countyscore
66.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 83.3Health 81.6

County Report Card

About Mitchell County, Iowa

Exceeding National Quality of Life

Mitchell County boasts a composite score of 66.2, far outstripping the national median of 50.0. This high percentile ranking marks it as a top-tier destination for livability across the United States.

A Leader in the State

With a score of 66.2, Mitchell exceeds the Iowa state average of 55.6 by a wide margin. It stands out as one of the most balanced and high-performing counties in the entire state.

Top-Tier Safety and Infrastructure

The county shines with a safety score of 83.3 and a health score of 81.6. Excellent water quality at 86.0 and a strong school score of 73.2 provide a reliable foundation for all residents.

Managing the Local Tax Burden

The tax score of 27.6 remains the county's lowest metric, though the 1.156% effective tax rate is fairly standard for the region. Economic growth is stable, but the income score of 63.5 trails its top-performing safety metrics.

The Ideal Choice for Families

Mitchell County is perfect for families seeking a secure environment with great schools and clean water. It offers a premier rural lifestyle for those prioritizing public safety and health.

2040608010027.662.183.381.673.263.562.38650.5Tax27.6Cost62.1Safety83.3Health81.6Schools73.2Income63.5Risk62.3Water86Weather50.566.2/100
This county
National avg
7 above average1 below average

Mitchell County DNA

D+overall

How Mitchell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Mitchell County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Health (81.6/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.6-24.4
Cost
62.1+14.100000000000001
Safety
83.3+28.299999999999997
Health
81.6+31.599999999999994
Schools
73.2+19.200000000000003
Income
63.5+12.5
Risk
62.3+15.299999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
50.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Mitchell County?

Many homeowners in Mitchell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$164,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$739/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$164,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,704/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.5

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
Compare Mitchell County with Monroe County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Kentucky
Median income: $49,430
66.2
Reynolds County
Missouri
Median income: $44,357
66.2
Potter County
South Dakota
Median income: $71,726
66.2
Lamar County
Alabama
Median income: $47,447
66.3
Cheyenne County
Colorado
Median income: $67,768
66.3
Orange County
Indiana
Median income: $64,758
66.3
Carter County
Kentucky
Median income: $50,389
66.3
Perkins County
South Dakota
Median income: $65,455
66.3

Nearby counties

Mower County
Minnesota
44.7
Floyd County
Iowa
56.7
Worth County
Iowa
70.4
Howard County
Iowa
68.1
Cerro Gordo County
Iowa
42.5
Chickasaw County
Iowa
66.7
Freeborn County
Minnesota
47.5
Fillmore County
Minnesota
65.1

Deep Dives

Mitchell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mitchell County

via TaxByCounty

Mitchell County below national tax average

Mitchell County's effective tax rate of 1.156% falls well below the national median of 1.1%—actually performing slightly better than national average. The median property tax here is $1,897, roughly 30% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Among Iowa's lowest-tax counties

Mitchell County ranks favorably within Iowa at 1.156% effective tax rate, about 14% below the state average of 1.344%. The median tax bill of $1,897 is 12% lower than Iowa's statewide median of $2,160.

Competitive rates in northeast Iowa

Mitchell County's 1.156% rate is comparable to nearby Monona County (1.152%) and slightly higher than O'Brien County (0.989%). Median home values differ more than rates—Mitchell County at $164,100 sits between its neighbors' values.

Median Mitchell home tax under $1,900 yearly

A home valued at the county median of $164,100 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,897 at Mitchell County's 1.156% rate. This represents relatively modest taxation compared to both neighboring counties and national averages.

Even low-tax counties see assessment appeals

Property tax appeals succeed across Iowa regardless of county tax levels, as they hinge on assessment accuracy rather than rates themselves. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market value, you may have grounds to file an appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mitchell County

via CostByCounty

Mitchell County holds its ground nationally

Mitchell County renters dedicate 12.9% of income to housing costs, keeping pace with national affordability standards and remaining below the typical 15-20% threshold for housing stress. Though median income ($68,704) trails the national average of $74,755, the county's modest rent of $739 helps offset the income gap.

Among Iowa's more affordable counties

Mitchell County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.9% sits comfortably below Iowa's 14.1% state average, ranking it among the state's better housing markets. Median rent of $739 undercuts the state median by $73, providing renters with one of Iowa's cheapest entry points to housing.

Lowest rents in the eight-county region

Mitchell County renters pay just $739 monthly—the region's lowest rent—compared to $888 in Mills County and $795 in Monona County. This advantage is partly offset by lower median income ($68,704), but the savings on housing still provide meaningful monthly relief for working families.

