents the heat-induced dormancy that plagues other Iowa counties and keeps mowing schedules consistent throughout the summer.

Sandy Mix for Healthy Roots

With 38.0% sand and a pH of 6.57, the soil is nearly ideal for rapid root development and nutrient absorption. This balanced texture allows for good air circulation in the root zone, which is critical for preventing common turf diseases.

Minimal Water Stress Challenges

Only 5.4% of the county is currently abnormally dry, and the area saw just 3 weeks of drought over the past year. You can rely largely on natural precipitation, making Humboldt one of the most water-efficient places for Iowa lawn care.

Maximize Your May Growth

Spring growth kicks off after the April 27 frost, giving you a long runway before the October 9 fall frost. Kentucky Bluegrass is the gold standard here, flourishing in the 2,705 growing degree days provided by the local climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Humboldt County's county score?
Humboldt County, Iowa has a composite county score of 63.4 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 Humboldt County rank among counties in Iowa?
Humboldt County ranks #19 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 Humboldt County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Humboldt County is $1,889, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Humboldt County a tax score of 21.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Humboldt County?
The median household income in Humboldt County, Iowa is $66,994 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Humboldt County earns an income score of 59/100 on CountyScore.
Is Humboldt County, Iowa a good place to live?
Humboldt County scores 63.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Humboldt 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 Humboldt County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.