countyscore
59.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 78.2Health 77.9

County Report Card

About Keokuk County, Iowa

Leading the National Median Score

Keokuk County earns a 58.5 composite score, which is nearly nine points higher than the national median. This indicates a high level of livability relative to the rest of the country.

Stronger Performance Than State Peers

With a 58.5 score, Keokuk County outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6. It maintains its competitive edge through a mix of safety and environmental resilience.

High Resilience and Pristine Water

Environmental factors are stellar, including a risk score of 78.2 and a water score of 86.0. Housing is also highly affordable, with a median home value of just $112,200.

Lower Incomes and High Taxes

Economic growth is slower here, with an income score of 41.6. Residents also face a tax score of 19.7, meaning tax burdens take a larger bite out of the $60,856 median income.

Ideal for Risk-Averse Budgeters

Keokuk County is perfect for those who want low housing costs and a safe, resilient environment. It suits people who prioritize safety and clean water over high-stakes career growth.

2040608010021.158.166.677.969.840.778.28650.3Tax21.1Cost58.1Safety66.6Health77.9Schools69.8Income40.7Risk78.2Water86Weather50.359.5/100
This county
National avg
6 above average2 below average

Keokuk County DNA

Foverall

How Keokuk County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Keokuk County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (78.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
21.1-30.9
Cost
58.1+10.100000000000001
Safety
66.6+11.599999999999994
Health
77.9+27.900000000000006
Schools
69.8+15.799999999999997
Income
40.7-10.299999999999997
Risk
78.2+31.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
50.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Keokuk County?

Many homeowners in Keokuk County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$118,700

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$828/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$118,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,329/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Keokuk County with Jackson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Colorado
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Median income: $74,755
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Shelby County
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Posey County
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Fremont County
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Monona County
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Tensas Parish
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Nearby counties

Wapello County
Iowa
34.3
Jefferson County
Iowa
49.7
Iowa County
Iowa
57.2
Mahaska County
Iowa
52.6
Washington County
Iowa
51.4
Poweshiek County
Iowa
46.9
Johnson County
Iowa
41.1
Monroe County
Iowa
59.1

Deep Dives

Keokuk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Keokuk County

via CrimeByCounty

Keokuk County Maintains Strong National Safety Standing

Keokuk County earns a safety score of 98.8, indicating a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 788.0 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Keokuk County Surpasses Iowa State Safety Average

The county's safety score of 98.8 beats the Iowa state average of 98.3. With a total crime rate of 788.0, it remains well below the statewide average of 1095.3.

A Safer Alternative to Neighboring Jefferson County

Keokuk County is safer than nearby Jefferson County, which has a crime rate of 1153.0. However, it reports more crime than Kossuth County's exceptionally low 237.8 rate.

Low Violent Crime Rates Reported in Keokuk

The violent crime rate is just 159.6 per 100K, far lower than the national average. Property crime accounts for 628.4 incidents per 100K, which is the primary focus for local safety.

Security Awareness for Single-Agency Reporting Areas

With only one reporting agency, community vigilance is especially important to maintain low crime rates. Simple home security measures help ensure Keokuk remains a high-safety county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Keokuk County

via WeatherByCounty

Keokuk's Balanced Continental Climate

Keokuk County averages 48.9°F annually, sitting comfortably below the national median. It experiences a typical Midwestern cycle of humid summers and snowy, cold winters.

Exceeding State Temperature Norms

The county is slightly warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 37.4 inches also exceeds the state norm by more than an inch.

Mid-Range Heat for the Region

Keokuk is cooler than its southern neighbor Jefferson, which sees 24 extreme heat days. Keokuk records only 16 days of 90°F weather, placing it in a more moderate bracket.

Humid Summers and Cold Januarys

The county averages 73.6°F in July, with 16 days hitting 90°F or higher. Winters are cold, with a January average of 20.7°F, though specific annual snowfall totals are currently unavailable.

Prepare for Seasonal Extremes

Residents should service HVAC units to handle the 16 days of extreme summer heat. Though snowfall data is limited, the 20.7°F January average necessitates standard winterization for all homes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Keokuk County

via SoilByCounty

Keokuk's Silt-Heavy Soil Identity

Keokuk County's soil has an average pH of 6.25, placing it on the acidic side of the national 6.5 median. While more specific taxonomic data is currently limited, the soil score of 64.1 indicates a capable agricultural foundation.

Dense Composition and Fine Texture

The soil is dominated by 56.8% silt and 25.6% clay, with a relatively low 17.6% sand. This fine-textured mix is excellent for holding onto essential plant nutrients, though it may stay wet longer after heavy rains.

Solid Organic Foundation

With 2.73% organic matter, Keokuk soils exceed the national 2.0% benchmark for healthy land. The available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, but still provides a strong buffer against dry weather.

Water Retention is Key

Formal drainage class data is limited for Keokuk, but the high clay content suggests the soil retains moisture very well. Farmers and gardeners here often focus on soil health to ensure that heavy silty soils remain breathable.

Lush Growth in Zone 5b

Keokuk County's Zone 5b climate supports a wide range of mid-season crops and flowers. Consider starting a backyard plot with nutrient-hungry plants like pumpkins or tomatoes that can tap into the soil's natural silt-based fertility.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Keokuk County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Results in Keokuk County

Keokuk County earns a lawn difficulty score of 77.5, placing it right at the Iowa state average. Situated in Zone 5b, it offers a predictable environment for traditional Midwestern lawns. Homeowners here find it much easier to keep a lawn green than the national median of 50.0.

Typical Iowa Weather Supports Growth

With 37.4 inches of rain and 16 extreme heat days, Keokuk County aligns closely with the state's average climate. The 3,046 growing degree days provide enough warmth for steady turf development from spring through fall. Mowing typically begins in late April as the season warms up.

High Clay Content Requires Careful Management

The soil pH is a favorable 6.25, but the 25.6% clay content is higher than many neighboring counties. This density helps the soil hold onto water and nutrients but can lead to drainage issues during heavy 37-inch rain years. Regular aeration is the best way to keep these heavy soils from suffocating grass roots.

Moderate Drought Exposure

The county spent 14 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of its area is currently abnormally dry. However, the lack of severe D2+ drought means most lawns can recover quickly with supplemental watering. Raising mower heights to 3.5 inches can help the soil stay cool and retain moisture during dry weeks.

Optimizing the 5b Planting Window

Grass seeding is most successful after the April 24 spring frost or before the October 15 fall frost. Cool-season blends like Bluegrass and Fescue are the best fit for this hardiness zone. Starting in late August allows the grass to establish deep roots before the first hard freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Keokuk County's county score?
Keokuk County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.5 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 Keokuk County rank among counties in Iowa?
Keokuk County ranks #42 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 Keokuk County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Keokuk County is $1,494, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Keokuk County a tax score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Keokuk County?
The median household income in Keokuk County, Iowa is $62,329 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Keokuk County earns an income score of 40.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Keokuk County, Iowa a good place to live?
Keokuk County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Keokuk 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 Keokuk County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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