countyscore
55.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 77.7Disaster Risk 70.3

County Report Card

About Lucas County, Iowa

Surpassing the National Average

Lucas County posts a composite score of 55.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a solid standard of living that beats out many U.S. counties.

A Typical Iowa Experience

With a score of 55.8, Lucas County aligns almost perfectly with the Iowa state average of 55.6. It represents a quintessential Iowa lifestyle in terms of overall value and quality.

Clean Water and Affordable Living

The county boasts a perfect Water Score of 86.0 and a strong Cost Score of 62.3. With a median home value of $117,000, housing remains much more accessible here than in larger metro areas.

Limited Tax Relief

The Tax Score of 13.6 is the lowest metric for the county, reflecting an effective tax rate of 1.480%. Improving the tax burden relative to income could further enhance the county's appeal.

Best for Budget-Minded Families

Lucas County is a great fit for retirees or young families looking for low-cost housing and clean resources. It offers a balanced, middle-of-the-road Iowa lifestyle with high environmental quality.

Score breakdown

Tax13.6Cost62.3Safety56.9Health68.5Schools65Income61.5Risk70.3Water86Weather48.4
🏛13.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱77.7
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

Marion County
Iowa
59.2
Warren County
Iowa
51.7
Monroe County
Iowa
59.1
Clarke County
Iowa
43.7
Wayne County
Iowa
62.9
Decatur County
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59.4
Appanoose County
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Madison County
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58.6

Deep Dives

Lucas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lucas County

via TaxByCounty

Lucas taxes exceed national average

Lucas County's effective tax rate of 1.480% surpasses the national median of 1.099%, placing it around the 65th percentile nationally. Though the median home value of $117,000 is less than half the national median of $281,900, the county's higher tax rate produces a median bill of $1,732.

Lucas ranks above state average

Lucas County's 1.480% effective rate edges above Iowa's state average of 1.344%, putting it in the upper tier of taxing counties statewide. The median property tax of $1,732 is slightly below Iowa's average of $2,160, thanks to lower home values offsetting the higher rate.

Lucas taxes moderate regionally

Lucas County's 1.480% rate sits between Louisa (1.273%) and Marshall (1.514%), making it a middle-ground option in its peer group. Its median home value of $117,000 is the lowest in the region, keeping actual tax bills manageable despite the above-average rate.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Lucas County homeowner with a median-valued house of $117,000 pays approximately $1,732 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages face slightly higher bills at $1,804, while those who own outright average $1,654 annually.

You may be paying too much

Lucas County homeowners should not assume their assessed values are accurate. Request a reassessment with your county assessor if you believe your property is overvalued relative to current market conditions in your area.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lucas County

via CostByCounty

Lucas County: Budget-Friendly Rents

Lucas County residents enjoy a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio, sitting comfortably below the national benchmark and Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median rent of just $738 and median income of $67,921, housing remains accessible despite slightly lower earnings.

Second-Best Affordability in Iowa

Lucas County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in Iowa, beaten only by Louisa County. At $738 monthly rent—$74 below the state average—Lucas offers genuine relief for renters watching their housing costs.

Cheapest Rent in the Region

Lucas County's $738 median rent is the lowest among the eight-county sample, substantially below Louisa ($797) and nearly $100 cheaper than Linn County. This affordability advantage persists despite Lucas having the third-lowest median income at $67,921.

Minimal Housing Burden

Lucas households earning $67,921 pay median rent of $738—just 13.0% of gross income, the best-balanced relationship in the region. Owner costs of $857 monthly run about 15% of income, leaving room for other essentials.

Lucas Delivers Maximum Affordability

If your priority is low rent in a rural setting, Lucas County is Iowa's answer with the region's cheapest housing. The tradeoff: median income is slightly lower than neighboring counties, so weigh job prospects carefully before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lucas County

via IncomeByCounty

Lucas County lags the national average

Lucas County's median household income of $67,921 falls $6,834 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 9.1% gap indicates Lucas faces economic headwinds compared to the national average.

Lucas ranks below Iowa's average income

At $67,921, Lucas County's median household income sits $1,909 below Iowa's state average of $69,830, placing it in the state's lower-income quartile. The county's aging population and rural character partly explain this income gap.

Lucas trails all surrounding counties

Lucas County lags every neighboring comparison point: Louisa County ($80,223), Marion County ($78,059), and Mahaska County ($69,019). With the lowest median income in its peer group, Lucas faces unique economic challenges requiring targeted strategies.

