countyscore
56.6
County Score
Health 89.4Lawn Care 73.9Disaster Risk 71.8

County Report Card

About Iowa County, Iowa

Surpassing the National Average

Iowa County earns a 56.6 composite score, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard of living that many Americans find desirable.

Meeting the State Standard

The county's score of 56.6 is just slightly higher than the Iowa state average of 55.6. It is a reliable, middle-of-the-road choice for those staying in-state.

Exceptional Health and Income

Health is a major win here with a score of 89.4, alongside a strong income score of 71.7. Household incomes average a robust $72,185.

Critical Water Infrastructure Needs

Water quality is a significant outlier with a score of just 11.3. Additionally, a tax score of 18.9 suggests that fiscal policy remains a concern for local property owners.

Best for High-Income Professionals

Iowa County suits well-paid residents who prioritize personal health and economic stability. Those moving here should be prepared to invest in private water filtration given the low water score.

2040608010018.952.257.789.467.871.771.811.348Tax18.9Cost52.2Safety57.7Health89.4Schools67.8Income71.7Risk71.8Water11.3Weather4856.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Iowa County DNA

Foverall

How Iowa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Iowa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (89.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
18.9-33.1
Cost
52.2
Safety
57.7
Health
89.4+39.400000000000006
Schools
67.8+13.799999999999997
Income
71.7+20.700000000000003
Risk
71.8+24.799999999999997
Water
11.3-46.7
Weather
48-8
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Iowa County?

Many homeowners in Iowa 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

$189,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$722/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$189,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,185/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.1

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

Keokuk County
Iowa
58.5
Poweshiek County
Iowa
46.8
Johnson County
Iowa
41.1
Washington County
Iowa
51.6
Benton County
Iowa
56
Mahaska County
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Linn County
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40.7
Tama County
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56.6

Deep Dives

Iowa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Iowa County

via TaxByCounty

Iowa County's rate aligns with national patterns

Iowa County's effective tax rate of 1.349% moderately exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the mainstream nationally. The median property tax of $2,560 represents 95% of the national median of $2,690, making Iowa County one of the closest to typical U.S. property tax burdens in this group.

Iowa County slightly exceeds the state average rate

At 1.349%, Iowa County's effective rate marginally trails Iowa's average of 1.344%, making it essentially aligned with statewide norms. The median property tax of $2,560 exceeds Iowa's average of $2,160 by about $400, reflecting Iowa County's higher home values.

Higher taxes offset by stronger home values

Iowa County's 1.349% rate is higher than five of its eight-county peers, exceeded only by Henry (1.611%) and Hardin (1.427%). However, with a median home value of $189,800, Iowa County boasts the strongest property values in the group, justifying its modest tax premium.

A $189,800 median home costs $2,560 yearly

Iowa County homeowners with the median-valued property of $189,800 pay roughly $2,560 in annual property taxes, the second-highest median bill among the eight counties. Over three decades, this amounts to more than $76,800 in cumulative tax payments.

Challenge overassessments to cut your bill

Iowa County homeowners with higher-value properties should closely monitor their assessments, as overvaluation becomes especially costly at elevated price points. Comparing your assessed value to recent comparable sales can identify appeal opportunities worth hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Iowa County

via CostByCounty

Iowa County renters get great deals

Iowa County renters spend just 12.0% of income on housing, among the nation's best affordability rates and well below national averages. With a median household income of $72,185 and median rent of $722, this county delivers solid financial flexibility for working families.

Best renter affordability in Iowa

At 12.0%, Iowa County's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed and significantly below Iowa's 14.1% state average. The $722 median rent is just $90 below the state average, making renters here particularly well-positioned.

Excellence in renting, premium in buying

Iowa County's $722 rent ranks second-cheapest regionally behind Ida, yet its $189,800 median home value is the highest, reflecting a county of renters and affluent owners. The $1,121 monthly mortgage is steep, suggesting this county suits renters more than stretched homebuyers.

Renters enjoy luxury; buyers pay premium

Iowa County's $72,185 median income makes the $722 rent a comfortable 12.0%, but homebuyers face a challenging 18.6% with $1,121 monthly costs. This county's strength lies in renting, not ownership, marking it as unusual in Iowa's affordability landscape.

Ideal if you plan to rent long-term

Iowa County is perfect for renters seeking excellent affordability and likely for professionals with higher incomes considering eventual purchase. If you're relocating without plans to buy immediately, this county offers some of Iowa's best rental economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Iowa County

via IncomeByCounty

Iowa County Approaches National Income Norms

Iowa County's median household income of $72,185 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $2,570, positioning it among the stronger-earning counties in this group. This near-parity with national averages reflects a solid, stable local economy.

