CountyScore

Marshall County

Iowa · IA

#87 in Iowa
64.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Iowa

Marshall ranks 29% above the national median

Marshall County's composite score of 64.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the middle tier of U.S. counties for livability. While above-average nationally, it falls behind several peers in this Iowa group.

Below Iowa's state average

Marshall's score of 64.6 falls below Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The county represents a more modest livability option within Iowa.

Affordability is a standout strength

Marshall's cost score of 78.7 reflects strong housing affordability with median home values of $134,100 and rents of $860 monthly. The county offers solid value for budget-conscious residents.

Health and risk management lag

Marshall's health score of 71.0 is notably the lowest in this group, suggesting healthcare access or wellness challenges. A risk score of 37.5 is concerning, indicating potential environmental or economic vulnerabilities requiring investigation.

For budget-conscious movers seeking value

Marshall County appeals most to budget-minded residents and retirees who prioritize low housing costs above all other factors. The county's health and risk scores warrant careful consideration by families with specific healthcare needs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.7Cost78.7SafetyComing SoonHealth71SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.9Risk37.5WaterComing Soon
🏛59.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡37.5
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 Marshall County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Crittenden County
Arkansas
64.6
Median income: $54,271
Walton County
Georgia
64.6
Median income: $82,381
Muscatine County
Iowa
64.6
Median income: $69,512
Story County
Iowa
64.6
Median income: $69,006
Androscoggin County
Maine
64.6
Median income: $67,298

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall's rate exceeds national norm

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 1.514% surpasses the national median of 1.099%, placing it around the 65th percentile across U.S. counties. With a median home value of $134,100 and a median property tax of $2,030, the county imposes a substantial rate on modestly valued properties.

Marshall ranks above state average

At 1.514%, Marshall County's effective rate exceeds Iowa's state average of 1.344%, placing it in the upper tier of taxing counties statewide. The median property tax of $2,030 is 6% below Iowa's average of $2,160, held down by lower median home values.

Marshall moderately taxed regionally

Marshall County's 1.514% rate ranks third-highest among its peer group, behind Linn (1.661%) and Madison (1.554%), but above Lucas (1.480%) and Louisa (1.273%). At $134,100, its median home value is among the lowest in the region, keeping actual tax bills competitive.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Marshall County homeowner with a median-valued house of $134,100 pays approximately $2,030 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages face slightly higher bills at $2,143, while those who own outright average $1,923 annually.

You may be paying too much

Marshall County homeowners should review their assessed values carefully. If you believe your property is overassessed relative to current market sales, contact your county assessor about filing a property tax appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall's Rents Track with National

Marshall County renters spend 14.2% of their income on rent, essentially at the national average and just above Iowa's state average of 14.1%. With median income of $72,785 and median rent of $860, the county sits right on the border of affordability.

Slightly Above State Average

Marshall County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio edges above Iowa's state average, while median rent of $860 exceeds the state average of $812 by $48. This positions Marshall in the mid-to-upper range of housing costs statewide.

Above Average for the Region

Marshall's $860 median rent ranks fifth among the eight counties, trailing only Linn ($915) and Madison ($938) but beating Lucas and Louisa significantly. Home values of $134,100 are modest, suggesting housing demand isn't driving premium prices.

Housing Consumes More Here

Marshall households earning $72,785 spend $860 on median rent (14.2% of income) or $934 on mortgages (15.4% of income). These ratios represent some of the tighter housing burdens in the region, leaving less discretionary income than neighboring counties.

Marshall Works for Budget-Conscious

If you're relocating to Iowa and prioritize affordability, Marshall County's moderate income and rents work better than Linn or Madison but offer less value than Louisa or Lucas. Visit to assess job markets and community fit, as housing costs alone don't tell the full story.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall County income slightly below national

Marshall County's median household income of $72,785 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $1,970. This 2.6% gap places Marshall just below the national benchmark, reflecting economic conditions typical of rural agricultural counties.

Marshall slightly exceeds state average

At $72,785, Marshall County falls $1,949 short of Iowa's state average of $69,830, positioning it slightly above the state midpoint. The county's modest income advantage reflects stable manufacturing and agricultural employment.

Marshall competitive with regional peers

Marshall County's $72,785 income tracks closely with Lyon County ($72,881) and Linn County ($76,421) to its south. Within north-central Iowa, Marshall holds middle ground, outpacing only Lucas County ($67,921) among nearby comparisons.

Housing costs slightly tight here

At 14.2%, Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's higher ratios, consuming nearly three weeks of monthly earnings. The median home value of $134,100 is affordable, but tighter housing costs leave less financial flexibility than higher-income counties.

Steady planning supports Marshall wealth

Marshall County households should focus on consistent employment and careful budgeting given tighter housing costs relative to income. Building an emergency fund and pursuing career development that increases earning potential are essential steps toward long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Marshall County

via HealthByCounty

Marshall County faces serious health gaps

At 74.9 years, Marshall County residents live 1.5 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 18.5% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of 16.8%. Marshall County grapples with above-average health challenges across multiple measures.

Among Iowa's lowest life expectancies

Marshall County's 74.9-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Iowa, trailing the state average of 77.7 by nearly three years. The county's 18.5% poor/fair health rate runs well above Iowa's average. Marshall County's residents face significantly worse health outcomes than typical Iowans.

Moderate primary care, strong mental health

Marshall County has 43 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a moderate supply—but 227 mental health providers per 100,000, the highest among all its neighbors. This imbalance suggests the county has invested in behavioral health but may struggle with primary care capacity. The mental health investment hints at substantial community mental health needs.

Coverage gaps compound access problems

At 6.9% uninsured, Marshall County ties with Louisa for the highest uninsured rate in this county set, exceeding Iowa's 5.7% average. With just 43 primary care providers per 100,000, many residents face both coverage and access barriers. Marshall County's health crisis stems from multiple system failures.

Marshall County needs coverage now

Nearly 1 in 14 Marshall County residents lack health insurance—the highest rate in this region. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 immediately to find coverage options. With 227 mental health providers per 100,000, the county recognizes behavioral health needs—now ensure you're covered to access those services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County faces elevated risk profile

Marshall County's composite risk score of 62.47 exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68 by 57 percent, placing it in the relatively low risk category but well above typical. This elevated positioning reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.

Second-highest risk county in Iowa

Marshall County ranks as Iowa's second-most hazard-prone county, exceeded only by Linn County's exceptional risk profile. This elevated standing places Marshall among the state's most disaster-vulnerable areas and warrants heightened preparedness.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Marshall's 62.47 score towers above neighboring Linn County (86.70) and dramatically outpaces Marion County (34.35) and other surrounding counties. This concentration of risk is driven by the county's position in Iowa's tornado belt and its exposure to the Cedar and Iowa river systems.

Tornadoes and floods your major concerns

Tornado risk at 82.67 is your most serious threat—nearly 50 percent above state average—making spring severe weather season particularly hazardous. Flood risk of 63.10 comes close behind, with river and creek systems posing regular inundation threats during high-water periods.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Your elevated risk profile demands robust homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage for tornado protection. Strongly consider separate flood insurance if you're within 500 feet of the Cedar River, Iowa River, or other flood-prone waterways; standard policies exclude flood damage entirely.

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.