countyscore
58.5
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.

Score breakdown

Tax19.7Cost53.8Safety66.6Health77.9Schools69.8Income41.6Risk78.2Water86Weather50.3
🏛19.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.5
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

Wapello County
Iowa
33.1
Jefferson County
Iowa
48.4
Iowa County
Iowa
56.6
Mahaska County
Iowa
51.4
Washington County
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51.6
Poweshiek County
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Johnson County
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Monroe County
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Deep Dives

Keokuk County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Keokuk County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Keokuk County serves 1,125 students across just six public schools within three districts. The system consists of three elementary and three high schools, ensuring every student has a local path to graduation.

High Investment and Superior Scores

With a composite school score of 57.5, Keokuk County outperforms the state average. The county invests $8,210 per pupil—well above the state average—and maintains a strong 92.5% graduation rate.

Sigourney and Keota Lead Local Districts

Sigourney Community School District is the largest local provider, educating 593 students. Keota Community School District follows with 321 students, offering a traditional public school experience without charter schools.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

All six schools in Keokuk County are classified as rural, offering an average school size of only 188 students. Sigourney Elementary is the largest campus, yet it still maintains a small-school feel with 323 students.

Quiet Living with Quality Schools

For families seeking small class sizes and high per-pupil investment, Keokuk County is a hidden gem. Explore rural properties to find a home within these dedicated and well-funded school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 58.5 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 #51 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 $1,491, with an effective tax rate of 1.33%. This earns Keokuk County a tax score of 19.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Keokuk County?
The median household income in Keokuk County, Iowa is $60,856 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Keokuk County earns an income score of 41.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Keokuk County, Iowa a good place to live?
Keokuk County scores 58.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 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.

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🏛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.