countyscore
65.1
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.

Score breakdown

Tax43.8Cost48.3Safety71.1Health92.2Schools66.8Income73.7Risk80.8Water86Weather42.3
🏛43.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨78
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.2
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

Lincoln County
South Dakota
34.4
Rock County
Minnesota
70.7
Sioux County
Iowa
59.1
Minnehaha County
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49.5
Nobles County
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Osceola County
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Turner County
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O'Brien County
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Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Lyon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Excellence Hub

Lyon County manages 9 public schools across 3 districts, serving a total of 2,218 students. The county’s infrastructure includes 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 3 high schools, plus one additional specialized facility. This distribution ensures educational access for families across the county's rural landscape.

Leading the State in Graduation

Lyon County earns an impressive graduation rate of 94.0%, far surpassing the national 87.0% and the Iowa average of 92.3%. The county maintains a school score of 56.7, which is higher than the state median. Per-pupil spending is efficient at $7,510, nearly matching the state average of $7,591.

Strong Districts with Rural Roots

West Lyon Community School District is the largest, enrolling 996 students, followed closely by Central Lyon with 796. The George-Little Rock district completes the local landscape with 426 students across 4 schools. There are zero charter schools in the county, reflecting a commitment to local public governance.

Intimate Rural Campus Life

All 9 schools in Lyon County are located in rural locales, offering a traditional Iowa educational experience. The average school size is just 246 students, with West Lyon Elementary being the largest at 556 students. This small-school environment is a major draw for families seeking a personalized education.

Settle in High-Achieving Lyon County

With one of the highest graduation rates in the state, Lyon County is a top choice for education-focused families. The rural setting offers space and safety alongside academic rigor. Look for your next home here to give your children the benefit of these top-performing rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 65.1 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 #16 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 $1,983, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Lyon County a tax score of 43.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lyon County?
The median household income in Lyon County, Iowa is $72,881 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lyon County earns an income score of 73.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lyon County, Iowa a good place to live?
Lyon County scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 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.

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.