countyscore
54.1
County Score
Health 88.3Water Quality 86Lawn Care 83.5

County Report Card

About Jasper County, Iowa

Solid Performance on the National Stage

With a composite score of 54.1, Jasper County ranks higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a quality of life that stands up well against counties across the country.

Trailing Slightly Behind Iowa Peers

The county's 54.1 score sits just below the Iowa state average of 55.6. Despite this, it remains a stable choice for residents with a median household income of $70,128.

Leading the State in Health Access

Health is a major highlight here, earning a stellar score of 88.3. The county also provides exceptional water quality with a score of 86.0, ensuring residents have access to clean resources.

High Tax Rates and Housing Costs

Taxes are the biggest challenge, with a low score of 16.4 and an effective tax rate of 1.424%. Housing affordability is also under pressure, reflected in a cost score of 43.7 and a median home value of $176,800.

Perfect for Health-Conscious Professionals

Jasper County suits commuters or local workers who value top-tier health services and clean water above all else. Residents must be prepared for higher-than-average tax bills in exchange for these community benefits.

Score breakdown

Tax16.4Cost43.7Safety55.5Health88.3Schools59.4Income66.6Risk56.3Water86Weather49.4
🏛16.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.5
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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Nearby counties

Marion County
Iowa
59.2
Polk County
Iowa
36.6
Poweshiek County
Iowa
46.8
Marshall County
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Mahaska County
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Story County
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Tama County
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Deep Dives

Jasper County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jasper County

via TaxByCounty

Jasper County taxes: slightly below national

Jasper County's effective tax rate of 1.424% edges below the national median, offering homeowners modest tax relief compared to the rest of the country. The median property tax of $2,518 falls $172 short of the national median of $2,690, despite homes being valued 37% lower than the national average.

Above average for Iowa

Jasper County ranks in the upper third of Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.424%, noticeably higher than the state average of 1.344%. The county's median tax bill of $2,518 exceeds Iowa's state median of $2,160 by $358 annually.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Jasper County's 1.424% rate is notably higher than Jackson County (1.252%), Jones County (1.298%), and Kossuth County (1.064%) in the surrounding region. Only Jefferson County (1.487%) among nearby peers carries a heavier tax burden.

What $176,800 home costs annually

On Jasper County's median home value of $176,800, you'll pay approximately $2,518 annually in property taxes. With mortgage escrow, the bill climbs to about $2,551, making property taxes a significant recurring expense for homeowners.

You might be overpaying on taxes

Many Iowa homeowners are assessed above fair market value and don't realize they can appeal their assessments. If you believe your home's valuation is too high, a formal appeal could reduce your tax burden significantly—it's free to file.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jasper County

via CostByCounty

Jasper renters match Iowa's affordability profile

Jasper County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% aligns perfectly with Iowa's state average, indicating typical affordability for the region. With median household income at $70,128—slightly below the national average of $74,755—residents manage rental costs in line with most American counties.

Right at Iowa's middle ground

Jasper County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio places it directly at the state average, neither notably affordable nor burdensome compared to other Iowa counties. The $822 monthly rent sits just $10 above the state median, confirming Jasper's role as a barometer for statewide housing costs.

Jasper balances affordability with modest housing costs

At $822 monthly rent, Jasper sits between more affordable neighbors (Jones at $759) and higher-cost counties (Johnson at $1,104). The 14.1% ratio reflects a middle-market position—renters don't enjoy the lowest rents nearby, but costs remain reasonable relative to regional incomes.

Jasper's housing breakdown reveals balanced load

Renters dedicate $822 monthly (14.1% of income) while homeowners spend $1,012—both moderate for a median household income of $70,128. The modest gap between rent and ownership costs suggests that moving from renting to buying is financially feasible for many Jasper households.

Jasper offers Iowa's typical housing value

If you want a representative Iowa county experience, Jasper delivers average rents and ownership costs without surprises. Compare it to Jackson County (slightly cheaper rents and better ratios) or Jones County (the region's most affordable option) to find your housing sweet spot.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jasper County

via IncomeByCounty

Jasper slightly trails national median

Jasper County's median household income of $70,128 falls about $4,627 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing 94% of national household earnings. While below the national average, Jasper remains comfortably in the middle class across America.

Outpaces most Iowa counties

Jasper County's $70,128 income exceeds Iowa's statewide median of $69,830 by $298, placing it just above the state average. This modest advantage reflects Jasper's solid economic standing within Iowa's broader county network.

