CountyScore

Louisa County

Iowa · IA

#22 in Iowa
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Louisa County, Iowa

Louisa scores 44% above the national median

Louisa County's composite score of 71.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it among the most livable counties in the United States. This strong national standing reflects competitive performance across cost, tax, and risk dimensions.

Above Iowa's average, a top-tier county

With a score of 71.9 versus Iowa's state average of 69.3, Louisa ranks above the middle and among the state's best-performing counties. The county represents an upper-tier livability option within Iowa.

Affordability and risk management shine

Louisa boasts an excellent cost score of 80.8 backed by the lowest median home values in this group at $137,600 and the lowest rents at just $797 monthly. Its risk score of 82.6 is exceptional, indicating strong environmental and economic stability.

Income levels lag despite affordability

The county's income score of 35.7 reflects median household earnings of $80,223, modest for the region. Health outcomes at 73.9 are solid but lag other top performers, suggesting room for wellness infrastructure investment.

Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking stability

Louisa County rewards those prioritizing low housing costs and environmental stability over high wages. It's particularly suited to retirees, young families, and remote workers who value affordability and a low-risk environment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.5Cost80.8SafetyComing SoonHealth73.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.7Risk82.6WaterComing Soon
🏛66.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡82.6
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 Louisa County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Izard County
Arkansas
71.9
Median income: $47,728
Clear Creek County
Colorado
71.9
Median income: $96,667
Glascock County
Georgia
71.9
Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $66,571
Randolph County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $61,121

Deep Dives

Louisa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Louisa County

via TaxByCounty

Louisa taxes sit below national norm

Louisa County's effective tax rate of 1.273% falls below the national median of 1.099%—though just slightly—placing it near the 45th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,752 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a lower home value and a moderate tax burden.

Louisa undercuts Iowa average

At 1.273%, Louisa County's effective rate is slightly below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, making it a relatively affordable county within the state. The median annual tax of $1,752 is 19% lower than Iowa's average of $2,160, offering relief to property owners.

Louisa offers tax relief regionally

Louisa County's 1.273% rate is the lowest among its peer group, undercutting Lucas (1.480%), Marshall (1.514%), and Madison (1.554%) counties. With a median home value of just $137,600, residents here enjoy the lowest median tax bill of $1,752 in the region.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Louisa County homeowner with a median-valued house of $137,600 pays approximately $1,752 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,933, while those who own outright average $1,443 annually.

You may be paying too much

Even in an affordable county, some Louisa County homeowners are overassessed. If your property's assessed value doesn't align with comparable recent sales, file an appeal with your county assessor to potentially reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Louisa County

via CostByCounty

Louisa Breaks Free of Housing Stress

Louisa County renters spend just 11.9% of their income on rent—well below both the national average and Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With a median household income of $80,223 and median rent of only $797, Louisa offers rare affordability.

Iowa's Most Affordable County

Louisa County ranks among Iowa's best for housing affordability, with the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 11.9%. That's 2.2 percentage points below the state average, meaning renters here keep more money in their pockets than their neighbors statewide.

Clear Winner in the Region

At $797 monthly rent, Louisa beats all but Lucas County ($738) in the eight-county comparison, while maintaining the second-highest median income at $80,223. This combination makes Louisa one of the best deals in central Iowa.

Rents Won't Squeeze Your Wallet

Louisa households earning $80,223 annually spend about $797 on median rent—just 11.9% of gross income, the healthiest ratio in the region. Owner costs average $872 monthly, or about 13% of income, leaving substantial breathing room for savings and other expenses.

Louisa: Affordability Without Sacrifice

Relocating to Louisa County means housing costs that won't eat up your paycheck while you maintain a solid median income of $80k. If rural charm and low rent appeal to you, this county delivers both at rates few other Iowa counties can match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Louisa County

via IncomeByCounty

Louisa County outearns the national median

Louisa County households earn $80,223 annually, outpacing the U.S. median of $74,755 by $5,468. This 7.3% advantage reflects steady economic activity in the county's agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Louisa ranks in Iowa's top tier

With a median household income of $80,223, Louisa County significantly exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it among the state's highest-earning counties. The $10,393 premium reflects Louisa's economic stability and strong workforce participation.

Louisa leads neighboring counties

Louisa County's $80,223 income tops neighboring Lucas County ($67,921) by $12,302 and outpaces Marion County ($78,059) by $2,164. This regional leadership reflects Louisa's diverse employment base along the Des Moines River corridor.

Housing affordability is strong here

At just 11.9%, Louisa County's rent-to-income ratio is among Iowa's lowest, meaning households spend less than two weeks of earnings on monthly rent. The median home value of $137,600 is notably affordable relative to the county's median income.

Louisa's affordability supports savings

With housing consuming only 12% of income and strong median earnings, Louisa County residents have exceptional capacity to save and invest. This financial flexibility positions households to build equity and weather economic uncertainty more effectively than many peers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Louisa County

via HealthByCounty

Louisa County beats national life expectancy

Louisa residents live to 78.7 years, surpassing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by more than two years. However, 18.6% report poor or fair health, running higher than the national average of 16.8%. This gap suggests Louisa residents live longer despite managing more chronic health conditions.

Above state average, mixed wellness

At 78.7 years, Louisa County exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year average by 12 months. Yet the county's 18.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among Iowa's higher rates, indicating residents manage more health challenges than typical for the state. This pattern reflects a community with longer lives but greater disease burden.

Critical provider shortage

Louisa County has just 9 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in Iowa and far below neighbors like Marion County (96 per 100K). Mental health services are similarly sparse at 86 per 100,000. Residents often travel 30+ minutes to see a doctor.

Provider scarcity hits coverage rate

At 6.9% uninsured, Louisa exceeds both Iowa's 5.7% and the national 10.9% averages—likely reflecting rural poverty and limited job-based insurance options. With only 9 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Louisa faces a dual crisis of affordability and access. Many residents drive to neighboring counties for routine care.

Closing Louisa's coverage gap

Nearly 1 in 14 Louisa residents lacks coverage—higher than most of Iowa. Check if you qualify for Medicaid at the Louisa County Social Services office or explore Healthcare.gov plans. Community health centers in nearby counties may also help reduce costs and travel.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Louisa County

via RiskByCounty

Louisa County faces very low risk overall

With a composite risk score of 17.46, Louisa County sits well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it among the safest counties in the state. This very low risk rating reflects relatively minimal exposure to most major natural hazards.

Second-safest county in Iowa

Louisa ranks near the bottom of Iowa's disaster risk hierarchy, with Lyon County as the only county posting a lower composite score. This favorable position means residents face substantially lower natural disaster insurance costs and fewer weather-related disruptions than most Iowans.

Safest in your part of southeast Iowa

Louisa's score of 17.46 beats nearby Lucas County (29.68) and rivals Lyon County (19.18) as the region's lowest-risk counties. This cluster of relatively safe counties in southeast Iowa contrasts sharply with the higher-risk areas in central and northern parts of the state.

Flooding poses modest but measurable risk

Flood risk at 20.90 is your highest hazard exposure, though still well below national and state averages. Tornado risk of 34.19 remains secondary but warrants standard severe weather preparedness, particularly during spring storm season.

Basic coverage typically sufficient here

Your low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents, though flood insurance remains prudent in properties near the Iowa River or local creek systems. Review your policy annually to ensure replacement cost coverage keeps pace with inflation.

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.