countyscore
42
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 82.2Soil Quality 71.4

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Iowa

Below the National Median

Marshall County earns a composite score of 42.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This suggests there are significant opportunities for improvement in its overall livability profile.

A Challenging State Ranking

The county's score of 42.0 is substantially lower than the Iowa state average of 55.6. It ranks among the lower tier of Iowa counties in terms of the composite index metrics.

Reliable Resources and Steady Income

The county's brightest spots are its Water Score of 86.0 and an Income Score of 73.4. A median household income of $72,785 provides a decent financial foundation for its residents.

Safety and Environmental Risks

Low scores in Safety (29.7) and Risk (37.5) indicate that the county faces more challenges than its neighbors in these areas. The Tax Score of 12.3 also reflects a relatively high 1.514% effective tax rate.

Best for Industrial Professionals

Marshall County suits individuals who are focused on local employment and steady wages. Prospective residents should consider the higher tax and risk scores when comparing it to other options in central Iowa.

2040608010014.142.829.758.350.869.637.58650.4Tax14.1Cost42.8Safety29.7Health58.3Schools50.8Income69.6Risk37.5Water86Weather50.442/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Marshall County DNA

Foverall

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

Marshall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (14.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
14.1-37.9
Cost
42.8
Safety
29.7-25.3
Health
58.3+8.299999999999997
Schools
50.8
Income
69.6+18.599999999999994
Risk
37.5-9.5
Water
86+28
Weather
50.4
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Many homeowners in Marshall County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$145,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$885/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$145,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,315/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

2.5

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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Nearby counties

Story County
Iowa
47.3
Tama County
Iowa
56.9
Grundy County
Iowa
68.1
Hardin County
Iowa
48.6
Jasper County
Iowa
54
Poweshiek County
Iowa
46.9
Polk County
Iowa
36.7
Hamilton County
Iowa
57.1

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County Safer Than National Average

Marshall County reports a total crime rate of 1,675.4 per 100K, staying well below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a solid safety score of 97.4.

Trailing Iowa's Safety Benchmarks

Marshall's crime rate exceeds the Iowa state average of 1,095.3 per 100K. This is driven by both property crime and a violent crime rate that is significantly higher than the state mean.

Regional Comparisons Show Active Profile

Marshall County experiences more crime than its smaller neighbor, Tama County, according to data from three reporting agencies. It remains a safer alternative to Iowa's largest metro areas but faces more local pressure than rural neighbors.

Elevated Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate is 459.4 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is lower than the national average but remains the primary local concern at 1,216.0 incidents per 100K.

Enhanced Security for Homeowners

Since both violent and property crime rates are elevated relative to the state, home security systems are a wise investment. Staying alert and locking all windows and doors provides an essential first line of defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and temperate year-round

Marshall County's 47.7°F average temperature is cooler than the national median. Its position in central Iowa results in a classic continental climate with no dry season.

Slightly cooler than the state

Marshall County sits just below the Iowa average temperature of 48.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 35.9 inches also falls just shy of the state average of 36.1 inches.

Fewer extreme heat days

With only 13 days above 90°F, Marshall is milder in the summer than neighbors like Linn or Marion. It is also drier than Linn County, receiving about 1.2 inches less rain each year.

Predictable snow and mild summers

The county receives 26.5 inches of snow annually, paired with a 22.0°F winter average. Summer is moderate, with a July average of 72.8°F and relatively few extreme heat days.

Stable climate with winter needs

The 26.5 inches of snow requires standard removal equipment, though it is less than some eastern neighbors. Efficient heating is necessary for the January average of 18.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Prairie 'Black Gold' in Marshall County

Marshall County features Mollisols—the iconic 'black gold' of the prairie—with a pH of 6.43 that perfectly matches the Iowa state average. This loam texture is highly sought after for its natural fertility and balanced chemical profile.

The Goldilocks of Soil Composition

A balanced blend of 50.2% silt, 26.0% sand, and 23.8% clay makes this soil exceptionally workable and productive. This mix provides enough clay for nutrients, enough silt for water, and enough sand for drainage.

Reliable Water and Organic Matter

Organic matter measures 3.22%, which is lower than the state average but remains very healthy compared to national figures. The available water capacity of 0.185 inches per inch ensures a steady supply of moisture for thirsty crops.

Excellent Infiltration and Low Runoff

The soil is moderately well-drained and carries a hydrologic group B rating, indicating good infiltration and low runoff. This makes Marshall County's land versatile for everything from high-yield corn to residential development.

A Prime Spot for Heirloom Crops

Sitting in hardiness zone 5a, this county is a prime location for heirloom tomatoes and cool-weather crops like broccoli. Take advantage of some of the state's most iconic soil and start your growing project today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

High Ease of Growth in Marshall

Marshall County earns a stellar 82.2 lawn difficulty score, making it easier to grow grass here than in most of the state. Its Zone 5a climate is ideal for cool-season turfs that prefer moderate temperatures over intense heat.

Cooler Summers, Steady Growth

The county only averages 13 extreme heat days, significantly lower than the state average of 16. Combined with 35.9 inches of rain, this cooler profile helps lawns stay green longer into the summer months.

Reliable Moderately Drained Loam

A 6.43 pH and moderately well-drained loam soil create a nearly perfect medium for grass. With 23.8% clay and 26.0% sand, the soil offers both the drainage needed for health and the density needed for nutrient storage.

Healthy Moisture Levels

The county spent only 6 weeks in drought over the last year and currently has only 2.9% of its area listed as abnormally dry. These statistics make Marshall County one of the most drought-resilient areas in the region.

Ideal Late-Spring Seeding

Start your lawn project after the April 30 frost to take advantage of the 2,908 growing degree days. Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue thrive in these moderately drained soils and benefit from the early October fall frost timeline.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Iowa has a composite county score of 42 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Iowa?
Marshall County ranks #88 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 Marshall County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $2,067, with an effective tax rate of 1.42%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 14.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Iowa is $73,315 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 69.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Iowa a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 42/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall 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.