Kossuth County's composite score of 72.5 towers 45% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the nation's top-performing counties. This exceptional standing reflects outstanding affordability, low taxes, and health infrastructure that benefits residents broadly.
2 / 5
Leads Iowa among these eight counties
Kossuth County scores 72.5, exceeding Iowa's state average of 69.3 by 3.2 points and ranking highest among the eight counties profiled here. It represents one of Iowa's strongest all-around livability performers on the composite index.
3 / 5
Tax burden and affordability lead the way
Kossuth County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 1.064% and the highest cost score at 81.5, with median home values of just $135,100. Health outcomes also score well at 77.7, making it exceptionally attractive for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income growth potential is limited
The income score of 26.2 reflects a median household income of $65,656, suggesting fewer high-wage employment opportunities than wealthier counties. Ambitious professionals seeking rapid income advancement may find limited career trajectory in this county.
5 / 5
Outstanding choice for economic value seekers
Kossuth County is Iowa's best option for families prioritizing maximum affordability, minimal taxes, and financial stability over career advancement. Its combination of low housing costs, the state's best tax rates, and solid health access makes it ideal for retirees, young families building equity, and anyone valuing economic security.
Kossuth County's composite score of 72.5 towers 45% above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the nation's top-performing counties. This exceptional standing reflects outstanding affordability, low taxes, and health infrastructure that benefits residents broadly.
Leads Iowa among these eight counties
Kossuth County scores 72.5, exceeding Iowa's state average of 69.3 by 3.2 points and ranking highest among the eight counties profiled here. It represents one of Iowa's strongest all-around livability performers on the composite index.
Tax burden and affordability lead the way
Kossuth County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 1.064% and the highest cost score at 81.5, with median home values of just $135,100. Health outcomes also score well at 77.7, making it exceptionally attractive for budget-conscious families.
Income growth potential is limited
The income score of 26.2 reflects a median household income of $65,656, suggesting fewer high-wage employment opportunities than wealthier counties. Ambitious professionals seeking rapid income advancement may find limited career trajectory in this county.
Outstanding choice for economic value seekers
Kossuth County is Iowa's best option for families prioritizing maximum affordability, minimal taxes, and financial stability over career advancement. Its combination of low housing costs, the state's best tax rates, and solid health access makes it ideal for retirees, young families building equity, and anyone valuing economic security.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛72.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Kossuth County's effective tax rate of 1.064% ranks among the lowest in the nation, nearly a third lower than the national median. The median property tax of $1,437 represents just 53% of the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional tax savings.
Lowest effective rate in Iowa
Kossuth County ranks at the bottom of Iowa's 99 counties with an effective rate of 1.064%, significantly below the state average of 1.344%. The median property tax of $1,437 is the lowest in this eight-county group and 33% below Iowa's state median of $2,160.
Clear tax leader in the region
Kossuth County's 1.064% rate beats every peer in the region, including Keokuk (1.329%), Jackson (1.252%), and Jones (1.298%). This makes Kossuth the most tax-friendly county among its eight-county neighbors.
What $135,100 home costs annually
On Kossuth County's median home value of $135,100, homeowners pay approximately $1,437 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, the annual bill reaches about $1,544, making Kossuth one of Iowa's most affordable counties for property tax burden.
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.
Kossuth County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% exceeds the national comfort zone but reflects rural Iowa's income-rent dynamics realistically. With median household income at $65,656—below the national average of $74,755—the county still delivers affordable rents relative to rural wage levels, though renters allocate a larger budget share than in wealthier U.S. counties.
Kossuth sits above Iowa's state average
At 15.7%, Kossuth's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, placing it in the less affordable third of state counties. The $859 monthly rent is slightly above Iowa's $812 median, compounded by below-average incomes that create a tighter affordability equation.
