CountyScore

Lyon County

Iowa · IA

#2 in Iowa
75.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Lyon County, Iowa

Lyon ranks 51% above the national median

Lyon County's composite score of 75.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top quartile of U.S. counties for overall livability. This exceptional national standing makes it one of the most livable counties in the country.

Iowa's top performer in this group

Lyon's score of 75.5 is the highest among these eight counties and well above Iowa's state average of 69.3. The county stands as a showcase for livability within the state.

Tax burden and health excellence

Lyon County leads with a tax score of 76.4, boasting the lowest effective tax rate in the group at 0.920%, enabling residents to retain more income. Health outcomes of 82.4 and strong risk management at 80.8 round out a compelling package.

Income growth remains constrained

Despite overall strength, Lyon's income score of 31.0 reflects median household earnings of $72,881, limiting appeal for high-wage earners. The cost score of 79.4, while solid, is slightly lower than the top affordable counties.

Best for tax-conscious families seeking balance

Lyon County appeals to households valuing low taxes, excellent health outcomes, and stable living conditions over rapid income growth. It's an ideal fit for middle-class families and retirees seeking comprehensive quality of life.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.4Cost79.4SafetyComing SoonHealth82.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome31Risk80.8WaterComing Soon
🏛76.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡80.8
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 Lyon County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Randolph County
Alabama
75.5
Median income: $51,551
Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
Alaska
75.5
Median income: $62,500
Wells County
Indiana
75.5
Median income: $69,741
Lac qui Parle County
Minnesota
75.5
Median income: $71,639
Hidalgo County
New Mexico
75.5
Median income: $49,076

Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lyon County

via TaxByCounty

Lyon's tax rate is remarkably low

Lyon County's effective tax rate of 0.920% ranks among the lowest in the nation, sitting well below the national median of 1.099% and placing it in approximately the 25th percentile. Despite a median home value of $215,600 that approaches the national average, the county's median property tax of just $1,983 reflects its favorable rate.

Lyon leads Iowa for affordability

At 0.920%, Lyon County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Iowa, significantly undercutting the state average of 1.344%. The median property tax of $1,983 is 8% below Iowa's average of $2,160, making Lyon one of the best values for property owners in the state.

Lyon stands out as a tax haven

Lyon County's 0.920% rate is substantially lower than all regional peers—Linn (1.661%), Madison (1.554%), Marshall (1.514%), and Lucas (1.480%)—making it the clear winner for tax-conscious homeowners. Even with a comparable median home value to Marion County ($215,600 vs. $211,100), Lyon residents save approximately $744 annually.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Lyon County homeowner with a median-valued house of $215,600 pays approximately $1,983 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,078, while those who own outright average $1,868 annually.

You may be paying too much

Even in Iowa's most tax-friendly county, overassessment happens. If you suspect your property is valued above market, file an appeal with your county assessor to ensure you're paying only your fair share.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lyon County

via CostByCounty

Lyon's Housing Costs Stay Reasonable

Lyon County renters dedicate 13.2% of their income to rent, below both the national average and Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median income of $72,881 and median rent of $802, housing remains affordable while maintaining economic viability.

Well Above Average in Affordability

Lyon County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's more affordable counties, outperforming the state average by nearly a full percentage point. Renters here spend $802 monthly on rent—$10 less than the state average—creating real savings.

Competitive Pricing in the Region

Lyon's median rent of $802 sits right at the state average and is affordable compared to Linn County ($915) and Marion County ($880). However, Lyon carries notably higher home values at $215,600—the second-highest in the region after Madison County.

Balanced Housing-to-Income Ratio

Lyon County households earning $72,881 spend $802 on median rent (13.2% of income) or $962 on mortgages (16% of income). This leaves a reasonable cushion for other living expenses compared to counties where housing consumes over 14% of income.

