CountyScore

Jones County

Iowa · IA

#30 in Iowa
71.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Jones County, Iowa

Jones County ranks among America's best

Jones County's composite score of 71.4 towers 43% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the nation's highest-performing counties. This exceptional standing reflects exceptional value across housing, taxes, health, and income dimensions.

Outperforms Iowa statewide average

Jones County scores 71.4, exceeding Iowa's state average of 69.3 by 2.1 points, ranking it among the top performers statewide. It stands as one of the strongest all-around counties in Iowa on the composite livability index.

All-around excellence across dimensions

Jones County excels uniformly with a health score of 80.3, cost score of 79.9, income score of 31.1 (median income $73,071), and a tax-friendly effective rate of just 1.298%. Median home values of $183,400 offer substantial value, and monthly rent averages a reasonable $759.

Risk dimension deserves monitoring

The risk score of 67.4, while respectable, is the county's lowest dimension among its five measured categories. Residents should assess local economic diversification and employment stability as part of their relocation decision.

Ideal for balanced, value-seeking families

Jones County is Iowa's sweet spot for families seeking an all-around excellent lifestyle without extremes. With no major weak points, solid incomes, affordable housing, good health access, and low taxes, it appeals to middle-class professionals, growing families, and anyone wanting maximum livability bang for their buck.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax65.8Cost79.9SafetyComing SoonHealth80.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.1Risk67.4WaterComing Soon
🏛65.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡67.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jones County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tallapoosa County
Alabama
71.4
Median income: $57,185
Van Buren County
Arkansas
71.4
Median income: $47,266
Audubon County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $54,152
Butler County
Iowa
71.4
Median income: $69,651
Douglas County
Minnesota
71.4
Median income: $77,264

Deep Dives

Jones County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jones County

via TaxByCounty

Jones County taxes: moderate nationally

Jones County's effective tax rate of 1.298% sits just below the national median, offering homeowners a slight tax advantage compared to the rest of the country. The median property tax of $2,381 trails the national median by $309, despite homes being worth 35% less than the national average.

Slightly below Iowa average

Jones County's 1.298% effective rate ranks in the middle-to-lower range of Iowa's 99 counties, performing better than the state average of 1.344%. The median property tax of $2,381 exceeds Iowa's state median of $2,160 by $221 annually.

Moderate taxes among regional peers

Jones County's 1.298% rate sits between Jackson County (1.252%) and Jasper County (1.424%), positioning it as a moderate-tax option in the region. It offers better rates than Jefferson (1.487%) and Johnson (1.565%) but higher than Kossuth (1.064%).

What $183,400 home costs annually

On Jones County's median home value of $183,400, you'll pay approximately $2,381 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages, escrow arrangements add roughly $217 more annually, bringing the typical bill to about $2,598.

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 Jones County

via CostByCounty

Jones County delivers genuine affordability

Jones County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.5% ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below the 30% affordability threshold and lower than nearly all U.S. counties. With median household income at $73,071—nearly matching the national average of $74,755—renters enjoy strong purchasing power and manageable monthly housing costs.

Jones leads Iowa's affordability rankings

At 12.5%, Jones County's rent-to-income ratio beats Iowa's 14.1% state average by 1.6 percentage points, making it among the state's most affordable counties. The $759 median monthly rent is the lowest in the region, and the combination of lower rents and above-average income creates an exceptional affordability profile.

Jones is the region's affordability champion

Jones County's $759 rent and 12.5% ratio significantly outperform all nearby competitors: Jackson ($800, 13.4%), Jasper ($822, 14.1%), and Johnson ($1,104, 17.7%). For families and renters prioritizing housing affordability in Iowa, Jones offers the clearest advantage in this eight-county comparison.

Jones keeps housing costs manageable

Renters allocate just $759 monthly (12.5% of $73,071 income), leaving substantial resources for savings, healthcare, and other essentials. Homeowners spend $983 monthly, maintaining the county's reputation for balanced ownership costs relative to median home value of $183,400.

Jones County is a relocation sweet spot

If affordability drives your move to Iowa, Jones County delivers the best combination of low rents and strong incomes in this region. Compare it against Jackson (similar vibe, slightly higher costs) and nearby Kossuth County (also affordable, but with lower household incomes) to ensure the fit matches your employment and lifestyle needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jones County

via IncomeByCounty

Jones outpaces most Americans

Jones County's median household income of $73,071 sits just $1,684 below the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it at the 48th percentile nationally. Households here earn nearly as much as the typical American middle-class family.

Among Iowa's top earners

Jones County's $73,071 income exceeds Iowa's statewide median of $69,830 by $3,241, ranking it solidly above average within the state. The county demonstrates economic strength relative to most Iowa communities.

Strong income competitor

Jones County ($73,071) ranks second only to Johnson ($74,721) among its peers, significantly outearning Jackson ($71,605), Jasper ($70,128), and Keokuk ($60,856). It holds a confident position in its regional income hierarchy.

Lowest housing burden nearby

Jones County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.5% is among the region's lowest, meaning housing costs consume just over one-eighth of median income. A median home value of $183,400 remains accessible for most households earning near the county median.

Combine income and affordability

Jones County households benefit from both solid income and manageable housing costs—a rare combination allowing aggressive saving and investing. Direct surplus income into education savings, business ventures, or real estate investments to multiply wealth beyond wage earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jones County

via HealthByCounty

Jones County outpaces national life expectancy

At 79.8 years, Jones County residents live 3.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a substantial health advantage. The county's 14.6% poor or fair health rate bests the national average of 18%, reflecting good overall population health.

Top performer in Iowa

Jones County's 79.8-year life expectancy exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 2.1 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. Its 14.6% poor or fair health rate ranks well above the state median on self-reported health.

Second-best in the region

Jones County's 79.8-year life expectancy trails only Johnson County's 82.0 years and beats all other neighbors, signaling strong community health. Its 34 primary care providers per 100K is modest compared to Johnson County's 192, but reasonable for a smaller rural community.

Strong coverage supports wellness

At 5.0%, Jones County's uninsured rate equals Iowa's lowest in this profile and sits below the state average of 5.7%. With 34 primary care providers and 110 mental health providers per 100K, residents access basic healthcare services locally, though some may travel for specialty care.

Protect your healthy community

Jones County's excellent health outcomes are built on solid insurance foundation. Check your coverage at healthcare.gov or your local health office to ensure you're maintaining the protection that supports your community's wellbeing.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jones County

via RiskByCounty

Jones County maintains very low risk profile

Jones County's composite risk score of 32.67 sits well below the national average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. The county experiences minimal exposure to major natural hazards relative to American counties overall.

Among Iowa's safest counties statewide

Jones County scores 32.67, well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, positioning it in the lower-risk tier of state counties. The very low rating reflects balanced, moderate exposure across most hazard categories.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Jones County's score of 32.67 is lower than neighboring Jackson County (36.07) and substantially below Jasper County (43.67). The county benefits from relatively moderate hazard exposure compared to adjacent areas.

Flooding and tornadoes present main concerns

Flood risk scores 46.41 in Jones County, representing the primary natural disaster threat to residents. Tornado risk at 50.95 presents a secondary but notable concern during severe weather seasons.

Standard protections sufficient for Jones County

Jones County's low composite risk means standard homeowners coverage provides solid protection for most residents. Ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, and consider flood insurance for properties in flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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