Housing costs strain Lucas budgets

A 13.0% rent-to-income ratio means housing consumes roughly two weeks of earnings monthly—manageable but tighter than wealthier counties. The median home value of $117,000 is affordable, but lower incomes create less flexibility for emergencies or savings.

Strategic planning is crucial in Lucas

With below-average incomes, Lucas County households benefit most from deliberate budgeting and conservative financial planning. Building emergency savings and pursuing skill development that increases earning potential are essential steps toward long-term wealth creation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lucas County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores in Lucas County

Lucas County reports a total crime rate of 992.4 per 100K, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low activity earns the county a high safety score of 98.4.

Aligning with Iowa State Averages

The county's crime rate sits just below the Iowa state average of 1,095.3 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.4 almost perfectly mirrors the statewide average safety score of 98.3.

Limited Data Shows Calm Neighbors

Lucas County maintains a lower crime profile than more populous neighbors like Marion County. These figures come from a single reporting agency, providing a narrow but positive view of local law enforcement activity.

Violent Crime Above State Norms

Property crimes account for 727.0 incidents per 100K, which is quite low compared to national figures. However, the violent crime rate of 265.4 is higher than the Iowa average of 216.5.

Vigilance for Lucas County Residents

Even with a high safety score, residents should focus on well-lit exteriors and deadbolt locks. Awareness of local trends helps keep the community's property crime rates well below national levels.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lucas County

via HealthByCounty

Lucas County lags on life expectancy

At 76.0 years, Lucas County residents live roughly 2.4 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and 1.7 years below Iowa's state average. The county's 18.2% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the national average of 16.8%. These metrics point to significant health challenges in this rural community.

Among Iowa's shortest lifespans

Lucas County's 76.0-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Iowa, trailing the state average of 77.7 years by nearly two years. The county struggles with health outcomes relative to its peers across the state. This gap demands urgent attention to chronic disease prevention and healthcare access.

Mixed provider landscape

Lucas County has 103 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among its neighbors—but only 114 mental health providers per 100,000. This abundance of primary care providers hasn't yet translated to dramatically better health outcomes, suggesting barriers beyond provider availability. Rural transportation and poverty likely play significant roles.

Uninsured rate near state average

Lucas County's 5.4% uninsured rate closely mirrors Iowa's 5.7% average, so coverage isn't the primary barrier to care. Despite abundant primary care providers—103 per 100,000—health outcomes remain poor, suggesting residents face obstacles like income, transportation, or health literacy. Multiple factors beyond physician supply shape Lucas County's health crisis.

Coverage is just the start

Most Lucas County residents have health insurance, but 1 in 18 still lack it—visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for coverage options. If you're covered, schedule preventive care with one of Lucas County's abundant primary care providers to catch problems early. Regular checkups matter most in communities facing health challenges.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lucas County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Unified Community District

Lucas County operates a streamlined educational system consisting of 4 public schools all belonging to a single district. This structure supports 1,215 students through two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This centralized approach creates a cohesive educational experience for all residents.

Academic Success with Targeted Spending

The county's school score of 56.7 sits comfortably above the state average of 56.0. Graduation rates remain competitive at 92.0%, beating the national average of 87.0%. With per-pupil spending at $7,971, Lucas County invests more in each student than the typical Iowa district.

The Chariton Community District

The Chariton Community School District manages 100% of the county's public enrollment across its four campuses. There are zero charter schools, ensuring that all public resources are concentrated into the local district. This unified focus helps maintain consistent standards from kindergarten through graduation.

Town-Centered Learning for Every Student

Three of the county's four schools are located in town settings, providing a walkable and accessible school culture. Chariton High School is the largest facility with 392 students, while the overall average school size is 304 students. This scale ensures that no student is lost in a crowd, fostering strong teacher-student relationships.

Your Home in Chariton

Choosing a home in Lucas County means joining a community where everyone attends the same high-performing school system. The unified district model makes researching schools simple for prospective homebuyers. Explore the area to find a house that puts your children in the heart of this dedicated district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lucas County

via RiskByCounty

Lucas County maintains very low risk

Lucas County's composite risk score of 29.68 sits 25 percent below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the very low risk category. This moderate cushion below the state average suggests residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical Iowans.

