CountyScore

Monroe County

Iowa · IA

#45 in Iowa
70.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Iowa

Monroe exceeds national livability standards

Monroe County scores 70.8 on the composite index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0 and ranking among the top-performing counties across the U.S. This strong national standing reflects balanced strengths in risk management, health, and housing affordability. Monroe demonstrates that rural counties can deliver top-tier American livability.

Above-average performer statewide

At 70.8, Monroe County exceeds Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it in the upper half of Iowa's county rankings. This statewide outperformance signals Monroe offers better-than-typical Iowa livability, driven by its exceptional risk management score. The county stands out as a stable choice within Iowa.

Risk resilience stands strongest

Monroe County's defining strength is its Risk score of 89.7, the highest among all eight counties, indicating exceptional environmental and economic resilience. Health outcomes also excel at 76.3, and housing remains affordable with a median value of $135,900. Monroe combines stability with reasonable costs.

Tax burden highest in the group

Monroe's Tax score of 59.5 reflects the highest effective tax rate (1.520%) among these eight counties, reducing its overall value proposition. The Income score of 30.7 also signals limited wage opportunities, with median household income of $72,518. Taxes and earning potential both need strengthening for competitiveness.

Best for risk-averse families

Monroe County suits families and professionals who prioritize environmental resilience, health access, and economic stability over low taxes or rapid income growth. The county's exceptional risk management makes it compelling for those concerned about climate and economic volatility. Choose Monroe for maximum stability, accept higher taxes in exchange.

Score breakdown

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

Tax59.5Cost80.6SafetyComing SoonHealth76.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.7Risk89.7WaterComing Soon
🏛59.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡89.7
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 Monroe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
70.8
Median income: $50,886
Conway County
Arkansas
70.8
Median income: $51,212
Chaffee County
Colorado
70.8
Median income: $70,909
Union County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $65,697
Warren County
Georgia
70.8
Median income: $46,776

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe County taxes exceed national average

Monroe County's effective tax rate of 1.520% substantially exceeds the 1.1% national median, placing it in roughly the 80th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,065 runs 23% higher than the national median of $2,690, though lower absolute home values ($135,900) limit the total bill.

High effective rate within Iowa

Monroe County's 1.520% effective tax rate ranks among the highest in Iowa, exceeding the state average of 1.344% by 13%. The median tax bill of $2,065 exceeds Iowa's statewide median of $2,160 despite lower median home values.

Elevated rate relative to nearby counties

Monroe County's 1.520% rate significantly exceeds Mitchell County's 1.156% and Monona County's 1.152%, though it falls below Mills County's 1.458%. For comparable home values in the region, Monroe homeowners face among the steepest effective rates.

Monroe median home tax reaches $2,065

A home valued at Monroe County's $135,900 median generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,065 at the county's 1.520% rate. Despite modest home values, the high effective rate produces mid-range annual tax bills for the region.

High rates make reassessment reviews worthwhile

In high-tax-rate counties, even small assessment adjustments deliver meaningful annual savings due to the steep effective rate. Monroe County homeowners should particularly consider reviewing their assessments if they suspect overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County provides solid rental balance

Monroe County renters spend 13.0% of income on housing, comfortably within the national affordability sweet spot and below the 15-20% stress threshold. With a median household income of $72,518—just slightly below the national average of $74,755—residents maintain reasonable financial flexibility for housing costs.

Better than Iowa's state average

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% beats Iowa's state average of 14.1%, positioning it among the state's more livable counties for renters. At $787 monthly rent against the state median of $812, Monroe delivers below-average housing costs with near-average income levels.

Middle ground in the region

Monroe County renters pay $787 monthly with a 13.0% housing burden, placing it between lower-cost Mitchell County ($739, 12.9%) and higher-stress Monona County ($795, 15.2%). This positions Monroe as a balanced option for those seeking moderate rents without the income constraints of Monona County.

Reasonable costs across housing types

Monroe County renters spend 13.0% of their $72,518 income on $787 monthly rent, while homebuyers invest $900 monthly on properties valued at $135,900. Both pathways demand roughly equivalent proportions of income, offering renters and buyers roughly equal monthly affordability.

Stable housing market for pragmatists

Monroe County offers a reliable, middle-of-the-road housing option: modest rents, reasonable incomes, and balanced affordability across rental and ownership paths. If you're seeking a stable Iowa county without extreme cost pressures or income constraints, Monroe delivers that steady foundation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe County slightly below national average

Monroe County's median household income of $72,518 falls $2,237 short of the national median of $74,755, a modest 3% gap. The county remains close to typical American income levels despite rural economic pressures.

Mid-level earner in Iowa's income distribution

Monroe County ranks at the state average with a median household income of $72,518, very close to Iowa's $69,830 median. The county exemplifies middle-income rural Iowa.

Monroe ranks among stronger nearby counties

Monroe County households earn $9,574 more than Monona County ($62,944) and $1,328 more than Mitchell County ($68,704). The county outperforms most surrounding rural regions.

Housing costs remain well-managed here

A 13.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates Monroe County residents spend roughly $130 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—solidly within healthy affordability ranges. Median incomes support reasonable housing expense levels.

Build wealth on solid rural foundation

Monroe County's median income aligns with state averages and affordable housing costs create financial stability for wealth-building. Prioritize consistent retirement contributions, explore home equity opportunities, and consider long-term investment strategies suited to rural economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County trails national health standards

At 75.3 years, Monroe County residents live 2.4 years below the U.S. average of 77.7 years, indicating a longevity gap. The 15.0% poor/fair health rate is relatively better, suggesting that while lifespan is shorter, many residents maintain manageable health status.

Below Iowa average, but fair health rate

Monroe County's 75.3-year life expectancy falls 2.4 years short of Iowa's 77.7-year state average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. However, the 15.0% poor/fair health rate is the strongest among the profiled counties, indicating relatively good population health perception.

Mid-tier longevity in region

Monroe County's 75.3-year life expectancy ranks second-lowest in the region, ahead of Monona (75.0) but behind Mills (76.4) and Mitchell (79.3). The 15.0% poor/fair health rate is the best in the group, suggesting efficient local health management despite lower overall lifespan.

Solid coverage, moderate care access

Monroe County's 4.8% uninsured rate beats the Iowa average of 5.7%, meaning most residents have insurance pathways to care. The county provides 53 primary care providers and 40 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, offering baseline access though mental health capacity is tighter than peer counties.

Strengthen your health safety net

At 4.8% uninsured, Monroe County has strong coverage, but individual gaps persist. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to verify your coverage and access the county's 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County ranks among safest in nation

With a composite risk score of just 10.31, Monroe County ranks Very Low and sits among America's lowest-risk counties. Your community faces minimal combined exposure to major natural disasters.

Iowa's safest county in this group

Monroe County's 10.31 score is less than one-quarter of Iowa's state average of 39.68. You enjoy exceptional protection compared to most other Iowa counties.

Most protected county in the region

Monroe County (10.31) is significantly safer than all surrounding counties, including Mills County (18.48) and Osceola County (14.85). Your geography and location provide exceptional natural disaster protection.

Tornados present minimal but real risk

Even Monroe County's highest risk—tornadoes at 39.92—sits below state and national averages. All other hazards, from wildfire (40.01) to earthquake (14.50) to flooding (9.06), present very limited threat.

Basic preparedness covers your needs

While Monroe County's overall risk is extremely low, maintaining standard homeowners insurance and a basic emergency kit remains prudent. Your low-risk status means you can prioritize financial resources elsewhere while staying reasonably prepared.

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.