countyscore
46.9
County Score
Property Tax 92.6Health 66.5Income & Jobs 56

County Report Card

About Iron County, Utah

Iron County's National Standing

Iron County holds a composite score of 46.9, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This indicates a standard of living that is competitive but faces specific structural challenges.

Searching for State Parity

The county's 46.9 score trails the Utah average of 53.9. It currently ranks in the lower half of Utah counties for overall composite health.

Tax Relief and Public Health

Residents enjoy a high tax score of 92.6 thanks to a lean 0.421% effective rate. Public health is another bright spot, earning a score of 66.5, which outperforms several neighboring counties.

School and Affordability Gaps

Housing affordability is a growing concern with a cost score of 23.1. Additionally, the school score of 24.1 suggests a significant need for investment in local educational outcomes.

Best for Health-Conscious Budgeters

Iron County suits individuals who prioritize personal health and low tax bills. It is a viable option for those who can work remotely or are retired, bypassing local educational and housing constraints.

Score breakdown

Tax92.6Cost23.1Safety42.1Health66.5Schools24.1Income56Risk38.6Water30.2Weather37.7
🏛92.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓24.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.1
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

Washington County
Utah
46.8
Beaver County
Utah
57.5
Lincoln County
Nevada
74.7
Piute County
Utah
68.2
Millard County
Utah
53.5
Kane County
Utah
58.8
Sevier County
Utah
47.4
Garfield County
Utah
66.8

Deep Dives

Iron County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Iron County

via TaxByCounty

Iron County taxes far below national median

Iron County's effective tax rate of 0.421% sits well below the national median of 0.535%. The median property tax of $1,444 is less than 54% of the national median of $2,690.

Below-average taxes across Utah

Iron County's 0.421% effective rate falls short of Utah's 0.498% state average, ranking it among the more tax-friendly counties statewide. The median tax bill of $1,444 is $371 below the state median of $1,815.

Similar to Kane, higher than Piute

Iron County's 0.421% rate closely matches Kane County (0.419%) and exceeds Piute County (0.431%) slightly. Median home values differ by county, but Iron sits in the middle of the regional range at $342,900.

Median home pays $1,444 annually

The typical Iron County home valued at $342,900 carries an annual tax bill of $1,444. This payment is nearly identical whether the home carries a mortgage ($1,431) or is owned free and clear ($1,473).

Check your assessment for accuracy

Many Iron County homeowners don't realize their property may be overassessed relative to comparable sales. A free assessment appeal can identify whether you're paying more than you should.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Iron County

via CostByCounty

Iron County rents above U.S. average

Iron County's 18.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average, placing renters here in a tighter squeeze than typical Americans. With median rent at $1,008 per month against a median household income of $65,527, housing costs consume a meaningful chunk of local paychecks.

Above-average affordability pressure in Utah

Iron County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% sits above Utah's state average of 16.6%, ranking it among the less affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $1,008 approaches the state median, despite household incomes below the state norm.

More expensive than Garfield and Millard

Iron County's $1,008 rent exceeds nearby Garfield ($781) and Millard ($897), reflecting Cedar City's growth as a regional hub. However, median home values ($342,900) are lower than Grand County's ($480,900), offering better homebuying prospects despite rental pressures.

Renting takes a bigger bite than buying

Renters allocate 18.5% of the $65,527 median income to rent ($1,008/month), while homeowners dedicate 21.8% to mortgage costs ($1,189/month). Iron County presents a paradox: homeownership costs more, yet rents already strain household budgets significantly.

Cedar City area costs rising

Iron County's growing housing expenses warrant close comparison with more affordable neighbors like Garfield and Millard if you're relocating to the region. Consider whether Cedar City's amenities justify higher housing costs relative to smaller surrounding communities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Iron County

via IncomeByCounty

Iron County's income slightly lags

Iron County's median household income of $65,527 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 12.3%, placing it in the middle-to-lower range nationally. The county represents a moderate rural income profile for the Mountain West.

Mid-range for Utah

Iron's $65,527 median sits 18.2% below Utah's state average of $80,176, putting it solidly in the lower-to-middle tier of Utah counties. The per capita income of $28,886 is below the state average of $35,055, suggesting less concentrated wealth than in some peer counties.

Middle ground in the south

Iron County earns more than Piute ($44,650) and Garfield ($61,688) but less than Kane ($75,000) and Grand ($62,521). It represents the income midpoint among Utah's rural southern tier.

