CountyScore

Keokuk County

Iowa · IA

#47 in Iowa
70.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Keokuk County, Iowa

Keokuk County ranks well nationally

Keokuk County's composite score of 70.7 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 41%, demonstrating strong livability across most measured dimensions. This advantage positions it among America's better-performing counties for affordability and risk management.

Marginally above Iowa's state average

Keokuk County scores 70.7, just 1.4 points above Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier statewide. It performs competitively, though several peer counties match or exceed this score.

Exceptional risk score and affordability

Keokuk County's risk score of 78.2 is among the highest in this group, signaling strong economic stability and resilience for residents. The cost score of 81.0 and lowest median home value at $112,200 offer unmatched housing affordability across these eight counties.

Limited income opportunity

The income score of 23.1 is Keokuk County's significant weakness, reflecting a median household income of just $60,856. This lower earning potential may constrain wealth-building and long-term financial planning for families with growth ambitions.

Perfect for retirees and cautious planners

Keokuk County appeals to individuals prioritizing maximum financial security and the lowest possible housing costs over income growth. Its exceptional risk score and dirt-cheap real estate make it ideal for retirees living on fixed incomes and budget-stretchers seeking economic peace of mind.

Score breakdown

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

Tax64.9Cost81SafetyComing SoonHealth76.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.1Risk78.2WaterComing Soon
🏛64.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.2
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 Keokuk County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $84,530
Jenkins County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $36,906
Lincoln County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $50,688
Wilkinson County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $46,673
Blaine County
Idaho
70.7
Median income: $84,470

Deep Dives

Keokuk County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Keokuk County

via TaxByCounty

Keokuk County taxes: well below national

Keokuk County's effective tax rate of 1.329% edges below the national median, and the median property tax of $1,491 represents just 55% of the national median of $2,690. This county offers substantial tax savings compared to most of the country.

Just below Iowa average

Keokuk County's 1.329% effective rate ranks slightly below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, putting it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 99 counties. The median property tax of $1,491 runs $669 below Iowa's state median of $2,160.

Lowest median tax bill in region

Keokuk County offers the lowest median property tax ($1,491) among the eight-county region, though its effective rate is slightly higher than Kossuth's 1.064%. This combination reflects Keokuk's lower home values compared to its peers.

What $112,200 home costs annually

On Keokuk County's median home value of $112,200—the lowest in this group—homeowners pay approximately $1,491 in annual property taxes. Even with mortgage escrow, the annual bill reaches only about $1,550, making Keokuk very affordable for property taxes.

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 Keokuk County

via CostByCounty

Keokuk renters face affordability challenges

Keokuk County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% exceeds national comfort zones and sits 3.5 percentage points above the national average. With median household income of $60,856—notably below the national average of $74,755—renters struggle to balance housing costs with other expenses despite access to lower absolute rents.

Keokuk strains above Iowa's state average

At 16.2%, Keokuk's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, placing it among the state's less affordable counties despite rents near the state median. The combination of below-average incomes and typical rents creates a tighter housing affordability picture than most Iowa peers.

Keokuk's affordability ranks mid-range regionally

Keokuk's 16.2% ratio falls between more affordable Jones (12.5%), Jackson (13.4%), and Jasper (14.1%), but significantly better than Jefferson (18.6%) or Johnson (17.7%). The $822 monthly rent is modest, but lower household incomes push the affordability burden higher than counties with similar rents.

Keokuk's low home values help ownership

Renters spend $822 monthly (16.2% of $60,856 income), creating budget strain, but prospective homeowners find relief in the lowest median home value in this comparison at $112,200. Monthly owner costs of $834 suggest that purchasing could be more manageable than renting for qualified Keokuk households.

Keokuk works for homebuyers with local jobs

Keokuk's ultra-affordable home values ($112,200) and reasonable ownership costs ($834/month) make it attractive for buyers seeking low-cost homeownership. But if you're relocating to rent, prioritize Jones, Jackson, or Kossuth counties with better rent-to-income ratios—or ensure your incoming job income aligns with Keokuk's local wage levels.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Keokuk County

via IncomeByCounty

Keokuk faces significant income gap

Keokuk County's median household income of $60,856 falls $13,899 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, representing 81% of national household earnings. This 19% shortfall signals economic challenges relative to the broader nation.

Below Iowa average

Keokuk's $60,856 income lags Iowa's statewide median of $69,830 by $8,974, placing it in the lower half of Iowa's 99 counties. The county faces income pressures stronger than most of its state peers.

Struggles among regional peers

Keokuk ($60,856) trails all four neighbors significantly: Johnson by 22%, Jones by 20%, Jackson by 18%, and Jasper by 15%. Only Lee County ($59,803) comes close, indicating widespread economic challenges in the broader region.

Housing affordable but tight

Keokuk's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% means housing consumes one-sixth of median income, moderately higher than stronger-income counties. The median home value of $112,200 offers affordability, though lower incomes leave less margin for other expenses.

Start small, build consistent

Keokuk County households should begin wealth-building with automatic transfers to savings accounts, even if modest at $25–50 monthly. As income stabilizes or increases, redirect savings into employer retirement plans to benefit from compounding over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Keokuk County

via HealthByCounty

Keokuk County faces significant health headwinds

At 76.7 years, Keokuk County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by just 0.3 years, but falls 1.0 year below Iowa's state average. The county's 16.2% poor or fair health rate is closer to the national average of 18%, indicating residents experience notable health challenges.

Below Iowa's health standard

Keokuk County's 76.7-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Iowa, sitting 1.0 year below the state average of 77.7 years. Its 16.2% poor or fair health rate reflects concerning self-reported wellness in the county.

Lowest life expectancy in region

Keokuk County's 76.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among all profiled counties, trailing even Lee County's 74.8 years by comparison and significantly behind Jones County's 79.8 years. The county faces a critical provider shortage: just 10 primary care providers and 10 mental health providers per 100K—the lowest ratios in this profile.

Provider shortage limits care access

While Keokuk County's 5.0% uninsured rate matches the state benchmark, the county's critical shortage of healthcare providers creates real barriers to care. With only 10 primary care and 10 mental health providers per 100K, residents face significant travel for basic and specialty services.

Get insured, find care options

Having insurance is essential when local provider options are limited. Visit healthcare.gov to enroll or verify coverage, and ask your county health office about telehealth and care coordination programs that can help you access services outside your immediate area.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Keokuk County

via RiskByCounty

Keokuk County ranks among nation's safest

Keokuk County's composite risk score of 21.85 is substantially below the national average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. The county experiences minimal natural disaster exposure compared to American counties overall.

Iowa's second-safest county overall

Keokuk County scores 21.85, significantly below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it near the top of the safety rankings. The county's very low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure across nearly all disaster categories.

Safest county in its region

Keokuk County's score of 21.85 is notably lower than neighboring Jefferson County (27.07) and substantially below Lee County (62.95). The county stands as the safest area in south-central Iowa for natural disaster risk.

Wildfire and tornado risks are minimal

Wildfire risk at 44.37 represents Keokuk County's most elevated hazard, though still moderate in absolute terms. Tornado risk scores 42.27, and together these represent the county's primary natural disaster concerns.

Basic coverage meets most residents' needs

Keokuk County's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance adequately protects most properties. Ensure your policy covers wind damage, and maintain clearance around your home to minimize wildfire exposure risk.

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.