CountyScore

Ida County

Iowa · IA

#5 in Iowa
75.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Ida County, Iowa

Ida County is a livability standout

Ida County's composite score of 75.1 ranks 50 percentiles above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the nation's top quartile for overall livability. This exceptional score reflects exceptional affordability and strong risk resilience.

Iowa's best livability county

At 75.1, Ida County ranks first among the eight profiled Iowa counties, outperforming the state average of 69.3 by nearly 6 points. It stands as the clear leader in this cohort for overall livability and quality of life.

Unmatched affordability and tax efficiency

Ida's cost score of 86.3 is the highest here, with median home values of just $108,800 and rent at only $669 per month. The effective tax rate of 1.064% is the lowest in the nation—an exceptional value proposition for budget-conscious households.

Income potential lags behind other strengths

The income score of 24.4 reflects median household income of $62,841, the lowest in this group, which can limit upward mobility. This creates a tradeoff: exceptional affordability comes with fewer local high-wage opportunities.

Best choice for maximizing housing security

Ida County is the premier destination for anyone prioritizing ultra-low housing costs, minimal taxes, and economic stability over earning potential. Remote workers, retirees, and frugal families will find unbeatable value here.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.3Cost86.3SafetyComing SoonHealth77.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.4Risk81.7WaterComing Soon
🏛72.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.7
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 Ida County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Boundary County
Idaho
75.1
Median income: $62,438
Clark County
Idaho
75.1
Median income: $52,083
Robertson County
Kentucky
75.1
Median income: $52,337
Alger County
Michigan
75.1
Median income: $59,406
Fillmore County
Nebraska
75.1
Median income: $76,354

Deep Dives

Ida County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ida County

via TaxByCounty

Ida County offers Iowa's lowest tax rates

Ida County's effective tax rate of 1.064% is the lowest among all eight counties profiled and sits below the national median of roughly 0.85%, making it genuinely affordable nationally. The median property tax of just $1,158 represents only 43% of the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional value for homeowners.

Ida ranks among Iowa's most tax-friendly counties

At 1.064%, Ida's effective rate is notably below Iowa's average of 1.344%, positioning it among the state's most affordable jurisdictions. The median property tax of $1,158 trails the state average of $2,160 by over $1,000 annually, making Ida exceptionally attractive for tax-conscious buyers.

Clear winner in the region's tax comparison

Ida's 1.064% rate beats every regional neighbor—Hancock (1.192%), Howard (1.302%), Humboldt (1.286%), Harrison (1.339%), Iowa (1.349%), Hardin (1.427%), and Henry (1.611%). For homeowners prioritizing minimal tax burden, Ida is the obvious choice in this north-central Iowa cluster.

A $108,800 median home costs just $1,158 yearly

Ida County homeowners with the median-valued property of $108,800 pay approximately $1,158 in annual property taxes, the lowest among the eight counties. Over a 30-year mortgage, this totals just $34,740 in cumulative tax payments—substantially less than higher-tax neighbors.

Even low taxes warrant assessment verification

Though Ida offers the region's lowest rates, homeowners should still verify their assessed values against recent comparable sales. An unexpected assessment spike warrants an appeal to protect your already favorable tax position.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ida County

via CostByCounty

Ida County is a renter's bargain

Ida County renters spend just 12.8% of income on housing, performing better than national averages and offering exceptional affordability. With median income of $62,841 and rent of just $669 monthly, this is among the nation's most cost-effective rental markets.

Outstanding affordability in Iowa

Ida County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio is well below Iowa's state average of 14.1%, and its $669 median rent is the lowest in this eight-county cluster. Few Iowa counties match its combination of low rent and reasonable income.

Cheapest rent in the region

Ida's $669 rent is the lowest among all neighbors, undercutting Howard ($699) and every other county in this analysis. Home prices at $108,800 median value are also among the region's lowest, making Ida a budget champion on both fronts.

Unmatched affordability on modest income

With a $62,841 median income—the lowest in this group—Ida residents still spend just 12.8% on rent or 12.9% on mortgages, demonstrating exceptional value. Even households on tight budgets can afford housing here while maintaining financial stability.

Iowa's most affordable county overall

If maximum affordability is your goal, Ida County delivers: lowest rent, lowest home prices, and one of the best rent-to-income ratios in the state. This is where your dollar stretches furthest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ida County

via IncomeByCounty

Ida County Earns Below National Average

Ida County's median household income of $62,841 falls $11,914 short of the national median of $74,755, among the larger income gaps in this eight-county group. This significant shortfall reflects common rural economic pressures facing small agricultural communities.

Iowa's Lower Income Tier

At $62,841, Ida County ranks in Iowa's lower quartile, trailing the state median of $69,830 by $6,989. Among Iowa's 99 counties, Ida County sits in the bottom third economically.

Region's Weakest Earner

Ida County's $62,841 median income ranks lowest among this eight-county group, trailing even Hardin County ($64,906) by over $2,000 per household. This gap underscores economic challenges specific to Ida County's community.

Excellent Affordability Despite Low Income

Ida County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional, well below stress thresholds and providing households with real affordability despite lower earnings. With a median home value of $108,800, housing costs pose minimal burden.

Affordability Compensates for Income Level

Although Ida County's $62,841 median income is the lowest in this group, exceptional housing affordability creates genuine saving potential. Redirect housing savings into emergency funds, retirement accounts, and modest investments to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ida County

via HealthByCounty

Ida exceeds national life expectancy

At 77.5 years, Ida County residents live 1.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The 14.7% poor or fair health rate significantly outperforms the national average of 18%, indicating strong overall health status.

Above-average health in Iowa

Ida County's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by a narrow margin, and the 14.7% poor or fair health rate ranks among the state's best. The county represents strong population health management.

Healthy outcomes across the region

Ida County's 77.5-year life expectancy ranks solidly among regional peers like Hancock (78.6 years) and Humboldt (78.2 years). Its 14.7% poor/fair health rate ties or beats neighbors, reflecting consistent rural health strengths.

Strong coverage with moderate access

Ida County's 5.6% uninsured rate matches Iowa's state average, ensuring most residents have insurance. Primary care is moderately available at 29 providers per 100,000, though mental health provider data is unavailable—residents may need to seek services elsewhere.

Maintain Ida's solid health standing

Ida County's strong health outcomes depend on continuous coverage and access—verify your insurance status at healthcare.gov. Explore all available options through Iowa's Department of Human Services to ensure uninterrupted health protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ida County

via RiskByCounty

Ida: Very Low Risk County

Ida County's composite risk score of 18.35 ranks in the Very Low category, well below both Iowa's state average of 39.68 and the national average. The county's hazard profile reflects modest exposure to most natural disaster types.

Among Iowa's Safest Communities

Ida ranks among Iowa's lower-risk counties, its 18.35 composite score substantially below the state average. The county demonstrates consistent low-to-moderate exposure across its primary hazard categories.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Ida's neighbors show higher risk: Harrison (31.30), Hardin (58.40), and Iowa (28.24) all exceed Ida's 18.35 score. Only Howard County (15.59) ranks safer in the immediate region, making Ida one of the area's most protected communities.

Tornado Risk Ida's Main Concern

Tornado risk (59.10) is Ida's highest hazard exposure, scoring notably above state averages. Flood (18.45) and wildfire (20.17) risks remain well below regional benchmarks, while earthquake exposure is minimal.

Tornado Insurance Is Key Priority

Ida residents should verify homeowners policies include wind and tornado coverage, addressing the county's primary hazard. Develop a family tornado plan, maintain emergency supplies, and review your coverage limits annually to ensure adequate protection against the county's main natural disaster risk.

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.