countyscore
59.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 89.7Water Quality 86Lawn Care 78.7

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Iowa

Strong National Livability Ranking

Monroe County’s composite score of 59.0 ranks significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a superior quality of life compared to most counties in the U.S.

Higher Than the Iowa Average

The county outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6 by several points. Its balanced scores in health and safety make it a competitive option within the state.

Environmental Security and High Earnings

The county excels with a risk score of 89.7 and a median household income of $72,518, resulting in a 72.6 income score. Water quality is also a major asset, scoring a high 86.0.

Navigating a High Tax Environment

A low tax score of 12.0 stems from a relatively high 1.520% effective tax rate. While housing is affordable at $135,900, the cost score of 53.5 is weighed down by this recurring tax burden.

Best for Environmentally Conscious Earners

Monroe County is ideal for those who prioritize disaster resilience and solid local incomes. It suits residents who are willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for peace of mind and clean infrastructure.

204060801001253.567.976.267.772.689.78653.2Tax12Cost53.5Safety67.9Health76.2Schools67.7Income72.6Risk89.7Water86Weather53.259.1/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Monroe County DNA

Foverall

How Monroe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Monroe County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (89.7/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
12-40
Cost
53.5
Safety
67.9+12.900000000000006
Health
76.2+26.200000000000003
Schools
67.7+13.700000000000003
Income
72.6+21.599999999999994
Risk
89.7+42.7
Water
86+28
Weather
53.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Monroe County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$135,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$787/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$135,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,480/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,518/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.5

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
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Nearby counties

Mahaska County
Iowa
51.4
Marion County
Iowa
59.2
Lucas County
Iowa
55.8
Wapello County
Iowa
33.1
Appanoose County
Iowa
48.6
Davis County
Iowa
56
Wayne County
Iowa
62.9
Warren County
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51.7

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Secure Against National Trends

Monroe County's total crime rate of 752.5 per 100,000 is nearly 70% lower than the national average. This impressive data translates to a safety score of 98.8, indicating a very secure environment.

Better Than Average Iowa Safety

The county performs significantly better than the state average crime rate of 1,095.3 per 100,000. Its violent crime rate of 211.2 is also slightly below the Iowa average of 216.5.

Monroe Ranks Well Among Neighbors

Monroe is safer than its neighbor Monona County, which reports over 1,000 crimes per 100,000 people. It sits comfortably between the ultra-safe Osceola and the more active Muscatine.

A Breakdown of Crime Statistics

Violent crime accounts for 211.2 incidents per 100,000, while property crime is more prevalent at 541.3. For most residents, the likelihood of being a victim of crime remains remarkably low.

Simple Defenses for Peace of Mind

Even in safe areas, motion-sensor lights and alarm systems provide an essential layer of defense. Taking simple precautions helps ensure Monroe County remains a top-tier safe haven in Iowa.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Schools Under One Unified District

Monroe County features a streamlined education system of five public schools serving 1,120 total students. All schools are managed by a single district, ensuring a unified educational experience for all residents.

Stellar 97% Graduation Rate Sets High Bar

Monroe County achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state's 92.3% and the national 87% averages. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,004, below the state average.

Albia Community School District Standout

The Albia Community School District is the sole provider for the county, educating 1,120 students across five schools. This single-district model provides a clear pathway for students from kindergarten through high school.

Centralized Learning in Town Locales

Every school in the county is located in a town setting, offering a concentrated community environment for students. Albia High School is the largest campus with 374 students, while the average school size is 224.

Settle Down Near Top-Tier Academics

The 97% graduation rate in Monroe County is a powerful draw for homebuyers with children. Look for property within the Albia district to ensure your family has access to some of the state's most successful schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Monroe County

via WaterByCounty

Monroe County achieves zero health violations

Drinking water in Monroe County earns a Grade A with no health violations reported over five years. This local success stands in contrast to the broader state average of 25.9 violations per 100,000 residents.

Local watersheds await federal health assessment

Water bodies in this county are not currently covered in the EPA's §303(d) list of assessed streams and lakes. Ongoing monitoring remains the primary way to track local environmental health until a federal cycle begins.

