countyscore
71.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 84.6Health 83.4

County Report Card

About Ida County, Iowa

A Top-Ranked National Choice

Ida County is a standout with a composite score of 71.2, towering over the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the most livable counties in the entire United States.

One of Iowa’s Brightest Stars

At 71.2, Ida far surpasses the Iowa state average of 55.6. It sets a high bar for what a rural Iowa county can achieve in terms of resident services.

Affordability and Safety Champion

Ida scores exceptionally well in safety (84.6), health (83.4), and housing cost (82.0). A median home value of $108,800 makes it incredibly accessible.

Lower Comparative Household Income

The only notable low point is an income score of 47.7, with a median household income of $62,841. This is offset, however, by the extremely low cost of living.

Best for Value-Seeking Families

Ida is a dream for young families or anyone looking to maximize their dollar. It offers a rare combination of elite safety, high health scores, and rock-bottom housing costs.

2040608010033.48284.683.471.147.781.78648.2Tax33.4Cost82Safety84.6Health83.4Schools71.1Income47.7Risk81.7Water86Weather48.271.2/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Ida County DNA

Coverall

How Ida County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Ida County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (81.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
33.4-18.6
Cost
82+34
Safety
84.6+29.599999999999994
Health
83.4+33.400000000000006
Schools
71.1+17.099999999999994
Income
47.7
Risk
81.7+34.7
Water
86+28
Weather
48.2
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Many homeowners in Ida 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

$108,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$669/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$108,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,841/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.4

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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Counties with similar scores

Boone County
Nebraska
Median income: $71,367
71.2
Harding County
New Mexico
Median income: $41,250
71.2
Crockett County
Texas
Median income: $81,739
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Wolfe County
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Median income: $29,052
71
LaSalle Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $67,077
70.9
Mitchell County
North Carolina
Median income: $58,089
70.9
Nelson County
North Dakota
Median income: $68,051
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Floyd County
Virginia
Median income: $61,401
71.5

Nearby counties

Sac County
Iowa
63.9
Cherokee County
Iowa
66.8
Crawford County
Iowa
55.3
Buena Vista County
Iowa
46.7
Woodbury County
Iowa
50.9
Monona County
Iowa
59.3
Carroll County
Iowa
61.5
Calhoun County
Iowa
65.9

Deep Dives

Ida County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Ida County

via CrimeByCounty

Ida County Reports Extremely Low Crime

Ida County earns an impressive safety score of 99.4, although only one agency reported data in 2022. Its total crime rate of 358.7 per 100K is vastly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Among the Safest Counties in Iowa

With a safety score of 99.4, Ida County ranks as one of the safest areas in the state. Its crime rate of 358.7 per 100K is less than half the Iowa state average of 1,095.3.

Competitive Safety in Northwest Iowa

Ida County's crime rate of 358.7 per 100K is lower than neighbors like Woodbury or Crawford. While reporting is limited to one agency, the current numbers suggest a very secure environment.

Rare Incidents of Violent Crime

Violent crime is just 71.7 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also quite low at 287.0 per 100K, making it one of the lowest in the region.

Security Awareness in Ida County

Residents should maintain awareness despite the high 99.4 safety score. Since data comes from a single agency, localized home security remains a wise precaution against the 287.0 property crimes per 100K.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Ida County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Schools Serve Rural Ida County

Ida County's education system is comprised of five public schools serving 1,100 total students. The infrastructure is centered around a primary district model and focuses on three elementary and two high schools.

Near-Perfect Graduation Rates for Students

Ida County boasts an elite 96.4% graduation rate, far exceeding the 87% national average. The county's school score of 57.7 also outperforms the state average of 56.0, despite spending less than the state average per pupil.

Galva-Holstein and OABCIG Districts Shine

The Galva-Holstein Community School District serves 484 students across three schools. No charter schools exist in Ida County, as the community relies entirely on its high-performing traditional public school districts.

Entirely Rural Learning Environments

All five schools in the county are situated in rural locales, creating a consistent and cohesive learning atmosphere. The largest school is OABCIG Elementary at 310 students, while the county average is a compact 220 students per school.

Safe, Rural, and Academically Excellent

With some of the highest graduation rates in Iowa, Ida County is a standout for families seeking a rural lifestyle. Search for homes near Ida Grove or Holstein to secure a place in these high-achieving rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Ida County

via WaterByCounty

Ida County Achieves Grade A

Ida County has recorded zero health violations over the last five years, maintaining a Water Quality Grade of A. This record is superior to the Iowa state average violation rate of 25.9 per 100,000.

Watershed Assessments Pending

Ida County water bodies are not currently included in the federal §303(d) assessment program. As a result, there are no official records of impaired water bodies for this reporting cycle.

