countyscore
56.2
County Score
Health 92.8Income & Jobs 87.2Schools 82.2

County Report Card

About Iowa County, Wisconsin

Beating the National Average

Iowa County earns a composite score of 56.2, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This performance places the county in the top tier of livability across the United States.

Outperforming the Wisconsin State Average

The county's 56.2 score sits nearly six points above the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. It stands as a regional leader in quality of life compared to many of its state neighbors.

High Incomes and Elite Health

With a health score of 92.8 and an income score of 87.2, the county is an economic and wellness powerhouse. Residents benefit from a high median household income of $83,372 and strong local schools scoring 82.2.

Tax and Water Quality Concerns

High property taxes lead to a low tax score of 10.4, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.557%. Water quality is also a notable hurdle with a score of 17.1, while housing affordability remains tight at 27.3.

A Haven for High-Earning Families

This county is ideal for established families and professionals who value excellent education and health services. It suits those who prioritize community amenities over a low tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax10.4Cost27.3Safety67.1Health92.8Schools82.2Income87.2Risk76.6Water17.1Weather52.8
🏛10.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡67.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓82.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡76.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱66.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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53
Sauk County
Wisconsin
42.5
Lafayette County
Wisconsin
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Dane County
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Columbia County
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Deep Dives

Iowa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Iowa County

via TaxByCounty

Iowa County taxes run above national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Iowa County

via CostByCounty

Iowa County rents: better than average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Iowa County

via IncomeByCounty

Iowa County outpaces national income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Iowa County

via CrimeByCounty

Iowa County Ranks High for National Safety

Iowa County earns an elite safety score of 98.8, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 774.3 per 100,000 residents is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Wisconsin Safety

Iowa County ranks among the safest regions in Wisconsin. Eight reporting agencies contribute data that keeps the county's safety metrics well above the state average of 98.3.

A Secure Choice Compared to Neighbors

Iowa County outperforms several regional peers with its low total crime rate of 774.3 per 100K. This figure is significantly lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1,103.1.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Region

Violent crime is exceptionally low here at just 88.4 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents, though the rate of 685.9 remains well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Smart Steps to Keep Iowa County Safe

Residents can maintain this safe environment by investing in smart home monitoring systems. Simple steps like outdoor lighting and secure locks help deter opportunistic property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Iowa County

via HealthByCounty

Iowa County lives longer than most

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Iowa County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dedicated Rural Education Network

Iowa County maintains 15 public schools across six districts, serving a total of 3,424 students. The infrastructure includes six elementary, four middle, and five high schools, ensuring local access for families throughout the region.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Performance

The county boasts an impressive 95.5% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87%. With a composite school score of 60.0 and per-pupil spending of $8,641, the county delivers results that exceed state averages.

Dodgeville Leads Local District Enrollment

The Dodgeville School District is the county's largest, educating 1,068 students across three campuses. While there are currently no charter schools in the county, the Iowa-Grant School District hosts the largest individual campus, Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle, with 473 students.

Quiet Rural and Small-Town Settings

Schooling here feels personal, with 12 of the 15 schools situated in rural locales and an average school size of just 228 students. Facilities range from the 473-student Iowa-Grant Elementary/Middle to smaller high schools, providing an intimate learning environment.

Secure Your Home Near Top Schools

Families looking for high-performing districts in a rural setting will find Iowa County an ideal choice. With graduation rates among the best in the state, investing in a home here means prioritizing your child's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iowa County

via RiskByCounty

Iowa County: Well Below National Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Iowa County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Midwest Continental Climate

Iowa County maintains an annual average temperature of 45.7°F, placing it significantly cooler than the national median of 53.8°F. The region is defined by its humid continental climate, featuring distinct, sharp seasonal shifts.

Warmer than the Wisconsin Average

At 45.7°F, Iowa County is roughly 1.3 degrees warmer than the Wisconsin state average of 44.4°F. It ranks among the slightly milder counties in the southern half of the state.

Drier and Cooler than Southern Neighbors

While Iowa County receives a substantial 39.6 inches of precipitation, it is slightly cooler than nearby Jefferson County at 46.9°F. It remains notably warmer than the more northern Jackson County average of 43.9°F.

Moderate Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents experience about 6 days of extreme heat above 90°F during the 70.7°F July average. Winters bring a significant 41.1 inches of snow as temperatures drop to a January average of 17.4°F.

Prepare for Snow and Storms

Homeowners should prioritize high-quality insulation to handle the 20.7°F winter average. Reliable snow removal equipment is essential to manage the 41.1 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Iowa County

via SoilByCounty

Moderately Acidic Soils in Iowa County

Iowa County soil features an average pH of 6.21, which is notably more alkaline than the Wisconsin state average of 5.63. This level sits just below the national median of 6.5, providing a slightly acidic environment suitable for many temperate crops. While specific taxonomic data for this region is limited, the chemical balance suggests a versatile foundation for local agriculture.

Silt-Heavy Mix Defines the Land

The soil composition is dominated by 52.3% silt, paired with 30.1% sand and 16.2% clay. This high silt content creates a smooth texture that offers excellent workability for farmers. This balanced mix ensures the soil is less prone to the heavy compaction often found in clay-rich regions.

Consistent Growing Potential

Organic matter content stands at 3.10%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but remains below the state average of 11.02%. The available water capacity is 0.198 in/in, very close to the state benchmark of 0.204. These figures indicate a reliable ability to sustain plant life through varied weather patterns.

A Focus on Moisture Management

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unavailable in current data sets, the soil's silty makeup typically suggests moderate infiltration rates. Growers should monitor local runoff patterns during heavy Wisconsin rains to ensure proper root aeration. Local topography plays a significant role in how these silty soils manage water.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, Iowa County is ideal for cool-season vegetables like kale and hardy perennials. The soil's 71.1 overall score outperforms the state average of 68.2, making it a prime spot for new gardeners to find success. Start your garden today with confidence in this high-performing soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Iowa County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Iowa County Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of 66.6, Iowa County is slightly easier for lawn care than the Wisconsin average of 64.4. This score sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing the county in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a.

Generous Rainfall Powers Growth

The county receives 39.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 34.5 inches. While 2,485 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for grass, the six annual extreme heat days match the state average and require occasional vigilance.

Balanced Soils Support Healthy Roots

The soil pH of 6.21 falls perfectly within the ideal range for grass, requiring minimal chemical adjustment. A texture of 16.2% clay and 30.1% sand provides a stable foundation for root development, though specific drainage data is unavailable.

Mitigating High Drought Persistence

Iowa County experienced 37 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Residents should prioritize deep watering early in the morning to combat these persistent dry spells.

Timing Your Zone 5a Lawn

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues thrive in this 5a zone and should be seeded after the last frost on May 3. Aim to establish new turf well before the first fall frost arrives on October 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iowa County's county score?
Iowa County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Iowa County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Iowa County ranks #13 among all counties in Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Iowa County is $3,864, with an effective tax rate of 1.56%. This earns Iowa County a tax score of 10.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iowa County?
The median household income in Iowa County, Wisconsin is $83,372 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iowa County earns an income score of 87.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iowa County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Iowa County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Wisconsin. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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