countyscore
61.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 84Disaster Risk 82.6

County Report Card

About Louisa County, Iowa

Outperforming the National Median

Louisa County earns a strong composite score of 61.3, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high quality of life relative to the rest of the country.

A Top Performer in Iowa

The county outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6 by over five points. It stands as a competitive option for residents seeking the best of what the state offers.

High Incomes and Environmental Resilience

The county excels with a Water Score of 86.0 and an Income Score of 84.0, fueled by a median household income of $80,223. A Risk Score of 82.6 also suggests high resilience against natural disasters.

Property Tax Pressures

The Tax Score of 22.1 is the county's weakest dimension, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.273%. While this is common in Iowa, it remains a primary area where residents feel a financial pinch.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Louisa County is perfect for families seeking economic security and a low-risk environment. It offers a rare combination of high incomes and strong safety metrics for those who enjoy small-town life.

Score breakdown

Tax22.1Cost54Safety77.8Health70.5Schools63.3Income84Risk82.6Water86Weather49.4
🏛22.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78
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

Muscatine County
Iowa
41.3
Mercer County
Illinois
63.1
Henry County
Iowa
52.5
Des Moines County
Iowa
34.7
Washington County
Iowa
51.6
Henderson County
Illinois
61.7
Johnson County
Iowa
41.1
Cedar County
Iowa
58

Deep Dives

Louisa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Louisa County

via CrimeByCounty

Louisa County Outperforms National Safety

Louisa County is significantly safer than the national average, with a total crime rate of only 526.6 per 100K. This contributes to an impressive safety score of 99.2, far better than the U.S. average.

Leading Iowa in Public Safety

The county's total crime rate is less than half of the Iowa state average of 1,095.3. Its safety score of 99.2 also beats the state average, marking it as a very secure region.

Quiet Environment Compared to Neighbors

Louisa's crime rate is notably lower than neighboring Des Moines County to the south. However, because data comes from a single reporting agency, residents should interpret these low numbers with cautious optimism.

Low Property Crime Defines Area

Property crime is remarkably low at 258.7 per 100K, representing just a fraction of the national 2,015.7 average. The violent crime rate of 267.9 is higher than the state average but remains below the national mark.

Maintain Safety with Basic Vigilance

While crime rates are low, basic home security remains a smart practice for every household. Keeping entryways locked and staying connected with neighbors helps preserve the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Louisa County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Educational Foundation

Louisa County operates 9 public schools within 4 districts, catering to a total enrollment of 2,144 students. The infrastructure is comprised of 4 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools. This compact system ensures that students stay within a close-knit community throughout their K-12 journey.

Strong Scores and Local Investment

Louisa County achieves a solid 56.7 school score, outperforming the state average of 56.0 and the national median. The 91.2% graduation rate remains significantly higher than the national 87.0% benchmark. Local districts invest $8,189 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Iowa state average of $7,591.

Focused Districts Serving the Community

Louisa-Muscatine Community School District is the largest provider in the county, enrolling 815 students. Columbus and Wapello districts follow, serving 664 and 541 students respectively. There are currently no charter schools in operation, maintaining a 100% focus on traditional public education.

The Quiet Strengths of Rural Schools

Every single school in Louisa County is classified as rural, offering a consistent and quiet learning environment. Louisa-Muscatine Elementary is the largest school with 454 students, while the county average is a more intimate 238 students per school. This small-scale setting allows for personalized attention and strong community ties.

Find Your Rural Retreat

If you are looking for a home where your children can grow up in a safe, rural school environment, Louisa County is an excellent choice. The combination of high per-pupil spending and rural charm makes this an attractive area for homebuyers. Start your search today near these community-focused schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Louisa County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent humid continental patterns

Louisa County's annual average of 48.8°F reflects a temperate climate that is cooler than the U.S. national median. The region experiences distinct seasonal transitions typical of the American Midwest.

Warmer and wetter than most of Iowa

The county's 48.8°F average temperature exceeds the state baseline of 48.0°F. Additionally, its 38.6 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than the Iowa average of 36.1 inches.

Leading neighbors in precipitation

Louisa is wetter than neighboring Linn County, receiving an extra 1.5 inches of precipitation annually. It also experiences more extreme heat days than Linn, totaling 17 days per year above 90°F.

Heavier snowfall and humid summers

The county receives 33.4 inches of snow annually, which is higher than many of its immediate neighbors. Summer temperatures peak in July at 73.4°F, while winter averages stay around 23.6°F.

Equip homes for humidity and snow

With 17 days of extreme heat, central air conditioning is vital for comfortable summers. Homeowners should also prepare for heavier snow loads compared to counties further west.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Louisa County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Acidic Soils of Southeast Iowa

Louisa County soils lean slightly acidic with an average pH of 6.34, sitting near the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this area, the chemical profile matches the high-yielding standards of the region.

Silt-Heavy Soils with High Retention

A balanced mix of 52.4% silt and 21.5% clay ensures excellent nutrient retention for local crops. The 26.1% sand content aids in workability, preventing the heavy compaction often found in denser clay soils.

Water Storage for Summer Heat

Organic matter stands at 2.75%, surpassing the national average of 2.0% while trailing the rich Iowa state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.185 inches per inch provides a decent buffer for crops against summer dry periods.

Monitoring Moisture in Silt-Rich Fields

While specific drainage classifications are unavailable, the high silt content suggests a soil that holds moisture well. Farmers and builders should monitor local water tables due to the significant clay and silt fractions present.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 5b

Located in hardiness zone 5b, this county supports a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and melons. This versatile soil profile offers a great starting point for any backyard gardener.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Louisa County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success

Louisa County boasts a 78.0 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the Iowa state average of 77.2. Situated in Hardiness Zone 5b, this region offers a favorable climate for homeowners seeking a lush, green landscape with moderate effort.

High Precipitation for Turf

The county receives 38.6 inches of rain annually, which exceeds the state average of 36.1 inches. Although residents face 17 extreme heat days, the 3,051 growing degree days provide ample thermal energy for consistent grass growth.

Monitoring Soil Nutrient Levels

The soil maintains a healthy 6.34 pH, which is optimal for growing most domestic grass species. While drainage data is limited for this area, the 21.5% clay content helps retain moisture during the warmer summer months.

Managing 18 Weeks of Dryness

Louisa County endured 18 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire county is currently flagged as abnormally dry. Focus on irrigation during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation and maintain soil health.

Planting for Zone 5b

Recommended grasses include Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, which handle the local climate well. Aim to establish new turf after the April 26 spring frost to ensure roots take hold before the October 10 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Louisa County's county score?
Louisa County, Iowa has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Louisa County rank among counties in Iowa?
Louisa County ranks #29 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 Louisa County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Louisa County is $1,752, with an effective tax rate of 1.27%. This earns Louisa County a tax score of 22.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Louisa County?
The median household income in Louisa County, Iowa is $80,223 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Louisa County earns an income score of 84/100 on CountyScore.
Is Louisa County, Iowa a good place to live?
Louisa County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Louisa 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 Louisa 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.