Focus on Algae and Nutrients

Two monitoring sites have recorded 530 measurements over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include nutrients, biological indicators, and algae.

No USGS Gauge Data

There are no representative USGS streamgages located within Ida County. In the absence of live flow data, drinking water compliance remains the most reliable signal of water quality.

Monitor Seasonal Algae Levels

Since local monitoring emphasizes algae and nutrients, residents should be aware of seasonal changes in surface water. Maintaining a perfect compliance grade requires ongoing protection of local source waters from nutrient runoff.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Ida County

via WeatherByCounty

Western Iowa’s Dry Continental Climate

Ida County averages 47.1°F annually, sitting below the national median in a humid continental zone. It is notably drier than many other parts of the country, with only 32.7 inches of annual precipitation.

Drier and Cooler Than Average

Ida County receives significantly less moisture than the Iowa average of 36.1 inches, recording only 32.7 inches. Its 47.1°F annual temperature also places it nearly a full degree below the state benchmark.

Cooler than Southern Neighbors

Compared to Harrison County at 48.6°F, Ida remains more temperate and receives less rainfall. It also sees fewer extreme heat days, with 14 days above 90°F versus Harrison's 25.

Snowy Winters and Moderate Summers

Winter brings 35.8 inches of snow and an average January temperature of 17.5°F. Summers are warm but not oppressive, with 14 days of extreme heat and a July average of 72.9°F.

Prepare for Snow and Wind

With nearly 36 inches of annual snow, reliable winter gear and snow removal tools are essential for residents. The relatively dry climate (32.7 inches of rain) makes moisture-conscious landscaping a smart choice for homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Ida County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Mollisols of Ida County

Ida County is dominated by Mollisols with an average pH of 6.31, sitting slightly below the national median of 6.5. This pH is quite similar to the Iowa state average of 6.43. The dominant silty clay loam texture provides a heavy, nutrient-rich base for the region.

High Silt and Clay Content

This soil is composed of 58.9% silt and 28.1% clay, with very little sand at 13.1%. This creates a dense, fine-textured soil that can hold a significant amount of nutrients. However, the low sand content means the soil can become heavy and slow to dry after rain.

Superior Water Retention Capabilities

With an available water capacity of 0.212 in/in, Ida County far exceeds the state average of 0.195. Although organic matter is 3.15%, which is slightly below the Iowa average, the high water capacity protects crops during droughts. This soil acts like a sponge for your garden's needs.

Well Drained but Slow Infiltration

The soil is classified as well drained but falls into Hydrologic Group C. This indicates that while the soil eventually dries out, it has a slower rate of water transmission when thoroughly wet. Farmers and gardeners should manage the surface carefully to avoid erosion on slopes.

Lush Growth in Zone 5a

Hardiness Zone 5a is perfect for growing diverse prairie grasses and high-yield grains in this silty clay loam. These soils are excellent for moisture-loving plants and can support a productive vegetable patch with minimal irrigation. Dig into this rich earth to see why Ida County earns a high soil score of 78.3.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ida County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling Tougher Conditions in Ida

Ida County has a lawn score of 72.8, the lowest in this group and below the state average of 77.2. While still outperforming the national median, local conditions in Zone 5a require a more disciplined approach to lawn maintenance.

Drier Air and Steady Summer Heat

With only 32.7 inches of annual rainfall, Ida is drier than the Iowa average of 36.1 inches. When combined with 14 extreme heat days and 2,915 growing degree days, lawns here often require supplemental irrigation to stay green.

Heavy Silty Clay Loam Soil

The soil is a well-drained silty clay loam with a pH of 6.31 and a high clay content of 28.1%. This texture is excellent for holding onto nutrients, but it can be prone to compaction if foot traffic is heavy when the ground is wet.

Navigating a Dry Western Outlook

The entire county is currently classified as abnormally dry, and it has faced 15 weeks of drought over the past year. Deeply soaking the soil once a week is essential here to keep the 28.1% clay from cracking and damaging grass roots.

Sowing for Resilience in Ida

Tall Fescue or drought-tolerant Bluegrass hybrids are your best bet for these drier conditions. Aim to get seeds in the ground after April 30 and allow the 47.1°F average annual temperature to work in your favor during the fall seeding window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ida County's county score?
Ida County, Iowa has a composite county score of 71.2 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 Ida County rank among counties in Iowa?
Ida County ranks #1 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 Ida County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Ida County is $1,158, with an effective tax rate of 1.06%. This earns Ida County a tax score of 33.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ida County?
The median household income in Ida County, Iowa is $62,841 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ida County earns an income score of 47.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ida County, Iowa a good place to live?
Ida County scores 71.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Ida 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 Ida County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.