CountyScore

Linn County

Iowa · IA

#95 in Iowa
62.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Linn County, Iowa

Linn ranks well above the national median

With a composite score of 62.2, Linn County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 24% advantage reflects a county where residents enjoy above-average livability across multiple dimensions.

Slightly below the Iowa average

Linn's score of 62.2 falls modestly below Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's counties. While competitive nationally, Linn lags some of its stronger Iowa peers on overall livability measures.

Health outcomes lead the way

Linn's health score of 80.4 is its standout dimension, reflecting strong medical care and wellness indicators across the county. Housing affordability at a 73.1 score also positions residents well, with median home values of $204,400 and rents under $915 monthly.

Income growth and risk management need work

The county's income score of just 33.3 is concerning, with a median household income of $76,421 trailing many comparable counties. A notably low risk score of 13.3 indicates potential environmental or economic vulnerabilities that deserve attention.

Best for health-conscious families on a budget

Linn County suits families prioritizing access to quality healthcare and stable, affordable housing over high income growth. The county offers a respectable quality of life for working families and retirees, though it may not appeal to high earners seeking economic dynamism.

Score breakdown

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

Tax55.5Cost73.1SafetyComing SoonHealth80.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.3Risk13.3WaterComing Soon
🏛55.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡13.3
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 Linn County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bay County
Florida
62.2
Median income: $70,188
Douglas County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $80,764
Muscogee County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $56,622
Sumter County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $41,877
Douglas County
Illinois
62.2
Median income: $74,186

Deep Dives

Linn County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Linn County

via TaxByCounty

Linn's taxes run high nationally

At 1.661%, Linn County's effective tax rate sits well above the national median of 1.099%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile across U.S. counties. The median annual property tax here is $3,396—26% higher than the national median of $2,690—even though the median home value of $204,400 is below the national median of $281,900.

Linn ranks among Iowa's highest

Linn County's 1.661% effective rate significantly exceeds Iowa's state average of 1.344%, making it one of the state's pricier counties for property taxes. The median tax bill of $3,396 is 57% higher than Iowa's average of $2,160, reflecting the county's relatively aggressive tax burden.

Linn tops its regional peers

Linn County's 1.661% rate outpaces neighboring Lucas (1.480%), Marshall (1.514%), and Madison (1.554%) counties, making it the highest-taxing county in its regional cluster. Only Marion County (1.292%) comes close in median home value, yet Linn residents pay $669 more annually in taxes.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Linn County homeowner with a median-valued house of $204,400 pays approximately $3,396 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages face slightly higher bills at $3,446, while those who own outright average $3,307 annually.

You may be paying too much

Many Linn County homeowners are overassessed relative to their property's true market value. Consider filing a property tax appeal with your county assessor if your home's assessed value seems out of line with recent sales in your neighborhood.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Linn County

via CostByCounty

Linn's Rent Burden Slightly Above National

Linn County renters spend 14.4% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of roughly 14%. Median income here is $76,421—slightly above the national median of $74,755—which helps keep housing costs manageable for most households.

Middle of the Pack in Iowa

Linn County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio sits just above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the middle range of Iowa counties. At $915 monthly rent versus the state average of $812, renters here pay slightly more, but income levels help offset that difference.

Pricier Than Most Neighbors

Linn's median rent of $915 runs higher than nearby Louisa County ($797) and Lucas County ($738), though those counties have lower median incomes too. Among the eight-county region, Linn ranks third in rental costs, offering more urban amenities and economic activity to match.

Monthly Housing Reality Check

A typical Linn County household earning $76,421 annually faces $915 in monthly rent or $1,232 in mortgage costs. That means renters dedicate roughly 14% of gross income to rent, while homeowners shoulder about 19% for mortgage, property tax, and insurance.