Well Above Iowa's State Average

At $72,185, Iowa County exceeds the state median of $69,830 by $2,355, ranking it in Iowa's upper-middle tier among the state's 99 counties. The county's economic performance outpaces the state baseline.

Second-Strongest Regional Performer

Iowa County's $72,185 median income trails only Harrison County ($77,027) in this cluster and substantially outearns peers like Hancock ($70,212), Howard ($67,336), and Hardin ($64,906). This strong positioning reflects competitive local assets.

Best Affordability Ratio in the Group

Iowa County's 12.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, reflecting exceptional housing affordability despite a median home value of $189,800—the highest in the group. Residents enjoy significant financial flexibility after housing costs.

Maximize Earning Potential With Margin

Iowa County's combination of strong household income ($72,185) and outstanding affordability (12.0% ratio) creates an ideal environment for wealth accumulation. Aggressive saving and diversified investing can significantly accelerate your path to long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Iowa County

via CrimeByCounty

Iowa County Beats National Safety Averages

Iowa County holds a safety score of 98.5, which is higher than the national average. The total crime rate of 971.3 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Solid Standing Within the State

Iowa County's safety score of 98.5 is slightly better than the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 971.3 per 100K is lower than the state average of 1,095.3.

Safe Transit Corridor in East-Central Iowa

Iowa County’s crime rate of 971.3 is lower than neighboring Johnson County, home to Iowa City. It maintains a peaceful environment even with the high volume of traffic on Interstate 80.

Property Crime as the Primary Factor

Property crimes occur at a rate of 766.2 per 100K, while violent crime is 205.1. Both rates are lower than their respective national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8.

Securing Your Iowa County Property

With 766.2 property crimes per 100K, residents should use deadbolts and alarm systems to deter theft. These simple steps help protect the county's 98.5 safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Iowa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ten Schools Across Five Active Districts

Iowa County's education landscape includes 10 public schools serving 2,670 students. These facilities are spread across five districts, primarily featuring elementary and high school levels.

Strong Graduation Rates and Stable Scoring

The county maintains a 94.5% graduation rate, which is higher than both the Iowa state average and the 87% national benchmark. Its composite school score of 57.0 remains above the state average of 56.0.

Williamsburg and Clear Creek Amana Lead

The Williamsburg Community School District serves 1,216 students across three local schools. No charter schools are available in the county, meaning all students are served by traditional public education districts.

Rural Roots with Mid-Sized Town Schools

Seven schools are located in rural areas, while three sit in towns, with an overall average size of 267 students. Williamsburg Junior-Senior High is the largest facility with 605 students, offering a more comprehensive campus feel.

Make Iowa County Your New Home

Families value Iowa County for its consistent academic performance and high graduation rates. Look for real estate in the Williamsburg or Iowa Valley districts to experience these top-tier public schools firsthand.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iowa County

via RiskByCounty

Iowa County: Low Risk, Moderate Wildfire

Iowa County's composite risk score of 28.24 sits in the Very Low category and below Iowa's state average of 39.68. The county's profile reflects generally modest hazard exposure, though wildfire risk stands notably elevated for the region.

Safe Overall With Fire Concerns

Iowa County ranks safely within the state's natural disaster landscape, but its wildfire score of 61.13 significantly exceeds the state average. This high fire risk is unusual for the county's agricultural region and merits specific attention.

Wildfire Risk Stands Out

Iowa County's neighbors Hancock (6.58 wildfire), Howard (9.26), and Humboldt (5.06) face far lower fire risks, making Iowa's 61.13 score a regional outlier. Only Harrison County (59.80) approaches Iowa's fire exposure, suggesting certain landscape characteristics drive elevated wildfire vulnerability in this micro-region.

Wildfire and Tornado Risks Peak

Wildfire (61.13) and tornado (59.89) risks are Iowa County's primary hazards, both scoring well above state averages. Flood (32.60) and earthquake (26.21) risks are secondary but notable, while hurricane exposure remains minimal.

Prioritize Fire and Storm Coverage

Iowa County residents must ensure comprehensive homeowners coverage for both fire and wind damage, given the county's elevated wildfire and tornado exposure. Clear vegetation near structures, maintain defensible space, develop a family evacuation plan, and keep important documents in a fireproof safe.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Iowa County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Violations Lead to Grade F

Iowa County has a Water Quality Grade of F, driven by 35 health violations over the past five years. The violation rate of 285.5 per 100,000 residents is more than ten times the state average.

Surface Water Awaits Assessment

Federal §303(d) assessment data is not yet available for the watersheds within Iowa County. Formal impairment status for local streams remains undetermined by the EPA for this cycle.