Rent eats 18.5% of income

Iron's rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% stays below the 30% affordability threshold, offering residents reasonable housing flexibility. A median home value of $342,900 is moderate relative to the county's income level.

Leverage modest housing costs

Iron residents spend less than one-fifth of income on rent, leaving room to invest in retirement or build home equity. Even modest monthly contributions to an IRA or employer 401(k) can accumulate significantly over a working lifetime.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Iron County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong National Standing in Iron County

Iron County reports a total crime rate of 1,310.6 per 100,000, which is roughly 45% lower than the national average. Its safety score of 97.9 indicates a secure environment for residents and students.

Aligning with Utah State Averages

The county's crime rate sits slightly above the Utah average of 1,204.8 per 100,000. However, its safety score matches closely with the statewide average of 98.1, reflecting Utah's general safety.

Comprehensive Data Across Seven Agencies

Iron County sees slightly more reported activity than adjacent Juab County, which has a rate of 1,331.4. With seven reporting agencies, Iron provides a very transparent and detailed view of local safety trends.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Property crimes dominate the local data at 1,196.9 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 113.7. Violent incidents are nearly 40% less frequent here than the Utah average.

Prioritizing Residential Security

Because property crime is the most common concern, homeowners should focus on securing entry points and deliveries. Simple steps like doorbell cameras can effectively discourage theft in residential neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Iron County

via HealthByCounty

Iron County above U.S. life expectancy

Iron County residents live to 78.3 years on average, slightly above the national average of 78.9 years, placing it in the healthier half of American counties. The 15.3% poor or fair health rate is well below many rural areas, signaling effective disease management.

Mid-tier health outcomes for Utah

Iron County's 78.3-year life expectancy ranks in the upper middle tier of Utah counties, surpassing the state average of 77.9 years by about four months. The county's 15.3% poor health rate is among Utah's better-performing counties for self-reported health status.

Competitive with Garfield and Kane

Iron County's 78.3-year life expectancy matches Kane County and exceeds Garfield County's 77.6 years, though it trails Grand County's exceptional 80.3 years. Iron's primary care access of 33 per 100K is tight compared to neighbors, but mental health services at 305 per 100K are robust.

Modest insurance gaps and tight primary care

Iron County's uninsured rate of 11.2% tops Utah's average of 10.2%, reflecting regional affordability challenges and rural access barriers. Primary care is constrained at 33 providers per 100K, meaning residents may travel significant distances for routine check-ups or early treatment of emerging health concerns.

Insurance is the first step to care

With one in nine Iron residents uninsured and primary care scarce, securing coverage becomes even more critical to overcome geographic and provider barriers. Health insurance connects you to the primary care network and ensures preventive screenings happen before problems become emergencies.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Iron County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust and Diverse Educational Network

Iron County supports a large student body of 13,607 across 20 public schools. The system is comprehensive, featuring 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, five high schools, and three specialized centers.

Solid Graduation Rates Despite Lean Funding

Iron County achieves an 89.3% graduation rate, which sits just above the Utah state average. This success comes despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $5,154, significantly trailing the national average of $13,000.

Iron District and Specialized Academies

The Iron District is the dominant provider with 18 schools and 12,739 students. Local families also benefit from the Success Academy and Gateway Preparatory Academy, which offer charter and specialized curricula to over 1,100 students.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

With 15 schools in town locales and 5 in rural areas, the county offers diverse learning environments. Southwest Educational Academy is the largest institution with 2,585 students, while many elementary schools maintain a more traditional feel.

Relocate to Iron County's Academic Hubs

Families often look for homes near Cedar City High to access the county's core educational resources. The combination of high graduation rates and diverse school types makes this a strong market for education-focused buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iron County

via RiskByCounty

Iron County faces above-average disaster risk

Iron County's composite risk score of 61.42 earns a Relatively Low rating but sits 25 points above Utah's state average of 36.19. This southwestern county experiences greater overall hazard exposure than most of its state counterparts.

Third-highest risk county in Utah

Iron County ranks in the top tier of Utah's 29 counties for natural disaster exposure, exceeded only by a handful of municipalities. Its 61.42 score reflects significant vulnerability to multiple hazard types across its geography.

Highest risk in the southwestern corner

Iron County's 61.42 exceeds all nearby counties, including Garfield (37.63) to the east, Kane (39.66) to the southeast, and Washington County to the west. This positioning makes Iron the riskiest county in its entire region.

Extreme wildfire and earthquake threats

Wildfire risk soars to 97.74—the highest in the state—making brush fires the dominant hazard in Iron County. Earthquake risk of 86.83 adds significant secondary exposure, both stemming from the county's location along active tectonic zones and in a fire-prone climate.