Kossuth affords mid-range regional comparison
Kossuth's 15.7% ratio positions it between affordable Jones (12.5%) and Jackson (13.4%), but notably better than Jefferson (18.6%) and Johnson (17.7%). The rents are modest, and Kossuth's main advantage is rock-bottom home values ($135,100) and low ownership costs ($749/month), attractive to buyers.
Kossuth's ownership costs are remarkably low
Renters allocate $859 monthly (15.7% of $65,656 income), but homeowners enjoy just $749 monthly—among the region's lowest ownership costs tied to modest home values. This inverse suggests Kossuth renters should seriously explore purchasing as a path to lower monthly housing expenses.
Kossuth is ideal for rural homebuyers
If you're seeking rural Iowa living with minimal housing costs, Kossuth delivers the lowest ownership costs ($749/month) and home values ($135,100) in this comparison. Compare rents against Jones County (better affordability) or consider purchasing if your job allows—Kossuth's homeownership advantage is substantial for qualified buyers.
Kossuth County's median household income of $65,656 sits $9,099 below the U.S. median of $74,755, equaling 88% of national household earnings. While below average, Kossuth reaches solidly into the working-class middle tier.
Below state average but stable
Kossuth's $65,656 income trails Iowa's statewide median of $69,830 by $4,174, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Iowa counties. The shortfall is modest compared to some struggling rural counties.
Mid-range among surrounding areas
Kossuth ($65,656) sits between stronger neighbors Johnson ($74,721) and Jackson ($71,605), and weaker ones Keokuk ($60,856) and Lee ($59,803). The county occupies a stable middle position in its economic region.
Rental costs reasonable
Kossuth's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% indicates housing absorbs roughly one-sixth of median income, a manageable burden. The median home value of $135,100 positions homeownership within reach for households near the county median.
Build wealth through discipline
Kossuth County households earning the median income should prioritize setting aside 10–15% for retirement and emergency savings. Taking advantage of employer 401(k) matches and opening a Roth IRA creates compound growth that bridges Kossuth's income gap over time.
At 78.7 years, Kossuth County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.3 years, showing solid population longevity. The county's 16.1% poor or fair health rate approaches but slightly beats the national average of 18%, indicating moderate self-reported health status.
Slightly above Iowa average
Kossuth County's 78.7-year life expectancy tops Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 1.0 year, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Iowa counties. Its 16.1% poor or fair health rate sits near the state median on self-reported wellness.
Mid-pack among regional peers
Kossuth County's 78.7-year life expectancy sits comfortably above Jackson County's 77.9 years and trails only Jones County's 79.8 years among neighbors. Its 48 primary care providers per 100K is better than Jackson County's 36 but pales against Johnson County's 192.
Good coverage, moderate provider access
At 5.4%, Kossuth County's uninsured rate slightly exceeds Iowa's 5.7% average but remains reasonable. The county provides 48 primary care providers and 63 mental health providers per 100K, enabling residents to access routine care locally while specialists may require travel.
Maintain your health insurance
Kossuth County's solid outcomes depend on residents staying covered. Review your plan at healthcare.gov and confirm your mental health benefits are robust—the county's mental health provider capacity, while present, is more limited than primary care.
Kossuth County's composite risk score of 32.25 sits below the national average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. The county experiences minimal exposure to most major natural hazards compared to American counties overall.
Among Iowa's safest counties overall
Kossuth County scores 32.25, 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 assessed hazard categories.
Comparable risk to nearby counties
Kossuth County's score of 32.25 is similar to neighboring Jackson County (36.07) and Jones County (32.67). The county experiences relatively consistent hazard exposure patterns with other north-central Iowa areas.
Tornado threat dominates hazard landscape
Tornado risk scores 61.13 in Kossuth County, representing the most significant natural disaster threat residents face. Other hazards remain substantially lower, with wildfire risk at just 13.30—among the state's lowest.
Prioritize tornado and storm coverage
With tornado risk at 61.13, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for wind, hail, and storm damage. Kossuth County's low risk for other hazards means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents.