Lucas County's composite score of 69.1 decisively outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties by livability. This strong national standing reflects particularly robust cost and risk dimensions.
2 / 5
Right at Iowa's state average
Lucas scores 69.1 against Iowa's state average of 69.3, making it a representative example of the state's typical county livability. The county performs at parity with the broader Iowa benchmark.
3 / 5
Outstanding affordability and stability
Lucas County's cost score of 82.2 is among the highest in this group, with the lowest median home value at $117,000 and median rent at just $738. The risk score of 70.3 indicates solid environmental and economic resilience.
4 / 5
Income and health need strengthening
The income score of 27.7 is the lowest in this group, with median household earnings of just $67,921, suggesting limited wage growth opportunities. Health outcomes at 73.6 are respectable but trail the strongest performers.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and remote workers
Lucas County is ideal for individuals and families seeking rock-bottom housing costs and a safe, stable environment without dependence on local job markets. Remote workers and fixed-income retirees will find exceptional value here.
Lucas County's composite score of 69.1 decisively outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties by livability. This strong national standing reflects particularly robust cost and risk dimensions.
Right at Iowa's state average
Lucas scores 69.1 against Iowa's state average of 69.3, making it a representative example of the state's typical county livability. The county performs at parity with the broader Iowa benchmark.
Outstanding affordability and stability
Lucas County's cost score of 82.2 is among the highest in this group, with the lowest median home value at $117,000 and median rent at just $738. The risk score of 70.3 indicates solid environmental and economic resilience.
Income and health need strengthening
The income score of 27.7 is the lowest in this group, with median household earnings of just $67,921, suggesting limited wage growth opportunities. Health outcomes at 73.6 are respectable but trail the strongest performers.
Perfect for retirees and remote workers
Lucas County is ideal for individuals and families seeking rock-bottom housing costs and a safe, stable environment without dependence on local job markets. Remote workers and fixed-income retirees will find exceptional value here.
Score breakdown
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🏛60.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.