countyscore
59.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 75.2Disaster Risk 74.9

County Report Card

About Monona County, Iowa

Outperforming the National Median

Monona County earns a solid composite score of 59.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher general quality of life than the typical American county.

Beating the Iowa State Average

At 59.3, Monona sits comfortably above the Iowa state average of 55.6. It provides a more favorable balance of costs and public services than many of its state counterparts.

Affordable Living and Great Schools

Housing affordability is a major win with a cost score of 65.0 and median home values of $122,600. The county also boasts an impressive school score of 75.2 and high water quality at 86.0.

Economic Growth and Wage Limits

The income score of 48.1 is the county's main challenge, reflecting a median household income of $62,944. Additionally, a tax score of 28.1 suggests there is room to improve the local fiscal environment.

Perfect for Budget-Conscious Families

Monona County is a great fit for young families or retirees who want affordable housing without sacrificing school quality. It is a stable, cost-effective choice for those with moderate income needs.

2040608010028.16556.46875.248.174.98645.4Tax28.1Cost65Safety56.4Health68Schools75.2Income48.1Risk74.9Water86Weather45.459.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Monona County DNA

Foverall

How Monona County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Monona County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (28.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
28.1-23.9
Cost
65+17
Safety
56.4
Health
68+18
Schools
75.2+21.200000000000003
Income
48.1
Risk
74.9+27.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
45.4-10.600000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$795/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,944/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.6

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

Burt County
Nebraska
64.7
Thurston County
Nebraska
59.3
Woodbury County
Iowa
50.9
Harrison County
Iowa
58.5
Dakota County
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35.8
Cuming County
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64.1
Washington County
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Crawford County
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55.3

Deep Dives

Monona County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monona County

via TaxByCounty

Monona County well below national tax burden

At 1.152%, Monona County's effective tax rate ranks among the most favorable in the nation, meaningfully lower than the 1.1% national median. The median property tax of $1,412 is roughly 48% less than the national median of $2,690.

Iowa's lowest-tax county in this sample

Monona County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among Iowa counties profiled here at 1.152%, well below the state average of 1.344%. Its median property tax of $1,412 is the lowest in the comparison group.

Lowest taxes in the region by far

Monona County's 1.152% rate is the lowest among adjacent counties, beating Mitchell County's 1.156% and substantially undercutting Mills County's 1.458%. Lower home values ($122,600 median) and a favorable tax rate combine for minimal annual tax bills.

Monona homeowners pay just $1,412 annually

The county median home value of $122,600 paired with a 1.152% effective rate produces an estimated annual tax of $1,412. This is among the lowest property tax burdens in the state and dramatically lower than national norms.

Assessment reviews protect even modest homes

Even in low-tax counties like Monona, property owners occasionally find their assessments overstated relative to comparable sales. A simple assessment review could reduce already-minimal tax bills further if your home was assessed above market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monona County

via CostByCounty

Monona County faces affordability pressures

Monona County renters spend 15.2% of income on housing—above the national comfort zone of 12-15%—signaling emerging affordability stress in this market. With a median household income of $62,944, well below the national average of $74,755, residents here have less financial cushion for rising housing costs.

Above-average housing burden in Iowa

Monona County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% exceeds Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it among the state's less affordable counties. Renters pay $795 monthly—slightly below the state median of $812—but incomes are substantially lower, creating the affordability squeeze.

Stretched thin compared to neighbors

Monona County renters spend 15.2% of income on $795 rent, outpacing nearby Mills County (12.1%) and Mitchell County (12.9%) in housing burden. Only Muscatine County (16.7%) faces worse affordability pressure, reflecting Monona's position in the region's lower-income tier.

Renting eats more of the budget

Monona County renters dedicate 15.2% of their $62,944 income to $795 monthly rent, while homebuyers pay $726 for properties worth $122,600. The affordability gap between renting and buying is notable here—homeownership offers meaningful monthly savings for those who can access it.

Consider ownership if possible here

Monona County presents a case study in regional affordability gaps: renters face above-average cost burdens while homeownership remains within reach at lower monthly payments. If relocating, weigh whether you can qualify for ownership, as it delivers substantially better affordability than renting in this county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monona County

via IncomeByCounty

Monona County income lags national benchmark

Monona County's median household income of $62,944 falls $11,811 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 16% gap. This income level reflects challenges common to many rural agricultural counties nationwide.

