CountyScore

O'Brien County

Iowa · IA

#7 in Iowa
73.9
County Score

County Report Card

About O'Brien County, Iowa

O'Brien ranks in national top tier

O'Brien County scores 73.9 on the composite index, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0 and ranking among the most livable counties nationally. This top-tier national performance reflects low taxes, strong risk management, and affordable housing that position O'Brien among America's best value counties. The county stands as a national livability leader.

Iowa's strongest performer here

At 73.9, O'Brien County leads all eight counties analyzed and ranks well above Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it among the state's strongest performers. This statewide leadership indicates O'Brien offers the best combined value of these eight counties. O'Brien represents Iowa livability at its best.

Lowest taxes and strong risk score

O'Brien County excels with Tax (74.4) and Risk (83.6), featuring the lowest effective tax rate of 0.989% and exceptional environmental resilience. Cost (81.9) and Health (74.8) round out a balanced strength profile, with median home value of $158,900 and rent of $770/month. O'Brien combines minimal taxes with maximum stability.

Income opportunities remain modest

O'Brien's Income score of 27.9 reveals limited wage growth potential, with median household income of $68,216 below state and national trends. Like many rural counties, O'Brien offers low costs but cannot generate high local wages. Earning potential requires work from outside or acceptance of modest income.

Premier choice for remote workers

O'Brien County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and those with independent income seeking the best tax efficiency, lowest costs, and maximum environmental stability. The combination of 0.989% tax rate, $158,900 homes, and strong risk management is unmatched in this group. This is the clear winner for those who can earn anywhere.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.4Cost81.9SafetyComing SoonHealth74.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.9Risk83.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.6
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 O'Brien County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Las Animas County
Colorado
73.9
Median income: $50,408
Phillips County
Colorado
73.9
Median income: $60,372
Blackford County
Indiana
73.9
Median income: $47,560
Allen County
Kentucky
73.9
Median income: $59,029
Tensas Parish
Louisiana
73.9
Median income: $36,074

Deep Dives

O'Brien County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in O'Brien County

via TaxByCounty

O'Brien County among nation's lowest-tax

O'Brien County's effective tax rate of 0.989% ranks exceptionally low nationally, significantly beating the 1.1% national median and placing it in roughly the 25th percentile. The median property tax of $1,572 is 42% below the national median of $2,690.

Iowa's most favorable tax rates found here

O'Brien County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among all Iowa counties profiled at 0.989%, running 26% below the state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $1,572 is among the lowest in the state, trailing only Monona County and Osceola County.

Clear tax advantage over regional peers

O'Brien County's 0.989% rate is the lowest in the region, beating Mitchell County (1.156%), Monona County (1.152%), and substantially undercutting Osceola County (1.052%). This competitive advantage makes O'Brien an attractive location for property tax-conscious homeowners.

O'Brien homeowners enjoy minimal tax bills

With a median home value of $158,900 and a 0.989% effective rate, the estimated annual property tax is just $1,572. This represents some of the lowest property taxation in Iowa and the nation.

Even low rates benefit from assessment review

O'Brien County's favorable tax climate shouldn't discourage homeowners from verifying assessment accuracy, as overvaluation can occur even in low-tax areas. A quick review could ensure your already-minimal tax bill reflects true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in O'Brien County

via CostByCounty

O'Brien County maintains national affordability norms

O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of income on housing, sitting solidly within the national affordability comfort zone below 15%. With median household income of $68,216 just slightly below the national average of $74,755, residents enjoy reasonable financial flexibility for housing costs.

Slightly above Iowa's state average

O'Brien County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% edges above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it just above the state median for affordability. Renters pay $770 monthly—$42 below the state median rent of $812—keeping housing costs competitive statewide.

Solid mid-tier option regionally

O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of income on $770 rent, placing it in the region's more affordable tier—better than Monona County (15.2%) and Muscatine County (16.7%), though slightly higher than top-performing Mills County (12.1%). It represents a reliable, middle-ground option for cost-conscious relocators.

