Monona County scores 71.9 on the composite index, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0 and positioning it among the most livable counties nationally. This strong performance reflects particularly impressive affordability and tax efficiency that rival most American communities. Monona demonstrates that rural Iowa living can compete at the highest levels nationally.
2 / 5
Top performer within Iowa
Monona County's score of 71.9 places it above Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it among the state's strongest performers. This statewide leadership indicates the county offers above-typical Iowa livability, driven primarily by cost advantages and tax burden. Monona stands as a county to emulate within the state.
3 / 5
Best-in-class affordability and taxes
Monona County excels with Cost (83.1) and Tax (69.9) scores, delivering the lowest effective tax rate of 1.152% and among Iowa's most affordable homes at $122,600 median value. These advantages make Monona exceptionally attractive to budget-focused residents. The county's financial accessibility is its defining strength.
4 / 5
Income levels need strengthening
The Income score of 24.5 is Monona's most significant challenge, with median household income of $62,944 substantially below state and national benchmarks. This gap reflects limited high-wage employment and career opportunities within the county. Residents must either work remotely, earn elsewhere, or accept lower-income living standards.
5 / 5
Designed for those who live lean
Monona County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and those with independent income seeking ultra-low living costs and minimal taxes. With homes under $125,000 and the lowest tax burden, the county maximizes financial flexibility for those who bring income from outside. This is the place to stretch a dollar in rural Iowa.
Monona County scores 71.9 on the composite index, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0 and positioning it among the most livable counties nationally. This strong performance reflects particularly impressive affordability and tax efficiency that rival most American communities. Monona demonstrates that rural Iowa living can compete at the highest levels nationally.
Top performer within Iowa
Monona County's score of 71.9 places it above Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking it among the state's strongest performers. This statewide leadership indicates the county offers above-typical Iowa livability, driven primarily by cost advantages and tax burden. Monona stands as a county to emulate within the state.
Best-in-class affordability and taxes
Monona County excels with Cost (83.1) and Tax (69.9) scores, delivering the lowest effective tax rate of 1.152% and among Iowa's most affordable homes at $122,600 median value. These advantages make Monona exceptionally attractive to budget-focused residents. The county's financial accessibility is its defining strength.
Income levels need strengthening
The Income score of 24.5 is Monona's most significant challenge, with median household income of $62,944 substantially below state and national benchmarks. This gap reflects limited high-wage employment and career opportunities within the county. Residents must either work remotely, earn elsewhere, or accept lower-income living standards.
Designed for those who live lean
Monona County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and those with independent income seeking ultra-low living costs and minimal taxes. With homes under $125,000 and the lowest tax burden, the county maximizes financial flexibility for those who bring income from outside. This is the place to stretch a dollar in rural Iowa.
Score breakdown
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🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 75.0 years, Monona County residents live 2.7 years below the U.S. average of 77.7 years—a significant health disadvantage. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than the national average, pointing to concentrated health challenges affecting the population.
Among Iowa's lowest life expectancy
Monona County's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks in Iowa's lower tier, falling 2.7 years behind the state average of 77.7 years. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate is the highest among the eight counties profiled, signaling acute health disparities within the community.
Lowest longevity in peer group
Monona County's 75.0-year life expectancy trails all regional neighbors—Mitchell (79.3), Monroe (75.3), Mills (76.4), and O'Brien (76.4)—making it the region's longevity concern. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate underscores the urgency of targeted wellness and healthcare access initiatives.
Strong provider access despite health gaps
Monona County offers robust primary care with 93 providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this group—plus 82 mental health providers per 100,000. Despite strong provider availability, the 5.6% uninsured rate and 16.9% poor/fair health rate suggest barriers beyond access, such as transportation, health literacy, or chronic disease burden.
Connect to local care now
With 16.9% poor/fair health, Monona County residents benefit from the county's 93 primary care providers per 100,000—among the best locally available. Check healthcare.gov or call your county health office to confirm coverage and schedule preventive visits that can reverse health trends.
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.