Biological data highlights single-site monitoring effort

A single monitoring site has provided 265 results over the past five years for Monroe County. The data collection focuses on physical traits, nutrients, and biological factors like algae and phytoplankton.

Live streamflow data missing for Monroe County

No representative USGS streamgage is currently active within the county to provide real-time discharge data. Officials continue to rely on the county's strong drinking water compliance record to measure system health.

Support local water quality monitoring efforts

While drinking water remains safe, the limited monitoring footprint suggests a need for more localized data. Residents can support watershed health by reducing nutrient runoff and participating in community water protection programs.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Plains Temperature Profile

Monroe County averages 50.0°F annually, placing it below the national median but in a comfortable temperate range for Iowa. Annual precipitation stands at 36.5 inches.

Above the Iowa Average

At 50.0°F, Monroe is 2 degrees warmer than the state average of 48.0°F. This southern location provides slightly milder winters than much of the state.

Consistent Regional Climate

Monroe shares a similar 50-degree average with Muscatine but is notably warmer than Mitchell to the north. Snowfall is about 13 inches lower than in O'Brien County.

Fifteen Days of High Heat

Summers feature 15 days of extreme heat, while winters are marked by 30.0 inches of snow. The average winter temperature remains relatively high for the state at 25.5°F.

Stable Moisture, Southern Warmth

With 36.5 inches of precipitation, residents should ensure proper property drainage. Winter gear should be rated for the 22.2°F January average, which is milder than northern Iowa.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Monroe County

Monroe County features an average soil pH of 6.20, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While dominant texture and taxonomic data are limited for this region, the pH suggests a need for lime applications in sensitive crops. This acidity is typical for many older soil profiles in southern Iowa.

A Silt-Dominant Mineral Mix

The mineral composition includes 57.0% silt, 26.1% clay, and 16.6% sand. This mixture provides a solid balance for nutrient holding and enough sand to prevent the extreme heaviness found in pure clay soils. The high silt percentage makes these soils susceptible to wind and water erosion if left uncovered.

Standard Water Capacity with Moderate Matter

The available water capacity is 0.195 in/in, exactly hitting the Iowa state average. Organic matter levels sit at 2.87%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the Iowa average of 3.81%. These soils provide a reliable foundation but benefit from organic amendments.

Managing Variability without Formal Classes

Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this specific data set. However, the 26.1% clay content suggests moderate drainage speeds that likely require careful observation during wet springs. Local land managers typically look for signs of saturation before operating heavy equipment.

Planting Success in Zone 5b

Located in Hardiness Zone 5b, Monroe County is ideal for a wide range of vegetables and berries. Blueberries may particularly enjoy the slightly more acidic pH of 6.20 if specific local spots lean even lower. Start a garden this season to capitalize on the county's reliable water-holding capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Maintenance in Monroe

Monroe County sits above the state average with a 78.7 lawn difficulty score, indicating a relatively stress-free maintenance experience. Located in Zone 5b, this area provides a stable environment for most standard Midwestern turf types.

A Productive Growing Season

Annual precipitation of 36.5 inches exceeds the state average, providing ample hydration for the 3,213 growing degree days of development. With only 15 extreme heat days, lawns here escape the heavy scorching common in many other southern Iowa counties.

Monroe's Clay-Based Foundation

A pH of 6.20 keeps the soil slightly acidic but well within the ideal range for grass health. While specific drainage data is limited, the 26.1% clay content indicates a soil that holds onto nutrients and water effectively during the heat of summer.

Water Conservation Tips

The county faced 12 weeks of drought over the past year, and the entire area currently reports abnormally dry conditions. Focus on early morning watering to minimize evaporation and ensure your grass utilizes every drop during these dry spells.

Grass Types for Monroe

Durable mixes of Kentucky bluegrass and turf-type tall fescue are excellent for this region. Plan your seeding between the April 24 last frost and October 16 first frost to maximize the growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Iowa?
Monroe County ranks #45 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 Monroe County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $2,065, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 12/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Iowa is $72,518 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 72.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Iowa a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe 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.