Lyon: Affordable Rents, Strong Homes

Lyon County appeals to renters seeking below-average costs and potential homebuyers interested in valuable properties at $215k median value. The county balances rural character with economic stability, making it worth considering if you're relocating within Iowa.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lyon County

via IncomeByCounty

Lyon County income slightly below national

Lyon County's median household income of $72,881 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $1,874, placing it just below the national benchmark. This modest gap reflects economic conditions similar to many rural and agricultural Midwestern counties.

Lyon ranks slightly below state average

At $72,881, Lyon County falls $1,949 short of Iowa's state average of $69,830, sitting just above the middle of the state's income distribution. This positioning reflects Lyon's mixed economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and public sector employment.

Lyon County holds middle ground

Lyon County's $72,881 income sits between Lucas County ($67,921) and Marshall County ($72,785), roughly equivalent to its northern neighbor Marshall. The county's consistent income level reflects stable, if modest, economic conditions across northwest Iowa.

Housing costs are reasonable in Lyon

Lyon County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio is manageable, with housing consuming about two weeks of monthly earnings. However, the relatively high median home value of $215,600 means homeownership requires careful planning and substantial down payment savings.

Balanced approach works for Lyon

Lyon County households should focus on steady employment, modest lifestyle choices, and consistent savings to build wealth. With moderate incomes and reasonable rental costs, disciplined financial planning creates realistic pathways to homeownership and retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lyon County

via HealthByCounty

Lyon County: Iowa's longevity leader

Lyon County residents live to 82.5 years—a remarkable 6.1 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years and 4.8 years above Iowa's state average. Just 13.8% report poor or fair health, nearly matching the national rate of 16.8%. Lyon County stands as one of Iowa's healthiest communities by virtually any measure.

State's highest life expectancy

At 82.5 years, Lyon County has the longest life expectancy in Iowa, surpassing the state average of 77.7 by nearly five years. The county's 13.8% poor/fair health rate ranks among Iowa's best. Lyon residents enjoy significantly better health outcomes than typical Iowans.

Modest providers, excellent outcomes

Lyon County has 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 16 mental health providers per 100,000—fewer than most neighbors. Despite this leaner provider network, the county achieves the state's best life expectancy, suggesting strong community health fundamentals, lifestyle factors, or population composition drive superior outcomes. Access alone doesn't explain Lyon's success.

Nearly universal coverage

At 5.8% uninsured, Lyon County roughly matches Iowa's 5.7% average and substantially beats the national 10.9% rate. With 33 primary care providers per 100,000, residents can typically find a doctor locally. Lyon County's combination of near-universal coverage and solid access supports its exceptional longevity.

Maintaining Lyon's health advantage

Even in Iowa's healthiest county, about 1 in 17 residents lack coverage. Check Healthcare.gov annually to ensure you have the best plan for your needs. Preventive care and staying covered are key habits that help Lyon County maintain its national longevity leadership.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lyon County

via RiskByCounty

Lyon County ranks among Iowa's safest

With a composite risk score of 19.18, Lyon County sits roughly half the state average of 39.68, earning a very low risk rating. This significant cushion places Lyon among the least hazard-prone counties in Iowa.

Iowa's lowest-risk county overall

Lyon County posts the state's lowest composite risk score, with only Louisa County (17.46) coming close. This exceptional safety profile reflects minimal exposure to tornadoes, flooding, and other major natural disasters that plague other parts of Iowa.

Safest in northwest Iowa by a wide margin

Lyon's 19.18 score significantly outpaces Marshall County (62.47) and most other neighboring counties, making it a notably safer location within the region. This geographic pocket of lower risk stands out in the tornado-prone landscape of northern Iowa.

Tornado risk your primary concern

Tornado risk of 45.93 is your highest hazard exposure, though still below state average. Flood risk of 19.62 and wildfire risk of 28.37 round out your secondary threats, all of which remain relatively modest.

Basic homeowners policy typically adequate

Your exceptional low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection without costly add-ons for most properties. Verify wind and hail coverage is included to address tornado exposure, and maintain adequate replacement cost limits.

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.