Essential: wildfire and earthquake insurance

Iron County residents face severe exposure to both wildfires and earthquakes, neither covered by standard homeowners policies. Securing comprehensive wildfire and earthquake insurance, combined with aggressive defensible-space maintenance and emergency preparedness, is critical for protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Iron County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Mountain Air in Iron County

Iron County maintains an average annual temperature of 46.4°F, falling nearly seven degrees below the national median of 53°F. This high-altitude climate ensures cooler conditions than many other interior western counties.

Consistently Cooler Than the Utah Average

The county's 46.4°F average temperature is lower than the Utah state average of 48.9°F. While parts of Utah face extreme desert heat, Iron County stays moderated by its elevation and 57.2 inches of annual snow.

Snowier Than Its Eastern Neighbors

Iron County receives 57.2 inches of snow annually, significantly outpacing neighboring Garfield's 48.2 inches. It also remains cooler than Kane County, which averages 54.0°F per year.

Deep Snow and Crisp Summers

Winters are dominated by 57.2 inches of snowfall and an average December-February temperature of 28.8°F. Summers remain pleasant, with only 27 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 68.7°F.

Gear Up for Serious Snow

Reliable snow removal equipment and winterized home insulation are vital for managing the heavy annual snowfall. Residents can enjoy mild summers, but should be prepared for cold nights even in the warmer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Iron County

via SoilByCounty

Iron's alkaline soil foundations

Detailed taxonomic and pH data for Iron County are missing from the current digital records. While localized pH is unknown, the Utah average of 7.71 suggests the soil is more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile affects how your plants absorb essential nutrients like iron and phosphorus.

A texture mix yet to be mapped

The specific balance of sand, silt, and clay remains unquantified for the county. Most regional soils offer a mix of alluvial fans and basin deposits that dictate how well your garden drains. Testing a handful of damp soil at home reveals if you are working with heavy clay or loose sand.

Water capacity and organic goals

Specific organic matter data for Iron County is unavailable, but the state average is a robust 7.59%. This state benchmark easily beats the national average of 2.0%. Targeting the state available water capacity of 0.138 in/in helps your crops survive the dry Utah summers.

Strategic planning for drainage

Iron County does not have a recorded dominant drainage class or hydrologic group in this dataset. Builders and farmers should perform site-specific evaluations to ensure proper foundation stability and crop hydration. Understanding your land's unique slope and water absorption is the first step to successful management.

Mountain-to-basin growing in Zone 6a

Iron County sits within USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, supporting a variety of mid-range perennials and vegetables. Fruit trees like apples and pears perform well when sheltered from late spring frosts. Your garden journey begins with hardy varieties that can handle the county’s temperature swings.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Iron County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Competition for Greenery

Iron County scores a 26.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it below the state average of 28.5. Located in Hardiness Zone 6a, it offers a challenging but manageable climate for dedicated gardeners. Your lawn will face more stress than the national average, requiring a proactive maintenance plan.

Moderate Heat, Sparse Rain

Annual precipitation sits at 13.3 inches, which is close to the state average but far below the 30 inches lawns prefer. The county experiences 27 extreme heat days, which is milder than many other Utah regions. Expect a growing season defined by the May 23 last frost and the September 29 first frost.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Comprehensive soil data for Iron County is unavailable, so local testing is your most reliable guide for amendments. Most high-desert soils benefit from supplemental nitrogen and organic matter to support healthy turf growth. Ensure your site has adequate drainage before seeding to prevent root rot during winter thaws.

Constant Drought Awareness

The county has spent every week of the past year in drought conditions, though severe levels remain at 0%. Homeowners should use smart irrigation controllers to adjust for weather changes and prevent water waste. Mulching around lawn edges can also help keep moisture where the grass needs it most.

Successful Seeding in Iron

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in Zone 6a if they are established early in the season. Plan to seed after May 23 to ensure the young shoots aren't damaged by late spring freezes. Consistent moisture during the first month is the key to a lush, healthy lawn here.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iron County's county score?
Iron County, Utah has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Iron County rank among counties in Utah?
Iron County ranks #22 among all counties in Utah 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 Iron County, Utah?
The median annual property tax in Iron County is $1,444, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Iron County a tax score of 92.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iron County?
The median household income in Iron County, Utah is $65,527 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iron County earns an income score of 56/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iron County, Utah a good place to live?
Iron County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Utah. The best way to evaluate Iron 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 Iron 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.