countyscore
40.7
County Score
Health 90.4Income & Jobs 79.2Lawn Care 75.6

County Report Card

About Linn County, Iowa

Falling Behind the National Median

Linn County earns a composite score of 40.6, which sits nearly 10 points below the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in a lower percentile for overall livability compared to U.S. peers.

Trailing the Iowa Average

The county's overall performance lags behind the Iowa state average of 55.6. While it serves as a major regional hub, it ranks lower than many of its rural and suburban counterparts.

Elite Healthcare and High Incomes

Linn County shines with a Health Score of 90.4 and a strong Income Score of 79.2. Residents enjoy a median household income of $76,421, providing significant financial stability for many families.

High Tax Burden and Safety Concerns

A low Tax Score of 8.0 reflects a high effective tax rate of 1.661%, placing pressure on household budgets. Additionally, both the Safety Score and Risk Score sit below 14, highlighting areas for community improvement.

A Hub for Health-Conscious Professionals

This county suits high-earning professionals who value top-tier medical facilities and urban amenities. Residents should be prepared to trade lower taxes for the high income potential found in Cedar Rapids.

Score breakdown

Tax8Cost28Safety13.8Health90.4Schools63Income79.2Risk13.3Water69Weather50.8
🏛8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱75.6
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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Deep Dives

Linn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Linn County

via CrimeByCounty

Linn County Safety Near National Average

Linn County records a total crime rate of 2,472.6 per 100K residents, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a strong safety score of 96.1 out of 100.

Crime Levels Above State Benchmarks

The county's crime rate is more than double the Iowa state average of 1,095.3 per 100K. Consequently, its safety score of 96.1 sits below the exceptionally high state average of 98.3.

A Higher Crime Profile Than Neighbors

With seven reporting agencies, Linn County shows a more active crime landscape than its rural neighbors. Its total crime rate of 2,472.6 is significantly higher than the quieter surrounding counties in eastern Iowa.

Property Crimes Drive Local Stats

Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 2,200.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national mark of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 272.1 remains well below the U.S. average of 369.8.

Securing Homes Against Property Theft

Since property crime is the primary concern here, residents should prioritize home security like smart doorbells and motion lighting. These simple deterrents are effective in areas with higher-than-average property incident rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Linn County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Scale Educational Network

Linn County manages a massive infrastructure of 79 public schools across 11 districts, serving 36,317 students. The system includes 43 elementary, 18 middle, and 14 high schools, representing one of the largest networks in the state. This expansive framework provides a wide variety of academic paths for families in the region.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

The county boasts a 92.8% graduation rate, which exceeds both the Iowa state average of 92.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is a modest $7,511—trailing the national $13,000 average—the school score of 56.1 remains above the state and national medians. These figures suggest a high return on educational investment for local taxpayers.

Cedar Rapids and Linn-Mar Lead the Way

Cedar Rapids Community School District serves as the county's anchor with 15,289 students across 33 schools. Linn-Mar and College Community districts also represent significant hubs, enrolling 7,611 and 5,709 students respectively. Notably, there are no charter schools in the county, with all students served by traditional public districts.

Diverse Learning Environments from City to Rural

The county offers a diverse locale mix with 42 schools in city settings and 15 in rural areas. Linn-Mar High School is the largest campus with 2,271 students, while the average school size across the county stands at 466. This variety allows parents to choose between large-scale urban high schools and smaller, more intimate rural settings.

Building a Future in Linn County

Families prioritize school quality when choosing where to live, and Linn County's strong performance makes it a premier destination. Explore homes near top-rated districts like Linn-Mar or Cedar Rapids to secure a place in these high-achieving communities. Your next home is just a step away from a top-tier education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Linn County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national average

Linn County averages an annual temperature of 48.2°F, which is notably cooler than the national median. This humid continental climate features wide temperature swings between winter lows and summer highs.

Warmer than the Iowa average

At 48.2°F, Linn County sits just above the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. This makes it a mid-range county in terms of warmth compared to its 98 peers across the state.

A wetter climate than nearby neighbors

Linn receives 37.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is more than the state average of 36.1 inches. It experiences higher moisture levels than Marshall County to the west, which averages 35.9 inches.

Snowy winters and moderate heat

Winter temperatures average 22.9°F with 30.8 inches of annual snowfall. The summer months see 14 days where temperatures exceed 90°F, centering around a July average of 73.0°F.

Prepare for significant winter maintenance

Residents need high-capacity heating systems to manage January averages of 19.5°F. With over 30 inches of snow per year, reliable snow removal equipment is a household necessity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Linn County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam Foundations in Linn County

Linn County features slightly acidic Alfisols with a pH of 6.31, coming in just below the national median of 6.5. This silt loam foundation represents a classic Midwestern profile built for diverse agriculture.

A Balanced Mix for Easy Management

The soil consists of 51.0% silt and 19.6% clay, providing a smooth texture that balances nutrient storage with easy workability. With 28.7% sand, these fields offer better aeration than many of their heavier clay neighbors.

Solid Organic Content for Steady Growth

Organic matter reaches 3.22%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but falls behind the Iowa state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.184 inches per inch means plants have a steady, if slightly below-average, reservoir during dry spells.

Efficient Drainage for Farming and Building

Classified as well-drained with a hydrologic group B rating, this soil moves water efficiently and resists ponding. These characteristics make the land ideal for both intensive farming and stable building foundations.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 5a

Situated in hardiness zone 5a, Linn County is perfect for cool-season vegetables like kale and hardy perennials. Start your garden today to take advantage of this reliable, high-performing silt loam.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Linn County

via LawnByCounty

Manageable Growing in Linn County

Linn County earns a 75.6 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0. While it sits slightly below the Iowa state average of 77.2, its location in Hardiness Zone 5a supports a robust variety of cool-season grasses.

Consistent Rain and Mild Heat

With 37.1 inches of annual precipitation and 2,966 growing degree days, the environment stays well within the ideal range for turf. Homeowners manage only 14 extreme heat days per year, which is lower than the state average of 16 days.

Perfectly Balanced Silt Loam

The local silt loam soil features a 6.31 pH, fitting perfectly within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. Its well-drained structure and 19.6% clay content provide an excellent foundation that prevents root rot during wet spring months.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

The county faced 20 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to help turf survive these dry spells without entering premature dormancy.

Start Seeding This Spring

Plant Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue between the last spring frost on April 28 and the first fall frost on October 11. These cool-season varieties thrive in Zone 5a and respond well to the local moisture profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Linn County's county score?
Linn County, Iowa has a composite county score of 40.7 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 Linn County rank among counties in Iowa?
Linn County ranks #93 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 Linn County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Linn County is $3,396, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Linn County a tax score of 8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Linn County?
The median household income in Linn County, Iowa is $76,421 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Linn County earns an income score of 79.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Linn County, Iowa a good place to live?
Linn County scores 40.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #93 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Linn 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 Linn County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.