Consider Linn for Balanced Living

If you're weighing Iowa options, Linn County offers strong income potential ($76k median) with housing costs that won't drain your budget. Explore neighboring Lucas or Louisa counties if you want even lower rent, but you'll likely trade off urban job markets and services.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Linn County

via IncomeByCounty

Linn County earns above the national median

At $76,421, Linn County's median household income exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $1,666. This places the county in the upper tier of American income levels, though national rankings vary by methodology.

Among Iowa's strongest income counties

Linn County's median household income of $76,421 ranks well above Iowa's state average of $69,830, outpacing about two-thirds of the state's counties. The $6,591 gap reflects Linn's economic strength relative to its peers.

Linn leads its regional cohort

Linn County's $76,421 median income outpaces neighboring Lucas ($67,921) by $8,500 and Marshall County ($72,785) by $3,636. This regional advantage reflects Linn's larger industrial and healthcare base centered around Cedar Rapids.

Housing costs are manageable here

A 14.4% rent-to-income ratio means Linn County households spend just over one week's earnings on monthly rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $204,400, homeownership remains within reach for households earning the county median.

Build on Linn's income advantage

Linn County's above-average incomes create real opportunity for wealth building through homeownership and retirement savings. With housing costs consuming less than 15% of income, households here have more room to invest in long-term financial security than many peers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Linn County

via HealthByCounty

Linn County lives longer than most

At 78.5 years, Linn County residents outlive the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than two years. Just 13.9% of Linn residents report poor or fair health, beating the national rate of 16.8%. The county's strong life expectancy reflects a healthier population compared to typical American counties.

Above average for Iowa

Linn County's 78.5-year life expectancy exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by eight months. The county ranks well within Iowa's health landscape, with lower rates of poor health and uninsured residents compared to many rural peers. This positions Linn as one of Iowa's healthier urban-centered counties.

Strong provider access in the region

Linn County has 63 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 311 mental health providers per 100,000—significantly higher than rural neighbors like Marshall County (43 primary, 227 mental health). This robust healthcare workforce means residents typically access care faster than those in surrounding counties.

Healthcare access for nearly all

Just 4.3% of Linn County residents lack health insurance, well below Iowa's 5.7% average and the national uninsured rate of 10.9%. With 63 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, most Linn County residents can find a doctor relatively near home. The county's urban core in Cedar Rapids provides concentrated medical infrastructure.

Already doing well? Stay covered.

Linn County's low uninsured rate shows most residents have coverage, but nearly 1 in 25 still lacks it. Visit Healthcare.gov or IowaInsurance.org to review your plan annually and explore options during open enrollment. Small changes in income or job status can affect your eligibility for subsidies or Medicaid.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Linn County

via RiskByCounty

Linn stands well above average risk

Linn County's composite risk score of 86.70 places it in the relatively moderate category—more than double Iowa's state average of 39.68. This elevated overall risk reflects significant exposure to tornadoes and flooding, making Linn one of the more hazard-prone counties in the state.

Highest risk county in Iowa

Among Iowa's 99 counties, Linn ranks as the most disaster-prone, driven primarily by a tornado risk score of 95.48—the state's highest. Its flood risk of 86.67 compounds this vulnerability, making comprehensive disaster preparedness essential for residents.

Significantly riskier than surrounding counties

Linn's score of 86.70 far exceeds neighboring Marshall County (62.47) and Marion County (34.35), underscoring Linn's unique exposure. This concentration of risk is driven by geography and weather patterns that make the Cedar Rapids area particularly vulnerable to severe storms.

Tornadoes and floods dominate your threats

Tornado risk at 95.48 is your most pressing concern—Linn experiences some of Iowa's most active severe weather. Flooding comes in a close second at 86.67, with the Cedar River and Iowa River systems posing regular inundation threats during spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall.

Prioritize flood and wind insurance now

Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage; separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is critical if you're in a vulnerable zone. Consider wind and hail coverage to protect against tornado damage, and ensure your policy limits are adequate for replacement costs in your area.

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.