Lower-income region of Iowa

Monona County ranks among Iowa's lower-income counties with a median household income of $62,944, notably below the state average of $69,830. This $6,886 shortfall places the county in the bottom tier of state earners.

Monona trails most surrounding counties

Monona County households earn $5,760 less than Mitchell County ($68,704) and $8,574 less than Monroe County ($72,518). The county faces steeper income challenges than most adjacent regions.

Housing takes larger bite of income

A 15.2% rent-to-income ratio means Monona County residents spend roughly $152 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—approaching affordability pressure points. While still manageable, housing costs consume a notably larger share of income than wealthier counties.

Focus on maximizing every income dollar

With median household income 16% below the national average, Monona County families benefit from prioritizing financial discipline and intentional saving. Build emergency funds first, explore all available retirement account options, and consider income diversification to strengthen household financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monona County

via CrimeByCounty

Monona County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Monona County achieves a safety score of 98.4, with a total crime rate of 1,003.4 per 100,000 residents. This rate is far lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

State Context and Data Reliability

The county's crime rate is lower than the Iowa average of 1,095.3, though these figures come from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with caution. It aligns closely with the state's overall safety score of 98.3.

Safety Comparisons Across the Region

Monona shows slightly lower crime levels than Montgomery County, which sits at 1,030.7 per 100,000. It remains much safer than Muscatine County's rate of 1,342.9.

Understanding Local Crime Dynamics

Property crime is the primary concern at 865.0 per 100,000, while violent crime is limited to 138.4. This balance indicates that most reported incidents involve non-violent offenses like theft.

Securing Property in Monona County

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing outbuildings and garages is a high priority for rural residents. Maintaining a visible security presence can further discourage opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Monona County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Seven Public Schools

Monona County educates 1,256 students through seven public schools spread across two districts. The infrastructure includes three elementary and three high schools to ensure full coverage for local families.

High Investment Yields Strong Graduation Rates

The county invests $8,211 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Iowa state average of $7,591. This funding supports a 94.2% graduation rate, well above the national benchmark of 87%.

West Monona Serves Most Students

West Monona Community School District is the county's largest, managing three schools and 634 students. The Whiting Community School District also serves the area, supporting 170 students across two schools.

Intimate Learning in Mostly Rural Settings

Six of the seven schools are in rural locales, creating an intimate educational atmosphere. Schools are small, averaging 179 students, with West Monona Elementary being the largest at 325 pupils.

Discover Rural Living with Great Schools

For families who value high per-pupil spending and rural settings, Monona County is a perfect match. Explore real estate near the West Monona or Whiting districts to find a home in a supportive academic community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monona County

via RiskByCounty

Monona County well below national risk

Monona County's composite risk score of 25.10 ranks as Very Low, well below the national average. Your county benefits from geography that limits exposure to multiple major disaster types.

Safer than average for Iowa

At 25.10, Monona County sits well below Iowa's state average of 39.68. You rank among Iowa's lower-risk counties for overall natural disaster exposure.

Comparable to nearby counties

Monona County's 25.10 score runs higher than Mills County (18.48) but lower than Mitchell County (37.69). Your risk profile is typical for northwestern Iowa's geographic and weather patterns.

Tornados and wildfires are primary concerns

Tornados at 57.95 and wildfires at 63.49 represent Monona County's greatest risks, with both well above state averages. Flood risk (25.03) and earthquake risk (14.03) remain secondary concerns.

Prepare for severe weather and wildfire smoke

Monona County's high wildfire risk (63.49) and tornado risk (57.95) demand a reliable safe room or storm shelter plus defensible landscaping around your home. Review your homeowners policy for wind and hail coverage, and keep emergency supplies accessible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Monona County

via WaterByCounty

Monona County maintains top-tier water compliance

The county holds a Grade A rating with zero health-based violations recorded during the current five-year period. This ensures the drinking water remains well below the state average violation rate of 25.9 per 100,000 residents.

Watershed health data not yet recorded

Monona County water bodies have not yet been assessed under the federal §303(d) reporting cycle. No impairment data is currently available from the EPA ATTAINS database to categorize the health of local streams.

Robust monitoring captures pesticide and nutrient data

Six monitoring sites have generated 4,244 records over the past five years, providing a detailed look at local conditions. Data collection focuses heavily on pesticides, organics, and nutrients to protect the regional environment.

