CountyScore

Mills County

Iowa · IA

#57 in Iowa
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Mills County, Iowa

Mills outpaces national average

Mills County scores 69.3 on the CountyScore composite index, nearly 40% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects the county's solid fundamentals across affordability, health, and risk management. Mills ranks well above average nationally, signaling a county built for stable living.

Right at Iowa's middlepoint

Mills County's composite score of 69.3 matches Iowa's state average exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of Iowa's county rankings. While it performs well nationally, the county neither leads nor lags within the state. This suggests Mills offers a typical Iowa livability profile—solid across the board without standout extremes.

Risk management and health stand out

Mills County excels in Risk (81.5) and Health (77.3), indicating strong environmental resilience and healthcare access for residents. Housing costs are also reasonable, with a median home value of $228,700 and effective tax rate of 1.458%. The county's strength lies in stability and wellness rather than cutting-edge affordability.

Income growth lags statewide

The Income score of 40.7 is Mills County's weakest dimension, reflecting a median household income of $87,810 that trails growth-oriented regions. While the county offers solid living conditions, wage and career advancement opportunities appear limited compared to stronger-performing peers. This gap suggests the county suits those prioritizing stability over rapid income growth.

Ideal for stability-seeking families

Mills County is best suited for families and retirees who value health, safety, and predictable costs over career trajectory and rapid wealth building. With reasonable housing ($228,700 median) and manageable taxes, it appeals to those seeking a quiet, established Iowa community. This is a "slow and steady" county—not flashy, but dependable.

Score breakdown

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

Tax61.3Cost73.5SafetyComing SoonHealth77.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.7Risk81.5WaterComing Soon
🏛61.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡81.5
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 Mills County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Colbert County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $56,736
Jackson County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $49,454
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
69.3
Median income: $88,565
Sharp County
Arkansas
69.3
Median income: $42,950
Rabun County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $61,466

Deep Dives

Mills County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mills County

via TaxByCounty

Mills County taxes run above national median

At 1.458%, Mills County's effective tax rate sits well above the national median of 1.1%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. The median property tax bill here is $3,334, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of $644 annually.

Above-average taxes within Iowa

Mills County ranks among Iowa's higher-tax counties with an effective rate of 1.458% versus the state average of 1.344%. The county's median tax of $3,334 significantly exceeds Iowa's state average of $2,160.

Notably pricier than surrounding counties

Mills County homeowners pay substantially more than neighbors in Monona County (1.152% rate, $1,412 median tax) and Montgomery County (1.791% rate, $1,968 median tax). The difference reflects both higher home values here ($228,700 median) and higher effective rates.

Typical Mills County home costs $3,334 yearly

A median-valued home in Mills County at $228,700 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $3,334. This calculation is based on the county's 1.458% effective tax rate and represents a real cost for most homeowners.

Tax appeal opportunity for some homeowners

Many property owners statewide discover their homes are overassessed relative to market value, creating potential grounds for tax appeals. If your assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your neighborhood, consulting a local assessor or tax professional could uncover savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mills County

via CostByCounty

Mills County rents remain affordable

Mills County renters spend 12.1% of their income on rent, well below the national norm of roughly 15-20% that housing experts flag as the affordability threshold. With a median household income of $87,810—17% above the national median of $74,755—residents here enjoy stronger purchasing power than most Americans.

Best rental affordability in Iowa

Mills County ranks among Iowa's most affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio of 12.1% compared to the state average of 14.1%. Renters here pay $888 monthly against the state median rent of $812, yet their incomes are substantially higher, creating favorable affordability conditions.

Mills outpaces similar Iowa counties

Mills County renters spend $888 monthly versus $787 in Monroe County and $795 in Monona County, but Mills residents earn significantly more, making housing costs proportionally easier to manage. Mitchell County offers slightly cheaper rent at $739, but its lower median income of $68,704 means residents shoulder a heavier affordability burden.

Balanced housing costs across types

Mills County households allocate 12.1% of income to rent ($888/month) and owners invest $1,241 monthly toward mortgages on homes valued at $228,700. The county's relatively even split between rental and ownership costs reflects a stable housing market where both pathways remain accessible.

Strong income meets moderate housing costs

If you're relocating to Iowa, Mills County offers above-average incomes paired with below-average housing cost burdens—a rare combination in the region. Compare this profile to neighboring counties: you'll find Mills offers competitive rental rates with the financial flexibility that higher wages provide.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mills County

via IncomeByCounty

Mills County earns 17% above US average

At $87,810, Mills County's median household income significantly outpaces the national median of $74,755. This $13,055 advantage reflects a prosperous county economy that ranks well above typical American households.

Top earner among Iowa counties

Mills County leads Iowa's 99 counties with a median household income of $87,810, well above the state average of $69,830. This positions Mills households at the peak of Iowa's income distribution.

Mills outearns neighboring counties significantly

Mills County households earn $19,106 more than nearby Monona County ($62,944) and $15,292 more than Montgomery County ($63,190). The county's strong economic base separates it from most other rural Iowa neighbors.

Housing costs remain very affordable here

A 12.1% rent-to-income ratio means Mills County residents spend roughly $127 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability stress. Strong incomes and modest housing costs create substantial household financial breathing room.

Build on Mills' strong economic foundation

With median household income 17% above the national average and housing costs under control, Mills County families have genuine opportunity to save and invest. Consider maximizing retirement accounts, building emergency funds, and exploring wealth-building strategies tailored to your household's above-average earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mills County

via HealthByCounty

Mills County life expectancy lags slightly

At 76.4 years, Mills County residents live about 1.3 years less than the U.S. average of 77.7 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 15.7% is slightly better than the national average, suggesting most residents experience manageable health outcomes despite the longevity gap.

Below Iowa average, but improving

Mills County's 76.4-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years short of Iowa's 77.7-year state average, placing it in the lower half of Iowa counties for longevity. However, the 15.7% poor/fair health rate is competitive within the state, indicating room for targeted wellness improvements.

Outperforms some southern Iowa peers

Mills County edges out Monona County (75.0 years) and Monroe County (75.3 years) in life expectancy, though it trails Mitchell County's impressive 79.3 years. The county's 15.7% poor/fair health rate is among the better in its region, suggesting effective primary care access.

Strong insurance coverage, steady care access

Only 4.2% of Mills County residents lack health insurance—well below Iowa's 5.7% average—meaning most people have regular access to preventive care. The county offers 55 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 89 mental health providers per 100,000, supporting both routine and mental health needs.

Check your coverage today

With 4.2% uninsured, Mills County has strong baseline coverage, but individual circumstances vary. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer options—ensuring everyone has a path to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mills County

via RiskByCounty

Mills County sits well below national risk

With a composite risk score of 18.48, Mills County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the nation's average disaster exposure. Your county faces fewer combined threats from flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes than most U.S. counties.

One of Iowa's safest counties

Mills County's risk profile sits well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it among the state's lower-risk communities. This advantage reflects both geography and local resilience efforts.

Safer than surrounding counties

Compared to neighbors like Montgomery County (33.68) and Monona County (25.10), Mills County's 18.48 score makes it one of the region's safest. You enjoy better-than-average protection across most hazard types.

Tornados and wildfires pose greatest threats

Tornados present Mills County's highest risk at 55.95, followed by wildfires at 52.39—both above the state average. Flood risk (27.39) and earthquake risk (8.91) remain minimal concerns for residents here.

Prioritize tornado and wind coverage

Given tornado risk of 55.95, ensure your homeowners policy includes wind and hail protection, and consider a safe room or storm shelter. Standard flood insurance isn't required but remains wise for any property in flood zones near your local waterways.

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.