Among Iowa's safer counties

Lucas ranks in the lower half of Iowa's 99 counties for disaster risk, with only a handful of counties posting lower scores. This favorable standing reflects the county's generally moderate exposure to the most damaging weather events.

Slightly higher risk than Louisa or Lyon

Lucas's score of 29.68 exceeds both Louisa County (17.46) and Lyon County (19.18), though all three form a cluster of southeast Iowa's safest counties. Marion County (34.35) to the north presents marginally higher risk, illustrating how hazard exposure shifts across the region.

Tornadoes and wildfires warrant attention

Tornado risk at 57.28 represents your most significant threat, particularly during spring and early summer. Wildfire risk of 54.58 is also noteworthy given Iowa's prairie history, though neither approaches the severity seen in higher-risk counties.

Standard policies cover most hazards well

Your relatively low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically offers adequate protection without premium customization. Ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage for tornado exposure, and review coverage limits every few years.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lucas County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and typical of the heartland

Lucas County's 48.3°F average temperature places it below the national median for the United States. The climate is categorized as humid continental, characterized by cold winters and warm, moist summers.

Aligning with state averages

At 48.3°F, Lucas County closely mirrors the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also receives 37.3 inches of annual precipitation, slightly outpacing the state average of 36.1 inches.

Drier than southeastern neighbors

While Lucas is wetter than the state average, it receives about 1.3 inches less precipitation than Mahaska County to the east. It maintains 17 days of extreme heat, matching the frequency found in Louisa County.

Manageable snow and hot Julys

Lucas County sees 24.1 inches of snow annually, which is lighter than many northern Iowa counties. Summer highs are consistent, with 17 days hitting 90°F or higher.

Plan for variable winter conditions

While snowfall is moderate at 24.1 inches, winter temperatures average 24.0°F, requiring efficient home insulation. Residents should plan for hot spells in July when temperatures average 73.0°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lucas County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity in Lucas County Earth

Lucas County has more acidic soil than most, with a pH of 6.09 compared to the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile suggests a need for lime to optimize nutrient availability for most garden plants.

Heavy Clay and Silt Fractions

The composition features 52.3% silt and a heavy 27.6% clay, creating a dense, moisture-retentive environment. With only 19.0% sand, this soil is slower to warm up in the spring but holds nutrients very effectively.

State-Level Water Capacity

Organic matter is 2.65%, beating the national average of 2.0% but sitting below the Iowa state average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.190 inches per inch is nearly on par with the state average of 0.195, which helps during droughts.

Managing Runoff in Clay Soils

While formal drainage classes aren't recorded, the high clay content often leads to slower water movement and potential runoff. Gardeners should consider raised beds to improve aeration in these heavy, silt-rich soils.

Successful Planting in Zone 5b

In hardiness zone 5b, Lucas County gardeners can successfully grow everything from asparagus to orchard fruits. Focus on acid-tolerant plants or soil amendments to make the most of your local earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lucas County

via LawnByCounty

Solid Growing Conditions in Lucas

Lucas County features a 77.7 lawn difficulty score, placing it comfortably above the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, the area provides a reliable environment for maintaining healthy cool-season lawns.

Optimal Rain and Standard Heat

Annual precipitation of 37.3 inches provides plenty of natural hydration for local yards. Residents should prepare for 17 days of extreme heat, which is just slightly above the state average of 16 days.

Working with Clay-Rich Soil

With a 6.09 pH, the soil sits on the lower end of the ideal range but remains very productive. The 27.6% clay content is higher than some neighbors, meaning the soil holds moisture well but may require aeration to prevent compaction.

High Resilience to Drought

The county only experienced 5 weeks of drought in the past year, indicating high natural resilience. Even with current abnormally dry conditions across 100% of the area, most lawns should recover quickly with minimal supplemental watering.

Plan Around Late Frosts

The last spring frost typically occurs on May 5, giving you a slightly shorter but effective growing season. Use this time to seed resilient varieties like Tall Fescue, which can handle the local clay soil and summer temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lucas County's county score?
Lucas County, Iowa has a composite county score of 55.8 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 Lucas County rank among counties in Iowa?
Lucas County ranks #62 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 Lucas County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Lucas County is $1,732, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Lucas County a tax score of 13.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lucas County?
The median household income in Lucas County, Iowa is $67,921 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lucas County earns an income score of 61.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lucas County, Iowa a good place to live?
Lucas County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Lucas 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 Lucas 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.