CountyScore

Mitchell County

Iowa · IA

#26 in Iowa
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Mitchell County, Iowa

Mitchell leads among peer counties

Mitchell County scores 71.7 on the composite index, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This performance reflects strong affordability and health outcomes that position the county well above typical American standards. Mitchell demonstrates that rural Iowa can compete nationally on quality-of-life metrics.

Above average across Iowa

At 71.7, Mitchell County ranks above Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it in the upper third of the state's counties. This outperformance on a statewide basis indicates Mitchell offers stronger-than-typical Iowa livability, particularly in cost and tax efficiency. The county punches above its weight within its home state.

Affordability and low taxes shine

Mitchell County leads with Cost (82.2) and Tax (69.8) scores, offering among Iowa's most affordable housing at a median of $164,100 and lowest effective tax rate of 1.156%. Health outcomes are also solid at 77.3, indicating good access to medical services. For budget-conscious families, Mitchell delivers exceptional value.

Income opportunities remain limited

Mitchell's Income score of 28.2 reveals the county's chief weakness, with median household income of $68,704 trailing state and national growth trends. This gap signals that while living is cheap, earning potential is constrained. Residents seeking career advancement or higher wages may face headwinds.

Perfect for budget-first households

Mitchell County suits retirees, remote workers, and those prioritizing low costs and manageable taxes over high local wages. The combination of affordable housing ($164,100), minimal tax burden (1.156%), and solid health access creates a compelling case for the financially conservative. This county rewards those who can earn elsewhere or live on fixed income.

Score breakdown

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

Tax69.8Cost82.2SafetyComing SoonHealth77.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.2Risk62.3WaterComing Soon
🏛69.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.2
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
⚡62.3
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 Mitchell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
71.7
Median income: $80,625
Howard County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $44,492
Monroe County
Arkansas
71.7
Median income: $43,955
Montrose County
Colorado
71.7
Median income: $66,072
Lawrence County
Indiana
71.7
Median income: $65,551

Deep Dives

Mitchell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Mitchell County

via HealthByCounty

Mitchell County leads in longevity

At 79.3 years, Mitchell County residents outlive the U.S. average of 77.7 years by 1.6 years—a substantial health advantage. The 15.8% poor/fair health rate suggests solid overall wellness, despite a handful of chronic conditions affecting some populations.

Iowa's healthiest county by longevity

Mitchell County's 79.3-year life expectancy ranks among Iowa's best, exceeding the state average of 77.7 years by 1.6 years. This achievement places Mitchell County in elite company within the state for longevity and sustained health outcomes.

Clear longevity leader in region

Mitchell County's 79.3-year life expectancy significantly outpaces neighbors Monona (75.0), Monroe (75.3), and Mills (76.4), making it a regional health outlier. The county's 15.8% poor/fair health rate remains competitive, reflecting consistent access to quality preventive care.

Good coverage, limited mental health data

At 6.6% uninsured, Mitchell County is near Iowa's 5.7% state average, ensuring most residents access routine care. The county provides 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, though mental health provider data is not currently available—an area worth exploring with local health officials.

Maintain coverage momentum

With 6.6% uninsured, Mitchell County's strong health outcomes may reflect good insurance access, but gaps remain. Explore healthcare.gov, Medicaid, or local programs to close any coverage gaps and sustain the county's longevity advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.