countyscore
64.5
County Score
Health 92.2Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 80.8

County Report Card

About Lyon County, Iowa

A Leader in National Livability

Lyon County achieves an impressive composite score of 65.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it among the higher-ranked counties for overall quality of life in the United States.

A Premier Iowa County

The county's score of 65.1 is nearly 10 points higher than the Iowa state average of 55.6. It stands out as a regional leader in northwest Iowa for health and safety.

Exceptional Health and Low Risk

Lyon County excels with a Health Score of 92.2 and a Risk Score of 80.8, indicating a healthy and safe population. The Tax Score of 43.8 is also quite high for Iowa, thanks to a low effective rate of 0.920%.

Housing Affordability Gains

The Cost Score of 48.3 is the county's lowest mark, as median home values reach $215,600. While the county is thriving, housing prices are higher than many neighboring rural counties.

The Gold Standard for Wellness

Lyon County is ideal for active families and seniors who prioritize health and physical safety above all else. Its combination of low taxes and high health scores makes it one of the most desirable spots in the state.

2040608010045.543.771.192.266.876.580.88642.3Tax45.5Cost43.7Safety71.1Health92.2Schools66.8Income76.5Risk80.8Water86Weather42.364.5/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Lyon County DNA

D+overall

How Lyon County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lyon County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (92.2/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.5
Cost
43.7
Safety
71.1+16.099999999999994
Health
92.2+42.2
Schools
66.8+12.799999999999997
Income
76.5+25.5
Risk
80.8+33.8
Water
86+28
Weather
42.3-13.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Lyon County

Whether buying or refinancing in Lyon County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$230,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$843/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$230,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,746/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Georgia
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Merrick County
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Piute County
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Dickenson County
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Big Horn County
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Nearby counties

Lincoln County
South Dakota
34.5
Rock County
Minnesota
70.5
Sioux County
Iowa
59.5
Minnehaha County
South Dakota
49.3
Nobles County
Minnesota
48.7
Osceola County
Iowa
64.3
Turner County
South Dakota
59.7
O'Brien County
Iowa
59.3

Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Lyon County

via CrimeByCounty

Lyon County Among Nation's Safest

Lyon County is one of the safest areas in the country with a total crime rate of only 690.4 per 100K. This earns it an exceptional safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

Beating Iowa's High Safety Standards

The county's crime rate of 690.4 is significantly lower than the Iowa state average of 1,095.3. It stands out as a high-performing region even within a safe state.

Peaceful Profile in Northwest Iowa

Compared to nearby Sioux County, Lyon maintains a very competitive and low crime profile. A single reporting agency provides this data, suggesting a quiet and stable environment for local families.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 565.6 per 100K, nearly four times lower than the national average. Violent crime is also minimal at 124.8, which is almost half the Iowa state average.

Community Watch Keeps Lyon Safe

Maintaining this safe environment depends on community vigilance and neighborhood watch programs. Visible security measures like outdoor cameras can effectively deter the rare opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lyon County

via WeatherByCounty

The cold edge of the prairie

Lyon County is one of the cooler spots in the nation with an annual average of just 46.0°F. This is significantly lower than the national median, reflecting its position in the far northwest corner of Iowa.

Colder and drier than the state

Lyon's 46.0°F average is 2.0 degrees lower than the Iowa state average. It is also considerably drier than the rest of the state, receiving only 29.3 inches of precipitation annually.

A unique climate among neighbors

Lyon is notably colder and drier than Marshall County, which averages 47.7°F and 35.9 inches of rain. Despite the cold, it surprisingly records 19 days of extreme heat, more than many warmer counties.

Harsh winters and high-contrast summers

Winter is intense here, with a January average of only 15.6°F and 34.9 inches of snow. Summers reach a July average of 73.3°F, creating a massive temperature swing between seasons.

Heavy-duty heating is mandatory

With a winter average of 19.1°F, residents must invest in high-performance HVAC systems. The combination of 34.9 inches of snow and extreme January lows requires specialized winter gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lyon County

via SoilByCounty

Ideal pH Balance in Northwest Iowa

Lyon County boasts a pH of 6.68, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 6.43. This near-neutral balance makes it one of the most chemically ideal environments for Iowa's major crops.

High-Body Soil for Mineral Wealth

A robust mix of 52.1% silt and 27.7% clay gives this soil significant body and nutrient-holding capacity. The 20.2% sand fraction is just enough to prevent the soil from becoming an unworkable block.

Elite Organic Matter and Water Storage

With 3.77% organic matter, Lyon County nearly hits the elite state average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity of 0.203 inches per inch actually exceeds the state average, promising excellent drought resistance.

Superior Moisture Management

Specific drainage data is limited, but the high organic matter and superior water capacity suggest a soil that manages moisture exceptionally well. This profile indicates high-quality land that supports both deep-rooted crops and stable landscaping.

A Gift for Every Grower

Falling in zone 5a, Lyon County is an excellent spot for hardy berries and cold-tolerant grains. This high-scoring soil is a gift for any grower, so get your seeds in the ground this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lyon County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in the Northwest

Lyon County presents a tougher challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 56.2, significantly lower than the Iowa average of 77.2. Homeowners in this Zone 5a region must work harder to maintain green space compared to their eastern neighbors.

Dryer Air and More Heat

Annual precipitation of 29.3 inches falls just below the national ideal for standard turf, requiring supplemental irrigation. With 19 extreme heat days annually, lawns here face more thermal stress than the Iowa average.

Sturdy Soil in Lyon

The soil profile shows a healthy 6.68 pH and 27.7% clay content, which helps retain what little moisture falls. While specific drainage data is limited, the balanced sand and clay ratio suggests a stable base for root development.

Combatting Persistent Drought

Severe conditions persist here, as the county endured 39 weeks of drought over the past year. Current conditions show 100% of the area is abnormally dry, making water conservation and mulch-mowing critical practices for survival.

Select Hardy Grass Varieties

Hardy varieties like Fine Fescue are best suited for the shorter growing season between May 1 and October 4. Start your seeding early in the fall to ensure roots establish before the harsh Northwest Iowa winter arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyon County's county score?
Lyon County, Iowa has a composite county score of 64.5 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 Lyon County rank among counties in Iowa?
Lyon County ranks #13 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 Lyon County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Lyon County is $1,995, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Lyon County a tax score of 45.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lyon County?
The median household income in Lyon County, Iowa is $76,746 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lyon County earns an income score of 76.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lyon County, Iowa a good place to live?
Lyon County scores 64.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Lyon 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 Lyon County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.