With a composite livability score of 68.9, Iowa County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationwide. This means nearly 7 in 10 U.S. counties score lower on overall livability measures.
2 / 5
Above Wisconsin average
Iowa County's score of 68.9 outpaces the Wisconsin state average of 65.6, ranking it comfortably in the upper tier of the state's 72 counties. It's solidly above the middle of the pack regionally.
3 / 5
Health and resilience lead the way
Iowa County shines in health outcomes (81.1) and low environmental risk (76.6), signaling strong community wellness and stable natural conditions. Housing remains attractively affordable at $941/month rent and a median home value of $248,100.
4 / 5
Income growth lags the state
The income score of 37.8 is the county's weak point, with a median household income of $83,372 trailing state and national benchmarks for similar communities. Tax burden is moderate at 1.557%, neither a major advantage nor burden.
5 / 5
Best for health-conscious families
Iowa County suits families or retirees prioritizing strong public health, affordable living costs, and environmental stability over maximum earning potential. It's ideal for those seeking a balanced, resilient rural Wisconsin community.
With a composite livability score of 68.9, Iowa County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationwide. This means nearly 7 in 10 U.S. counties score lower on overall livability measures.
Above Wisconsin average
Iowa County's score of 68.9 outpaces the Wisconsin state average of 65.6, ranking it comfortably in the upper tier of the state's 72 counties. It's solidly above the middle of the pack regionally.
Health and resilience lead the way
Iowa County shines in health outcomes (81.1) and low environmental risk (76.6), signaling strong community wellness and stable natural conditions. Housing remains attractively affordable at $941/month rent and a median home value of $248,100.
Income growth lags the state
The income score of 37.8 is the county's weak point, with a median household income of $83,372 trailing state and national benchmarks for similar communities. Tax burden is moderate at 1.557%, neither a major advantage nor burden.
Best for health-conscious families
Iowa County suits families or retirees prioritizing strong public health, affordable living costs, and environmental stability over maximum earning potential. It's ideal for those seeking a balanced, resilient rural Wisconsin community.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛58.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Iowa County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 1.557%, well above the national median of 1.290%. This places the county in the top 35% of all U.S. counties for property tax burden, meaning most American households pay less in annual property taxes than Iowa County residents.
Moderate burden within Wisconsin
Iowa County ranks 15th among Wisconsin's 72 counties for effective tax rate at 1.557%, compared to the state average of 1.436%. The county's median tax bill of $3,864 exceeds the state median of $3,081 by $783 annually.
Higher than nearby rural counties
Iowa County's rate of 1.557% significantly exceeds Juneau County's 1.524% and Jackson County's 1.430%. Only Kenosha County (1.687%) and La Crosse County (1.629%) among surrounding areas impose higher effective rates.
On a median home: $3,864 yearly
A typical $248,100 home in Iowa County generates an annual tax bill of $3,864, or about $322 monthly. With mortgage-related deductions, that climbs to $3,940, but drops to $3,760 for homes owned free and clear.
Check your assessment—appeal if needed
Many Iowa County homeowners discover their properties are overassessed during reassessment cycles. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales prices, filing an appeal with the county assessor could lower your tax bill.
At 13.5%, Iowa County's rent-to-income ratio beats the national norm and sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold that housing experts recommend. The median household income here is $83,372—$8,617 above the national median—giving residents more breathing room in their monthly budgets.
Solid footing in Wisconsin
Iowa County ranks among the more affordable Wisconsin counties with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.5%, better than the state average of 14.9%. Median rent of $941 is only slightly higher than Wisconsin's $891 state average, reflecting competitive housing costs for the region.
Competitive with surrounding areas
Iowa County's median rent of $941 aligns closely with neighboring Jackson County ($789) and Juneau County ($847), though it runs higher than rural Iron County ($640). Home values here average $248,100—a premium over Iron and Jackson counties but competitive for south-central Wisconsin.
Where Iowa County dollars go
Renters spend roughly $941 monthly while homeowners face $1,183 in costs—totaling 13.5% and 17.0% of median household income respectively. With a median income of $83,372 annually, both housing paths remain within manageable ranges for most households.
Iowa County for value seekers
If you're weighing south-central Wisconsin options, Iowa County delivers above-average incomes paired with below-average rent burdens. Compare its 13.5% rent ratio against Kenosha's 17.8% or La Crosse's 17.4%—the savings add up fast.
At $83,372, Iowa County's median household income runs 11.5% higher than the U.S. median of $74,755. This comfortable cushion reflects a strong local economy that outearns most American households.
Top earner among Wisconsin counties
Iowa County ranks among Wisconsin's highest-income communities, with a median household income 16.2% above the state average of $71,715. Few Wisconsin counties match this earning power.
Leads neighboring counties handily
Iowa County households earn $2,768 more annually than Jefferson County ($80,604) and significantly outpace Jackson County ($65,508) and Juneau County ($65,150). The income gap reflects Iowa County's stronger job market and professional employment base.
Strong income cushion for housing
With a rent-to-income ratio of 13.5%, Iowa County households allocate less than 14% of income to rental costs—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $248,100 remains accessible to the county's above-average earners.
Channel higher earnings into wealth
Iowa County's income advantage creates opportunity: households earning $83,372 can afford to invest 10-15% of income for retirement and long-term growth. Local financial advisors and employer retirement plans offer concrete pathways to build wealth faster than the national average.
At 79.7 years, Iowa County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 77.9 years. Only 13.6% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 17.4%, signaling a healthier population overall.
Among Wisconsin's healthiest counties
Iowa County's 79.7-year life expectancy ranks it above the state average of 77.8 years. This translates to a measurable health advantage within Wisconsin's county landscape.
Iowa County outpaces regional peers
Compared to neighboring Jackson County (76.4 years) and Juneau County (76.0 years), Iowa County residents live noticeably longer. The county's 13.6% poor/fair health rate also beats Juneau's 18.7%, reflecting stronger overall wellness.
Strong primary care, accessible coverage
Iowa County's 4.9% uninsured rate is among Wisconsin's lowest—nearly 2 percentage points below the state average of 7.0%. With 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, residents have reasonably good access to routine care.
Keep Iowa County healthy—stay insured
Nearly 5 in 100 Iowa County residents lack health insurance. Check your coverage options at Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to ensure continuous access to the preventive care that keeps this county's health outcomes strong.
Iowa County scores 23.38 on the composite risk index, placing it in the Very Low category and well below the national average. This means residents face significantly lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to typical U.S. counties.
Among Wisconsin's Safest Counties
With a composite risk score of 23.38 versus Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, Iowa County ranks as one of the safest in the state. The county's risk profile is less than 40% of the statewide average.
Iowa County Outperforms Neighbors
Iowa County's 23.38 score substantially undercuts neighboring Jackson County (48.06) and Juneau County (70.80). The county's low-risk standing makes it a relatively safer location within south-central Wisconsin.
Tornado Risk Deserves Your Attention
While Iowa County's overall risk is very low, tornadoes present the county's most notable hazard with a risk score of 49.33, followed by flood risk at 31.74. Wildfire and earthquake risks remain minimal at 19.47 and 19.31 respectively.
Secure Your Home Against Iowa's Storms
Iowa County residents should prioritize tornado preparedness with a safe room or shelter plan, especially during spring and summer. Standard homeowners insurance covers most perils; verify your policy includes wind and hail protection.