PFAS Tracking in Iowa County

Eight monitoring sites have generated 620 measurements over the last five years. High-priority tracking includes physical characteristics, nutrients, and PFAS (Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances).

Iowa River Flows Above Mean

The Iowa River at Marengo is currently flowing at 2,420 cfs. This discharge is 116% of the long-term mean, indicating robust water volume in the primary river.

Urgent Action on Compliance

The extremely high violation rate and presence of PFAS monitoring suggest residents should use certified water filters. Check with your local utility for specific details on the 35 recorded health violations to ensure your home's safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Iowa County

via WeatherByCounty

A Balanced Continental Profile

Iowa County records an annual average temperature of 48.2°F, placing it near the middle of the state's climate spectrum. It receives 37.7 inches of annual precipitation, slightly more than the national median.

Mirroring the State Average

Iowa County's 48.2°F temperature almost perfectly matches the statewide average of 48.0°F. It is slightly wetter than the state norm, receiving 37.7 inches of rain and snow compared to the 36.1-inch Iowa average.

Cooler and Snowier than Henry

Iowa County is cooler than Henry County to its south, which averages 49.6°F. It also sees more winter precipitation, recording 28.1 inches of snow compared to Henry's 25.3 inches.

Defined Seasons and Sudden Heat

The county experiences 17 days of extreme heat per year, primarily during a July that averages 73.3°F. Winter is cold and snowy, with 28.1 inches of accumulation and a January average of 19.4°F.

Equip for Both Extremes

The 17 days of 90°F heat require efficient air conditioning, while 28 inches of snow demand reliable winter tools. Homeowners should also prepare for 37.7 inches of annual precipitation with proper drainage and roofing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Iowa County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silt-Heavy Foundations

Iowa County soils have an average pH of 6.26, which is lower than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.43. Specific taxonomic classifications are not currently listed in the data. The overall soil score of 64.3 is below the state average, suggesting some limitations for certain crops.

Fine Texture with High Silt

The soil contains 56.6% silt and 23.0% clay, balanced by 20.3% sand. This composition creates a smooth texture that is prone to crusting if the surface is not protected. It holds nutrients well but requires careful management to prevent compaction from heavy machinery.

Steady Moisture in Lower-Organic Soils

Organic matter levels average 2.44%, which is lower than the Iowa average of 3.81%. However, the available water capacity of 0.189 in/in remains close to the state average. This indicates the soil is capable of supporting plant life through moderate dry periods despite lower nutrient stores.

Monitoring Water Movement and Drainage

Dominant drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county. Given the high silt content, the soil likely has moderate permeability but can become saturated during heavy Iowa springs. Proper drainage is key to ensuring healthy root systems in this environment.

Versatile Planting in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone allows for a wide range of gardening options, from orchard fruits to summer vegetables. Because the soil is slightly acidic, it is well-suited for berries and many native flowering perennials. Adding organic compost will help boost the 2.44% organic matter and improve your garden's yield.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Iowa County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Lawn in Iowa County

Iowa County scores 73.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, trailing slightly behind the state average of 77.2. Homeowners in this Zone 5b region face unique challenges, particularly regarding moisture consistency and heat management.

Ample Rainfall Meets Summer Peaks

The county enjoys 37.7 inches of rain, which is better than the state average, but it also endures 17 extreme heat days. This extra heat can quickly evaporate soil moisture, making the timing of your watering schedule critical in July and August.

Balanced Soil with Moderate Acidity

The soil pH sits at 6.26, providing a healthy environment for most grass types to thrive. With 23.0% clay and 20.3% sand, the soil has a good balance of moisture retention and stability, though it lacks the high drainage of sandy northern counties.

Staying Vigilant Through Long Droughts

The county has struggled with 21 weeks of drought in the past year and remains 100% abnormally dry today. Because of this persistent dryness, utilizing rain barrels or smart irrigation controllers can help maintain turf health without wasting water.

Plan for a Productive Season

Standard cool-season blends like Bluegrass and Fescue perform well between the April 28 and October 9 frost dates. Focus on late August renovation to help your lawn recover from the 17 heat days before the winter sets in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iowa County's county score?
Iowa County, Iowa has a composite county score of 56.6 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 Iowa County rank among counties in Iowa?
Iowa County ranks #58 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 Iowa County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Iowa County is $2,560, with an effective tax rate of 1.35%. This earns Iowa County a tax score of 18.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iowa County?
The median household income in Iowa County, Iowa is $72,185 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iowa County earns an income score of 71.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iowa County, Iowa a good place to live?
Iowa County scores 56.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Iowa 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 Iowa 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.