CountyScore

Mahaska County

Iowa · IA

#50 in Iowa
70.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Mahaska County, Iowa

Mahaska ranks 40% above the national median

Mahaska County's composite score of 70.2 substantially outperforms the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties. This strong national standing reflects balanced performance across affordability and health dimensions.

Slightly above Iowa's state average

Mahaska's score of 70.2 edges above Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it in the state's upper-middle rank. The county represents a solid choice within Iowa's competitive livability landscape.

Affordability and stability excel

Mahaska's cost score of 80.5 reflects excellent housing affordability with median home values of $140,900 and rents of $821 monthly. The county also maintains a stable risk profile at 70.3, indicating good environmental resilience.

Income and health could strengthen

The income score of 28.4 reflects median household earnings of just $69,019, among the lowest in this group and limiting wage-growth potential. Health outcomes at 77.5 are respectable but lag the strongest performers.

Great for value seekers and rural families

Mahaska County appeals to families and individuals prioritizing affordable housing and a stable community environment over higher wages. It's ideal for retirees, young families on tight budgets, and those comfortable in quieter, more rural settings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax63.2Cost80.5SafetyComing SoonHealth77.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.4Risk70.3WaterComing Soon
🏛63.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.3
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 Mahaska County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lafayette County
Arkansas
70.2
Median income: $37,237
Quitman County
Georgia
70.2
Median income: $36,838
Jessamine County
Kentucky
70.2
Median income: $74,886
Lawrence County
Kentucky
70.2
Median income: $45,584
Lewis County
Kentucky
70.2
Median income: $41,632

Deep Dives

Mahaska County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mahaska County

via TaxByCounty

Mahaska taxes near national middle

Mahaska County's effective tax rate of 1.388% slightly exceeds the national median of 1.099%, placing it around the 55th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,956 trails the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's modestly priced homes relative to its tax rate.

Mahaska slightly above state average

At 1.388%, Mahaska County's effective rate is slightly above Iowa's state average of 1.344%, positioning it in the middle-to-upper range of Iowa counties. The median property tax of $1,956 is 10% below Iowa's average of $2,160, thanks to lower median home values of $140,900.

Mahaska moderate in regional context

Mahaska County's 1.388% rate sits between Marion (1.292%) and Lucas (1.480%), placing it squarely in the middle of its peer group. With a median home value of $140,900 and median taxes of $1,956, it offers a balanced mix of affordability and tax burden.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Mahaska County homeowner with a median-valued house of $140,900 pays approximately $1,956 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,137, while those who own outright average $1,748 annually.

You may be paying too much

Mahaska County homeowners should verify their assessed values match market conditions. If your property's assessment seems inflated, file an appeal with your county assessor to reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mahaska County

via CostByCounty

Mahaska Just Above National Average

Mahaska County renters spend 14.3% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average and marginally above Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median income of $69,019 and median rent of $821, housing costs are rising faster than income growth here.

Middle-Tier Affordability Statewide

Mahaska County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly in line with Iowa's 14.1% average, placing it in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Median rent of $821 runs $9 above the state average, indicating typical pricing for the region.

Moderate Costs in the Region

Mahaska's $821 median rent falls in the mid-range of the eight-county sample, higher than Lucas and Louisa but lower than Linn and Madison. With median income of $69,019—among the lower end—the burden feels heavier proportionally than in higher-earning counties.

Housing Takes a Fair Share

Mahaska households earning $69,019 annually pay $821 in median rent (14.3% of income) or $865 in mortgage costs (15% of income). At these ratios, housing consumes a noticeably larger piece of the budget than in more affluent neighboring counties.

Mahaska: Solid but Tight

Mahaska County works best if you can secure above-median income; average earners will find housing costs consuming more of their budget than in nearby Louisa or Lucas counties. The trade-off is reasonable access to services and a more connected community feel.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mahaska County

via IncomeByCounty

Mahaska County lags the national median

Mahaska County's median household income of $69,019 falls $5,736 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This 7.7% shortfall places Mahaska below national income standards, reflecting economic challenges typical of rural Iowa counties.

Mahaska nearly matches state average

At $69,019, Mahaska County's median household income nearly equals Iowa's state average of $69,830, sitting just slightly below the state midpoint. The county's economy reflects broader rural Iowa trends of stable but modest income growth.

Mahaska in the middle of peer counties

Mahaska County's $69,019 falls between Lucas County ($67,921) on the lower end and Marion County ($78,059) on the higher end. This positioning reflects Mahaska's moderate economic standing within south-central Iowa's diverse county landscape.

Housing costs slightly elevated here

At 14.3%, Mahaska County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's higher ones, consuming about three weeks of earnings monthly. The median home value of $140,900 remains affordable, but lower incomes leave less margin for financial emergencies or savings.

Disciplined saving is key in Mahaska

Mahaska County households should prioritize building emergency reserves and pursuing income growth through skill development and career advancement. With below-average incomes and tighter housing affordability, strategic financial planning and avoiding debt become essential for building long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mahaska County

via HealthByCounty

Mahaska County nears national average

At 76.6 years, Mahaska County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—essentially at parity. However, the county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 16.8%, approaching national norms. Mahaska's health profile mirrors typical American counties.

Slightly below Iowa's health standard

Mahaska County's 76.6-year life expectancy falls short of Iowa's 77.7-year state average by 14 months. The county's 14.6% poor/fair health rate runs just above the state average. Mahaska residents face slightly worse health outcomes than typical Iowans.

Solid primary care, strong mental health

Mahaska County has 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 142 mental health providers per 100,000—both solid numbers exceeding many rural neighbors. This balanced provider network suggests capacity to address both physical and behavioral health needs. Coverage should not be a major barrier to care.

Mostly insured with good provider access

Mahaska County's 5.1% uninsured rate sits well below Iowa's 5.7% average and the national 10.9% rate. With 73 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 142 mental health providers per 100,000, most Mahaska residents can access care. Despite robust infrastructure, health outcomes lag the state average, pointing to lifestyle or socioeconomic factors.

Coverage available, now use it

Nearly all Mahaska County residents have health insurance—a strong foundation for health improvement. If you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or contact Mahaska County Social Services. With abundant providers nearby, now is the time to schedule preventive care and screenings.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mahaska County

via RiskByCounty

Mahaska County maintains very low risk

Mahaska County's composite risk score of 29.74 sits 25 percent below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it solidly in the very low risk category. This favorable positioning means residents face substantially fewer natural disaster threats than the typical Iowan.

Among Iowa's safer half of counties

Mahaska ranks in the lower half of Iowa's 99 counties for natural disaster risk, with most hazard exposures running below state average. This safety profile reflects the county's geographic position and weather patterns that spare it from the state's most intense natural hazards.

Comparable to nearby Lucas and Marion

Mahaska's 29.74 score closely aligns with Lucas County (29.68) and sits only slightly below Marion County (34.35), creating a band of relatively safe south-central counties. All three rank substantially below Marshall County (62.47) to the north, illustrating the hazard gradient across the region.

Tornadoes and floods pose modest threats

Tornado risk of 54.64 is your highest exposure, though still comfortably below state average. Flood risk of 36.42 and wildfire risk of 42.37 follow close behind, creating a balanced but manageable threat profile.

Standard homeowners policy works well

Your low-risk profile means basic homeowners insurance offers solid protection without premium customization for most properties. Confirm your policy includes wind and hail coverage for tornado exposure, and review coverage limits periodically to keep pace with home values.

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.