countyscore
63.7
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.

2040608010019.369.275816266.675.98654Tax19.3Cost69.2Safety75Health81Schools62Income66.6Risk75.9Water86Weather5463.7/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Humboldt County DNA

D+overall

How Humboldt County compares to the national average across nine baseline 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
19.3-32.7
Cost
69.2+21.200000000000003
Safety
75+20
Health
81+31
Schools
62+8
Income
66.6+15.599999999999994
Risk
75.9+28.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
54
Sponsored

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

$155,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$744/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,946/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.

Deep Dives

Humboldt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Humboldt County's county score?
Humboldt County, Iowa has a composite county score of 63.7 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 #16 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 $2,011, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Humboldt County a tax score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Humboldt County?
The median household income in Humboldt County, Iowa is $71,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Humboldt County earns an income score of 66.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Humboldt County, Iowa a good place to live?
Humboldt County scores 63.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.