Modest homeownership advantage

O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of their $68,216 income on $770 monthly rent, while homebuyers invest $834 monthly on properties worth $158,900. Homeownership costs roughly $64 more per month, making rental more affordable in the short term, though ownership builds equity over time.

Balanced county for relocation planning

O'Brien County delivers straightforward affordability: moderate rents, moderate incomes, and balanced housing options without extreme pressures. If you're relocating to Iowa and want to avoid either extreme affordability challenges or outlying costs, O'Brien provides a stable, predictable housing market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in O'Brien County

via IncomeByCounty

O'Brien County income below national median

O'Brien County's median household income of $68,216 trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,539, an 9% shortfall. The county sits modestly below typical American household income levels.

Near Iowa's middle income band

O'Brien County ranks close to the state average with a median household income of $68,216, just $1,614 below Iowa's $69,830 state median. The county exemplifies Iowa's typical rural income.

O'Brien competitive with surrounding counties

O'Brien County households earn $488 less than Mitchell County ($68,704) and $4,302 less than Monroe County ($72,518). The county remains solidly competitive within the regional income landscape.

Rent-to-income ratio shows balanced housing

A 13.6% rent-to-income ratio indicates O'Brien County residents spend roughly $136 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—a reasonable allocation. Housing costs remain manageable relative to household earnings.

Leverage rural stability for savings growth

O'Brien County's stable income and balanced housing costs create genuine opportunity for household savings and wealth building. Prioritize consistent contributions to retirement accounts, explore agricultural or business investment options suited to the region, and consider working with a financial advisor to build long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in O'Brien County

via HealthByCounty

O'Brien County near national average

At 76.4 years, O'Brien County residents live 1.3 years below the U.S. average of 77.7 years—a modest gap. The 16.7% poor/fair health rate is slightly elevated above national norms, pointing to concentrated health challenges in specific populations.

Slightly below Iowa state average

O'Brien County's 76.4-year life expectancy is 1.3 years below Iowa's 77.7-year state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier. The 16.7% poor/fair health rate is above average for the state, suggesting room for improvement in population health management.

Competitive with regional peers

O'Brien County's 76.4-year life expectancy ties with Mills County and outpaces Monona (75.0) and Monroe (75.3), though trails Mitchell (79.3). The 16.7% poor/fair health rate is elevated compared to neighbors but typical for counties with similar demographic profiles.

Good coverage, strong primary care

O'Brien County's 5.9% uninsured rate is close to Iowa's 5.7% average, ensuring accessible coverage for most residents. The county provides 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—strong baseline access—though mental health capacity at 36 providers per 100,000 is below peers, representing a potential care gap.

Confirm your health coverage

With 5.9% uninsured, O'Brien County has near-average coverage, but gaps remain for specific populations. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health office to ensure you're covered and connected to the county's strong primary care network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in O'Brien County

via RiskByCounty

O'Brien County ranks well below average

O'Brien County's composite risk score of 16.41 ranks as Very Low, sitting well below the national average. Your county benefits from geography that limits exposure to major natural disasters.

Among Iowa's safest counties

At 16.41, O'Brien County sits far below Iowa's state average of 39.68. You rank among the state's lowest-risk communities for natural disaster exposure.

Safest in the northwestern region

O'Brien County (16.41) is safer than Osceola County (14.85) and significantly outpaces higher-risk neighbors. Your county's risk level reflects northwestern Iowa's favorable geography for disaster preparedness.

Tornados present primary concern

Tornado risk at 48.73 is O'Brien County's highest hazard, sitting near state average despite your overall low composite score. Flood risk (18.51) remains minimal, while wildfire (12.66) and earthquake (9.76) threats are very limited.

Tornado readiness covers main exposure

With tornado risk at 48.73, ensure your household has access to a safe room, basement shelter, or community tornado plan. Your low overall risk means basic homeowners insurance with standard wind coverage provides solid protection for most scenarios.

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.