Missouri River flows below typical levels

The Missouri River at Decatur is currently discharging 26,300 cfs, which is 81% of its long-term mean. This suggests slightly lower-than-average volume passing through the county's primary drainage point.

Watch for pesticide runoff and low flows

Since monitoring shows a focus on pesticides and river flows are slightly low, residents should be mindful of agricultural runoff into local streams. Supporting conservation practices can help maintain the county's excellent drinking water status.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monona County

via WeatherByCounty

The Definition of Mid-Continental

Monona County averages 48.0°F annually, which is well below the national median but typical for the plains. It is slightly drier than average with 31.4 inches of precipitation.

Matching the State Baseline

Monona perfectly matches the Iowa state average temperature of 48.0°F. It serves as a climate benchmark for the transition between southern warmth and northern cold.

Cooler Than the South

The county is nearly 3 degrees cooler on average than Mills County to the south. However, it remains warmer than O'Brien County which sits further north.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

Residents face 20 days of 90°F heat and 28.6 inches of annual snowfall. January is the coldest month, averaging 19.1°F, while July averages 73.7°F.

Versatile Home Prep Required

HVAC systems must be robust enough to handle both the 20 days of extreme heat and winter lows. Plan for moderate snow removal tasks to manage the 28.6 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monona County

via SoilByCounty

Silt Loam and Young Entisols

Monona County is dominated by silt loam textures and the Entisols taxonomic order, representing relatively young soil development. The average pH of 6.77 is slightly alkaline, sitting above the national median of 6.5. This pH level is favorable for many crops that prefer less acidic conditions.

Silt-Heavy Soils with Moderate Workability

The soil profile consists of 54.7% silt, 27.2% clay, and 13.1% sand. While the high silt content provides a smooth texture and good nutrient storage, the 27.2% clay can lead to crusting if the soil surface dries too quickly. Maintaining surface cover is essential to keep this soil workable.

Lower Organic Matter but Stable Potential

Organic matter levels average 2.48%, which is notably lower than the state average of 3.81%. Available water capacity matches Mitchell County at 0.184 in/in, falling just short of the 0.195 in/in state benchmark. Gardeners should consider adding compost to boost fertility and moisture retention.

Managing Runoff in Group C Soils

The county's soils are moderately well drained but fall into hydrologic group C. This means while the soil drains reasonably well, it has a slower infiltration rate that can lead to runoff during heavy rains. Proper land management is key to preventing erosion in this silt-rich landscape.

Gardening in the Zone 5a Climate

Monona County's Zone 5a climate supports robust harvests of corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. The silt loam is particularly well-suited for alfalfa and deep-rooted prairie plants that can handle the variable Iowa weather. It is a great environment for establishing a productive backyard garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monona County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Lawn Care in Monona

Monona County scores a 73.0 on the lawn difficulty index, trailing slightly behind the Iowa average of 77.2. Despite this, the Zone 5a environment remains significantly more manageable than the national median of 50.0.

Watering for Dry Climates

Low annual precipitation of 31.4 inches means you will likely need to supplement rainfall to meet the 30-50 inch ideal range. The 20 extreme heat days and 3,004 growing degree days require a proactive watering schedule during the peak of summer.

Silt Loam Soil Potential

Silt loam with a 6.77 pH provides a chemically balanced home for grass, falling right in the sweet spot for nutrient availability. The moderately well-drained soil helps manage moisture effectively, even with a relatively high 27.2% clay content.

Monitoring Dry Conditions

With 85.1% of the county currently abnormally dry, keeping a close eye on moisture levels is essential for lawn survival. While the county only saw 6 weeks of drought in the past year, current trends suggest a need for water-efficient habits like mulching clippings.

Planting Timing for Monona

Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are top choices for these conditions. Use the window between the May 1 spring frost and October 3 fall frost to establish your lawn, with late August being the premier time for seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monona County's county score?
Monona County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Monona County rank among counties in Iowa?
Monona County ranks #42 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 Monona County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Monona County is $1,412, with an effective tax rate of 1.15%. This earns Monona County a tax score of 28.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monona County?
The median household income in Monona County, Iowa is $62,944 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monona County earns an income score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monona County, Iowa a good place to live?
Monona County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Monona 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 Monona 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.