Tight affordability for renters and buyers

Mitchell County renters spend 12.9% of their $68,704 median income on $739 monthly rent, while homebuyers invest $858 monthly on properties worth $164,100. Both pathways remain accessible, though homeownership offers modest monthly savings compared to renting in this county.

Budget-friendly entry point to Iowa living

Mitchell County is Iowa's bargain-hunting option: lowest rents in the region and genuine affordability for both renters and first-time home buyers. If cost of living is your priority, this county delivers housing prices significantly below state and national norms.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mitchell County

via IncomeByCounty

Mitchell County falls short of national average

Mitchell County's median household income of $68,704 trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,051. This 8% gap places the county modestly below the typical American household, despite reasonable economic activity.

Middle-of-the-pack in Iowa

Mitchell County ranks near the middle of Iowa's 99 counties with a median household income of $68,704, slightly below the state average of $69,830. The county sits within Iowa's typical income range for rural regions.

Mitchell outearns several nearby counties

Mitchell County households earn $5,760 more than Monona County ($62,944) and similar amounts to O'Brien County ($68,216). The county sits solidly in Iowa's middle-income corridor, ahead of more rural neighbors.

Housing costs stable at 12.9% of income

A 12.9% rent-to-income ratio indicates Mitchell County residents spend roughly $129 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—comfortably within affordable thresholds. Incomes here support manageable housing expenses without financial strain.

Steady income supports strategic savings

Mitchell County's median income of $68,704, combined with affordable housing costs, creates meaningful opportunity for household wealth building. Focus on consistent saving habits, exploring employer retirement benefits, and managing debt to maximize long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mitchell County

via CrimeByCounty

Mitchell County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Mitchell County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.4, making it significantly safer than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 398.6 per 100,000 is roughly one-sixth of the national average.

A Leader in Iowa Public Safety

With a crime rate nearly 64% lower than the Iowa average of 1,095.3, Mitchell stands out as a state leader. It ranks well above the state's already impressive average safety score of 98.3.

Mitchell Outpaces Regional Safety Neighbors

Mitchell is considerably safer than O'Brien County, which reports a crime rate of 969.0 per 100,000. It even outperforms the highly-rated Mills County by a wide margin in every category.

Low Frequency of Violent Incidents

The data reveals a very low violent crime rate of 113.9 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 284.7. These numbers reflect a community where major criminal activity is a rare occurrence.

Maintaining a Secure Home Environment

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but basic home security like deadbolts and window locks remains a smart investment. Community vigilance helps keep these impressive numbers stable year after year.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Mitchell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Excellence Across Six Public Schools

Mitchell County serves 1,594 students through six public schools, evenly split between two elementary, two middle, and two high schools. Two school districts manage this network to provide comprehensive local education.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Beat State Benchmarks

The county boasts a 96.3% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the state average of 92.3% and the national 87% mark. Spending is robust for the area at $7,532 per pupil, nearly matching the Iowa state average.

Osage and St Ansgar Lead Education

Osage Community School District is the largest district, serving 986 students across three schools. St Ansgar Community School District supports the other 608 students through its own three-school system.

Small Schools with a Balanced Feel

The county features an even split of three town and three rural school locales. Lincoln Elementary is the largest campus with 405 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 266 pupils.

Find Your Home in a High-Performing County

Mitchell County's near-perfect graduation rates make it a premier destination for families focused on academic success. Search for properties in the Osage or St Ansgar districts to benefit from these high-performing local schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mitchell County

via RiskByCounty

Mitchell County's risk runs below average

Mitchell County's composite risk score of 37.69 ranks as Very Low, just below Iowa's state average of 39.68. Your county faces fewer combined natural disaster threats than a typical U.S. county.

Middle of the road for Iowa safety

At 37.69, Mitchell County sits near Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it a moderate-risk county within the state. You're safer than higher-risk counties but face more exposure than Iowa's safest communities.

Lower risk than some Iowa neighbors

Mitchell County (37.69) compares favorably to Muscatine County (57.76) but runs higher than nearby Mills County (18.48). Your risk level reflects Iowa's north-central geography and tornado exposure patterns.

Tornados dominate Mitchell County threats

Tornado risk at 47.68 is Mitchell County's primary concern, sitting just below the state average. Flooding (36.16) poses secondary risk, while wildfire (11.74), earthquake (4.71), and hurricane exposures remain minimal.

Storm shelter and flood awareness matter most

With tornado risk at 47.68, a safe room, basement reinforcement, or community shelter access should be a priority for your household. Check flood risk on your specific property and consider coverage if you're in a mapped flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Mitchell County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect record for Mitchell County drinking water

The county earns an Grade A for drinking water safety with zero health violations reported in the last five years. This performance significantly outperforms the Iowa state average of 25.9 violations per 100,000 people.