Leads several regional counties

Jasper outearns Jefferson County ($56,824) by 23% and Keokuk ($60,856) by 15%, though it lags slightly behind Jones ($73,071) and Jackson ($71,605). The county represents a mid-tier income area in its five-county region.

Rental costs rise slightly

Jasper's rent-to-income ratio of 14.1% means housing absorbs roughly one-seventh of median income, remaining below the 30% affordability ceiling. At $176,800 for median home value, homeownership is attainable for households near the county median.

Strengthen your financial future

Jasper County households should prioritize emergency savings equal to three to six months of expenses, then move surplus income into diversified investments. With rent-to-income ratios manageable, homebuying and retirement account contributions become realistic wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jasper County

via CrimeByCounty

Jasper County Boasts High National Safety Standing

Jasper County earns an excellent safety score of 98.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1013.0 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Jasper County Surpasses Iowa State Average Safety

With a safety score of 98.4, Jasper County is slightly safer than the typical Iowa county. Its total crime rate of 1013.0 also beats the state average of 1095.3.

Jasper County Proves Safer Than Nearby Johnson

Jasper County's crime rate of 1013.0 is considerably lower than Johnson County's 1847.3. It also remains safer than neighboring Jefferson County, which reports 1153.0 incidents per 100K.

Violent Crime Rates Remain Low in Jasper

The county reports 253.9 violent crimes per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up 759.1 of the total incidents reported.

Community Awareness Drives Jasper's Safety Success

Residents contribute to the county's high safety score by staying vigilant against property theft. Installing smart doorbells and locking vehicles are effective ways to keep these low numbers steady.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jasper County

via HealthByCounty

Jasper County matches national health averages

Jasper County's 77.9-year life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting a healthier-than-average population. The county's 13.8% poor or fair health rate significantly beats the national average of 18%, indicating residents enjoy relatively strong self-reported wellness.

Among Iowa's healthiest counties

At 77.9 years, Jasper County exceeds Iowa's state average life expectancy of 77.7 years, placing it in the top tier. Its 13.8% poor or fair health rate is the best we've seen, outperforming nearly all neighboring counties in reported health status.

Leads regional health outcomes

Jasper County's 13.8% poor or fair health rate ranks it as one of the healthiest in this region—better than Jackson County's 16.3% and well ahead of Jefferson County's 17.0%. Its provider density of 40 primary care and 116 mental health professionals per 100K supports accessible local care.

Low uninsured rate protects health

Just 4.8% of Jasper County residents are uninsured, the lowest among Iowa counties profiled here and significantly below the state average of 5.7%. With 40 primary care providers per 100K, residents have reasonable access to preventive and routine care.

Maintain insurance for future health

Jasper County's strong insurance coverage shows what's possible when residents prioritize health access. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health office to verify your coverage and explore options that keep you protected year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jasper County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Breadth in Central Iowa

Jasper County operates 18 public schools, including nine elementary and six high schools, serving a total of 5,669 students. Five school districts manage this expansive network, which includes one alternative school to support diverse learning needs.

Exceptional Graduation Outcomes

The county maintains an impressive 93.8% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average. Local districts achieve these results with a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,997, which sits below the Iowa state average.

Newton Community District Anchors the County

The Newton Community School District is the largest provider, educating 2,809 students across seven campuses. PCM Community School District also plays a major role, serving 1,130 students through four local schools.

A Blend of Rural and Town Campus Life

Jasper County offers a mix of 11 rural schools and 7 town-based campuses, reflecting its diverse geography. While the average school size is 315 students, Berg Middle School stands out as the largest with 841 students.

Find Your Place in Jasper County Schools

High graduation rates make this county a prime destination for education-focused homebuyers. Consider the variety of rural and town settings when researching your next home near these successful districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jasper County

via RiskByCounty

Jasper County faces elevated tornado risk nationally

Jasper County's composite risk score of 43.67 exceeds the national average of 39.68, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county's tornado risk of 70.29 stands as a notable concern compared to national exposure levels.

Above-average risk within Iowa's county rankings

Jasper County scores 43.67, topping the state average of 39.68 and positioning it in the upper-middle tier of Iowa counties. Tornado risk particularly stands out at 70.29, reflecting heightened exposure to severe spring weather.

Higher tornado exposure than nearby counties

Jasper County's composite score of 43.67 exceeds neighboring Jackson County (36.07) and Jones County (32.67) by notable margins. The county's tornado risk of 70.29 is substantially higher than both adjacent areas, indicating concentrated severe weather vulnerability.

