countyscore
61.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 83.6Soil Quality 80.3

County Report Card

About O'Brien County, Iowa

Strong Quality of Life Standing

O'Brien County achieves a composite score of 61.5, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a highly desirable place to live compared to most American counties.

Above the Iowa State Average

The county’s score of 61.5 exceeds the Iowa state average of 55.6. It provides a more balanced profile of affordability and safety than many other regions in the state.

Disaster Resilience and Fiscal Health

The county excels with a risk score of 83.6 and high water quality at 86.0. A competitive tax score of 38.8 is supported by an effective tax rate under 1.0%, helping keep living costs manageable.

Boosting Local Safety Scores

While its scores are generally strong, the safety score of 57.8 is the county's lowest major dimension. Continued investment in income growth, currently scored at 62.3, could further boost overall livability.

Perfect for Practical Retirees

O'Brien County is ideal for retirees or families looking for low disaster risk and a manageable tax burden. It offers a secure, high-quality environment with excellent local infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax38.8Cost60.5Safety57.8Health72.9Schools70.8Income62.3Risk83.6Water86Weather48.4
🏛38.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨80.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

Carroll County
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Wyoming County
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Door County
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Nearby counties

Osceola County
Iowa
65.3
Clay County
Iowa
59.7
Cherokee County
Iowa
66.8
Dickinson County
Iowa
59.1
Buena Vista County
Iowa
46.7
Nobles County
Minnesota
50.4
Sioux County
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59.1
Lyon County
Iowa
65.1

Deep Dives

O'Brien County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in O'Brien County

via CrimeByCounty

O'Brien County Maintains High Safety Standard

O'Brien County enjoys a safety score of 98.5, underpinned by a total crime rate of 969.0 per 100,000. This is substantially safer than the national average, which is nearly 2.5 times higher.

Violent Crime Trends vs. State Average

While the total crime rate is lower than the Iowa average of 1,095.3, the violent crime rate of 268.8 is higher than the state average of 216.5. This indicates a different risk profile compared to other Iowa counties.

O'Brien Compared to Regional Neighbors

O'Brien is safer than Muscatine but has nearly triple the crime rate of neighboring Osceola County. It reflects a middle ground in terms of regional public safety.

A Closer Look at the Crime Mix

Property crime sits at 700.2 per 100,000, but the violent crime rate of 268.8 warrants attention. Residents should be aware that while total crime is low, violent incidents occur more frequently than the state norm.

Heightened Security for Peace of Mind

Focus on well-lit entryways and reinforced door frames to increase home security. Staying aware of your surroundings is particularly important given the county's slightly elevated violent crime metrics.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in O'Brien County

via SchoolsByCounty

Nine Public Schools Serve O'Brien County

O'Brien County maintains nine public schools serving a total of 2,366 students across three districts. This includes a balanced mix of three elementary, two middle, and three high schools.

Strong Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The 95.8% graduation rate is a standout metric, comfortably beating the state average of 92.3% and the national 87% mark. Spending per pupil is $7,424, keeping the county competitive with state investment levels.

Sheldon Community District is the Largest

The Sheldon Community School District serves 1,143 students across four campuses, making it the county's largest. The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn and South O'Brien districts also provide vital education to over 1,200 students.

A Versatile Mix of School Environments

Students choose from five rural and four town-based schools, reflecting the county’s varied geography. While East Elementary is the largest with 450 students, schools average a manageable 263 students county-wide.

Find Academic Success in O'Brien County

Excellent graduation rates and a variety of school sizes make O'Brien County a top-tier choice for families. Look for your next home in Sheldon or Sanborn to take advantage of these successful and well-funded schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in O'Brien County

via WeatherByCounty

Cold and Dry Northern Climate

O'Brien County's 46.1°F average is well below the national median. It receives a moderate 31.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is low for the state.

Below the State Average

This county is 1.9 degrees colder than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its northern location leads to much harsher winters than southern Iowa.

Northern Snow Patterns

O'Brien is snowier than Monona but slightly warmer than Osceola. It experiences 39.0 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than counties further south.

Long Winters, Mild Summers

Winters are defined by 39 inches of snow and a 16.0°F January average. Summer is mild, with only 11 days per year reaching or exceeding 90°F.

Invest in Winter Tools

A high-quality snowblower is a necessity for the 39-inch annual snowfall. Energy bills will skew toward heating rather than cooling, given the rare occurrence of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in O'Brien County

via SoilByCounty

High Soil Quality in O'Brien County

O'Brien County boasts an impressive soil score of 80.3, well above the state average of 72.9. The average pH of 6.69 is slightly alkaline compared to the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is unavailable here, the high overall score points to a very productive land base.

A Gritty Silt and Clay Blend

The soil composition is 49.1% silt, 26.7% clay, and 24.2% sand. This balanced distribution provides enough clay for nutrient holding and enough sand for physical structure and aeration. It is a robust mix that supports the county's intensive agricultural industry.

Superior Organic Matter and Water Storage

O'Brien County excels in fertility, with organic matter reaching 4.18%, surpassing the state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.207 in/in, compared to the state's 0.195 in/in. These numbers represent some of the most resilient and nutrient-rich soils in the region.

Managing Soils for Maximum Yield

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county in the current set. However, the high soil score suggests that drainage is generally manageable for high-yield agriculture. Local farmers often rely on the soil's excellent water capacity to carry crops through dry periods.

Hardy Crops for Zone 5a

The Zone 5a climate in O'Brien County is excellent for hardy grains and cool-season vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. With superior organic matter, your garden will require less supplemental fertilizer to produce a bounty. Take advantage of this top-tier soil and start a vegetable patch this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in O'Brien County

via LawnByCounty

Tougher Growing in O'Brien

O'Brien County presents a steeper challenge with a 62.7 lawn difficulty score, significantly lower than the Iowa average of 77.2. Maintaining a lawn in this Zone 5a region requires more effort due to drier-than-average conditions.

Drier Conditions for Turf

Annual precipitation of 31.5 inches sits on the low end of the ideal spectrum for Iowa lawns. With 2,805 growing degree days and 11 extreme heat days, the primary focus for local homeowners is efficient water management.

Soil Balance in O'Brien

A 6.69 soil pH provides an excellent chemical balance for grass, even if specific drainage data is limited. The 26.7% clay content suggests the soil is capable of holding onto the moisture it does receive during the growing season.

Managing High Drought Stress

O'Brien County has endured a staggering 31 weeks of drought over the past year, the highest in this group. With 100% of the county currently abnormally dry, choosing drought-resistant grass and limiting nitrogen fertilizer during dry spells is crucial.

Resilient Grass Selections

Look for "drought-tolerant" labeled Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescues for the best results. The optimal growing window opens after the May 1 frost and closes by October 7, making late summer seeding the most reliable strategy.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is O'Brien County's county score?
O'Brien County, Iowa has a composite county score of 61.5 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 O'Brien County rank among counties in Iowa?
O'Brien County ranks #28 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 O'Brien County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in O'Brien County is $1,572, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns O'Brien County a tax score of 38.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in O'Brien County?
The median household income in O'Brien County, Iowa is $68,216 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. O'Brien County earns an income score of 62.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is O'Brien County, Iowa a good place to live?
O'Brien County scores 61.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate O'Brien 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 O'Brien County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.