Clean Water Act assessments pending for Mitchell

This county's water bodies are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment cycle for watershed health. While drinking water is strictly monitored, the overall health of regional surface waters remains to be federally classified.

Four sites track physical and biological data

Monitoring teams maintain four active sites that have logged 125 results over the last five years. These efforts primarily focus on physical traits, nutrients, and biological indicators like algae and phytoplankton.

No USGS streamgages currently tracking local flows

Mitchell County lacks a representative USGS streamgage to provide live discharge readings at this time. Water managers instead prioritize the county's excellent compliance record and localized monitoring to ensure water security.

Maintaining excellence through awareness and testing

With a perfect compliance record, the focus shifts to protecting source water from nutrient runoff. Residents can help by minimizing chemical use on lawns and supporting local efforts to expand biological monitoring.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mitchell County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold Continental Climate Trends

Mitchell County’s average of 45.3°F is significantly lower than the national median. The county receives 38.0 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than many other Midwestern areas.

One of Iowa’s Coldest Spots

At 2.7 degrees below the state average, Mitchell is one of the chillier counties in Iowa. This cooler profile is driven by frigid winters where January averages just 14.7°F.

Snowier Than Southern Peers

Mitchell experiences 43.7 inches of snow, nearly double what counties in southern Iowa receive. It is noticeably cooler and wetter than Muscatine to the southeast.

Harsh Winters and Mild Summers

Winters are intense with over 43 inches of snow, but summers remain comfortable with only 8 days of extreme heat. The average winter temperature dips to 18.4°F.

Winterize for the Long Haul

Heavy-duty insulation and reliable snow removal equipment are essential for the 43.7-inch annual snowfall. Summer utility bills are typically lower here due to the lack of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mitchell County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Loam Soils of Mitchell County

Mitchell County is characterized by a loamy texture within the Mollisol order. The average pH of 6.28 is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and falls below the Iowa average of 6.43. This slightly acidic environment is ideal for many row crops and garden favorites.

A Balanced Mix for Versatile Farming

The soil composition is a balanced mix of 47.9% silt, 30.2% sand, and 21.1% clay. This high sand percentage compared to neighbors improves drainage and makes the soil easier to work in the spring. It offers a great middle-ground between nutrient holding capacity and aeration.

Rich Organic Matter Powers Plant Growth

With 3.91% organic matter, Mitchell County exceeds the state average of 3.81% and nearly doubles the national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.195 in/in. Plants here benefit from the rich nutrients but may require more frequent watering during droughts.

Productive Soils with Moderate Drainage

The land is classified as moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This combination allows for decent water infiltration and a lower risk of runoff compared to heavier clay soils. These traits make it a reliable choice for both commercial agriculture and home landscaping.

Success in Zone 5a Gardens

In Hardiness Zone 5a, Mitchell County is perfect for cool-weather crops like kale, peas, and root vegetables. The loamy soil structure allows for easy root penetration, making it an excellent spot for a home vegetable patch. Grab your gloves and start planting in this nutrient-rich northern Iowa soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mitchell County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Mitchell County

Mitchell County boasts a high lawn difficulty score of 80.9, outperforming both the state average of 77.2 and the national median. This Zone 5a region offers some of the most favorable conditions in Iowa for maintaining a lush, green yard.

Cooler Summers and Ample Rain

The county receives 38 inches of annual precipitation, surpassing the state average of 36.1 inches and supporting consistent growth. With only 8 extreme heat days per year, your lawn stays cooler and requires less irrigation than neighbors in southern Iowa.

Mitchell's Loamy Soil Advantage

Moderately well-drained loam provides a near-perfect foundation, balanced by a 6.28 pH and a healthy 30.2% sand content. This structure allows for excellent oxygen flow to the roots while retaining the 2,618 growing degree days of heat needed for development.

High Resilience to Drought

Resilience is a local strength, as the county only experienced 6 weeks of drought over the last 12 months. Currently, 0% of the area is under drought stress, allowing you to focus on routine maintenance rather than emergency water conservation.

Establishing Your Mitchell Lawn

Cold-hardy Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue are ideal for this northern climate. Aim to plant after the April 30 frost or in late summer to ensure roots take hold before the October 9 fall frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mitchell County's county score?
Mitchell County, Iowa has a composite county score of 66.2 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 Mitchell County rank among counties in Iowa?
Mitchell County ranks #11 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 Mitchell County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Mitchell County is $1,897, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Mitchell County a tax score of 27.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mitchell County?
The median household income in Mitchell County, Iowa is $68,704 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mitchell County earns an income score of 63.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mitchell County, Iowa a good place to live?
Mitchell County scores 66.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Mitchell 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 Mitchell County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.