Tornadoes dominate hazard landscape here

Tornado risk scores 70.29 in Jasper County, making it the primary natural disaster threat—far exceeding wildfire risk at 53.09. Residents face seasonal tornado seasons with intensity well above county averages for other hazard types.

Prioritize tornado and severe storm protection

With tornado risk at 70.29, homeowners must secure robust wind, hail, and storm damage coverage as top insurance priorities. Consider reinforcing your home's structural integrity and maintaining an accessible, well-stocked safe room for severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jasper County

via WeatherByCounty

Jasper's Classic Four-Season Profile

Jasper County averages 49.0°F, which is cooler than the national median but typical for the American heartland. This area experiences distinct seasonal transitions and moderate precipitation.

Matching the Iowa Baseline

The county tracks closely with state trends, averaging just one degree warmer than the 48.0°F Iowa norm. Its 35.9 inches of annual precipitation nearly mirrors the state average of 36.1 inches.

Consistency Across the Central Plains

Jasper is slightly cooler than Johnson County to the east, which averages 50.0°F. It records 18 extreme heat days per year, a moderate count compared to its southern neighbors.

Cold Winters and Breezy Summers

The county experiences 28.7 inches of snow annually, with winter averages dipping to 23.7°F. Summers are warm, peaking in July at 74.0°F with 18 days of heat reaching 90°F or higher.

Standard Gear for Central Iowa Living

Prepare for nearly 30 inches of snow with high-quality winter tires and shovels. The 18 days of extreme heat require a functional cooling system to maintain indoor comfort during July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jasper County

via SoilByCounty

Jasper's Slightly Acidic Foundation

Jasper County maintains an average pH of 6.35, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH suggests a soil chemistry suited for many traditional Iowa crops.

Balanced Silt and Clay Mix

The soil composition is 52.4% silt, 24.2% clay, and 23.4% sand, creating a dense and nutrient-rich medium. This specific mix offers high fertility but may require careful management to prevent compaction during wet seasons.

Stable Organic Matter Levels

The county holds 2.94% organic matter, staying well above the national average of 2.0% but trailing the high Iowa state average of 3.81%. Its water capacity of 0.186 in/in ensures that crops stay hydrated even during dry spells.

Managing Jasper's Water Flow

Specific drainage and hydrologic class data is currently limited for this county. However, the 24.2% clay content suggests the soil retains moisture effectively, which is critical for local farming success.

Bountiful Options in Zone 5b

Jasper County sits in Hardiness Zone 5b, offering a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. This soil is perfect for starting a home vegetable patch filled with tomatoes, peppers, and summer squash.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jasper County

via LawnByCounty

Jasper County Boasts High Lawn Success

With a lawn difficulty score of 83.5, Jasper County is one of the easiest places in Iowa to maintain a lush yard. This score far exceeds both the state average of 77.2 and the national median of 50.0. The Zone 5b climate offers a slightly longer growing window than northern neighbors.

Balanced Precipitation and Typical Summer Warmth

The county receives 35.9 inches of rain annually, matching the ideal lawn range of 30 to 50 inches. Residents deal with 18 extreme heat days above 90°F, which is slightly higher than the state average of 16. A total of 3,121 growing degree days indicates a robust and active growing season for cool-season grasses.

Ideal pH for Nutrient Absorption

The soil pH in Jasper County averages 6.35, sitting squarely within the optimal 6.0 to 7.0 range for grass. While specific drainage and texture data are limited, the 24.2% clay content suggests the soil retains moisture well during dry spells. Minimal amendments are needed to maintain this naturally fertile ground.

Strong Resilience Despite Current Dryness

Jasper County enjoyed zero weeks of official drought over the past year, though 92.3% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This strong track record of moisture makes the county highly resilient compared to more arid regions. Simple water conservation during the hottest weeks is usually sufficient to keep lawns green.

Plan for an Early Spring Start

The frost-free window typically begins April 22 and lasts until October 17, providing ample time for seeding. Perennial Ryegrass and Bluegrass blends are excellent choices for the 5b hardiness zone. Aim to complete major renovation projects in early September for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jasper County's county score?
Jasper County, Iowa has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Jasper County rank among counties in Iowa?
Jasper County ranks #65 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 Jasper County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Jasper County is $2,518, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Jasper County a tax score of 16.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jasper County?
The median household income in Jasper County, Iowa is $70,128 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jasper County earns an income score of 66.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jasper County, Iowa a good place to live?
Jasper County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Jasper 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 Jasper 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.