Osceola County

Iowa · IA

#8 in Iowa
73.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Osceola County, Iowa

Osceola excels at national level

Osceola County scores 73.8 on the composite index, far exceeding the national median of 50.0 and ranking among the top-performing counties nationally. This strong national standing reflects excellent tax efficiency, housing affordability, and risk resilience that position Osceola among America's most livable rural counties. The county delivers world-class value.

Top performer within Iowa

At 73.8, Osceola County ranks second among the eight counties analyzed and well above Iowa's state average of 69.3, placing it in Iowa's elite tier. This statewide outperformance indicates Osceola offers better-than-typical Iowa livability across nearly all dimensions. The county stands as a model within the state.

Taxes, affordability, and resilience

Osceola County shines with Tax (72.7) and Cost (82.7) scores, delivering an effective tax rate of 1.052% and median home value of just $123,800. Risk (85.2) also ranks exceptionally high, indicating strong environmental and economic resilience. Osceola combines minimal taxes, cheap housing, and maximum stability.

Income growth limited locally

Osceola's Income score of 28.5 reflects the county's main limitation—median household income of $69,138 trails growth-oriented regions significantly. While the county excels at low costs, it cannot generate high local wages. Residents must bring income from outside or accept modest earning potential.

Excellent for value-seeking families

Osceola County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and those prioritizing low taxes ($1.052%), cheap housing ($123,800), and stability over career growth. The county's combination of affordability and resilience makes it one of Iowa's best values for those with outside income. Choose Osceola for maximum rural livability at minimal cost.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72.7Cost82.7SafetyComing SoonHealth74.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.5Risk85.2WaterComing Soon
🏛72.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠82.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼28.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
74.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
85.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Osceola County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Osceola County

via TaxByCounty

Osceola County far below national tax median

Osceola County's effective tax rate of 1.052% sits below the 1.1% national median, ranking in roughly the 35th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,302 is just under half the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional affordability.

Among Iowa's lowest-tax counties

Osceola County's effective tax rate of 1.052% falls meaningfully below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, placing it among the state's most favorable counties. The median tax of $1,302 is 40% lower than Iowa's statewide median of $2,160.

Competitive rate in northwest Iowa

Osceola County's 1.052% rate closely matches O'Brien County (0.989%) and exceeds Monona County (1.152%) and Mitchell County (1.156%). The county offers homeowners strong property tax value relative to similar rural Iowa communities.

Osceola median home costs $1,302 yearly

A home valued at Osceola County's $123,800 median generates an estimated annual property tax of just $1,302 at the county's 1.052% rate. This represents among the lowest property tax burdens statewide and substantially below national averages.

Assessment accuracy still matters

Even in low-tax counties like Osceola, homeowners can benefit from ensuring their assessed values align with current market conditions. A straightforward assessment review could further reduce an already-modest tax burden.

Cost of Living in Osceola County

via CostByCounty

Osceola County stays near national norms

Osceola County renters spend 13.8% of income on housing, just shy of the national affordability sweet spot and well below stress thresholds. With a median household income of $69,138—just slightly below the national average of $74,755—residents maintain comfortable financial headroom for housing expenses.

Competitive with Iowa's state average

Osceola County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.8% sits just below Iowa's state average of 14.1%, ranking it among the state's more livable counties. Renters pay $796 monthly, nearly identical to the state median of $812, making it a representative option across Iowa's housing landscape.

Upper tier of the eight-county region

Osceola County renters spend 13.8% of income on $796 rent, placing it in the region's better-affordability group alongside Mills County (12.1%) and Mitchell County (12.9%). Only O'Brien County (13.6%) matches Osceola's affordability, making both reliable options for cost-conscious households.

Ownership costs notably lower here

Osceola County renters dedicate 13.8% of their $69,138 income to $796 monthly rent, while homebuyers pay just $749 on properties worth $123,800. The $47 monthly savings on ownership make it a compelling alternative for those able to secure mortgage financing.

Strong county for budget-conscious homebuyers

Osceola County stands out for its affordability advantage in homeownership: monthly costs undercut rents while homes remain modestly priced at $123,800. If you're relocating to Iowa and can qualify for a mortgage, Osceola delivers superior long-term housing affordability compared to renting.

Income & Jobs in Osceola County

via IncomeByCounty

Osceola County near national income benchmark

Osceola County's median household income of $69,138 falls $5,617 short of the national median of $74,755, a 7% gap. The county remains relatively close to typical American household income despite rural economic challenges.

Solid middle performer in Iowa

Osceola County ranks near the state average with a median household income of $69,138, just $692 below Iowa's $69,830 state median. The county sits firmly within Iowa's typical income distribution.

Osceola holds its own regionally

Osceola County households earn $922 more than O'Brien County ($68,216) and match Muscatine County's income profile closely. The county remains competitive within the surrounding regional landscape.

Housing costs remain affordable here

A 13.8% rent-to-income ratio means Osceola County residents spend roughly $138 monthly in rent per $1,000 of income—well within healthy affordability ranges. Incomes support manageable housing expenses.

Build consistent savings momentum

Osceola County's near-average income and affordable housing create a stable foundation for wealth building. Focus on establishing automatic savings plans, reviewing retirement account options, and exploring community lending programs designed for rural wealth-building opportunities.

Health in Osceola County

via HealthByCounty

Osceola County meets national longevity

At 77.8 years, Osceola County residents live 0.1 years above the U.S. average of 77.7 years—effectively matching national longevity. However, the 17.2% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than national averages, suggesting that while lifespan is respectable, chronic disease burden is significant.

Matches state average, high health burden

Osceola County's 77.8-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year state average, a rare achievement in this group. However, the 17.2% poor/fair health rate is well above the state average, indicating serious chronic disease and disability burden despite decent longevity.

Best longevity, worst health perception

Osceola County's 77.8-year life expectancy is second-best in the region only to Mitchell (79.3), yet its 17.2% poor/fair health rate is the second-highest—second only to Montgomery's 17.5%. This paradox suggests Osceola residents live longer but with greater disease burden requiring active management.

Limited providers, highest uninsured rate

At 7.2% uninsured, Osceola County has the highest uninsured rate in this group—well above Iowa's 5.7% average—limiting insurance-based care access. The county provides only 33 primary care and 17 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, among the lowest capacity in the region, creating compounded access challenges.

Urgent: find coverage today

With 7.2% uninsured and only 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Osceola County faces acute access challenges. Prioritize visiting healthcare.gov or calling 211 to explore Medicaid expansion, marketplace plans, or community health center options—your coverage matters for managing chronic disease.

Disaster Risk in Osceola County

via RiskByCounty

Osceola County among nation's safest

Osceola County's composite risk score of 14.85 ranks as Very Low, placing it among America's lowest-risk counties overall. Your community faces minimal combined exposure to major natural disasters.

One of Iowa's safest counties

At 14.85, Osceola County sits well below Iowa's state average of 39.68. You rank in the top tier of Iowa counties for overall natural disaster protection.

Protected compared to surrounding counties

Osceola County (14.85) is slightly riskier than Monroe County (10.31) but safer than O'Brien County (16.41). Your northwestern location provides exceptional geographic protection from major hazards.

Tornados are minimal but present risk

Tornado risk at 42.65 is Osceola County's highest concern, still running below state average. Flood (14.89), wildfire (12.88), and earthquake (9.32) risks all remain very low.

Basic storm preparedness suffices

Osceola County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance with wind coverage and a basic emergency kit provide solid protection. Maintain tornado awareness during spring season, but your low-risk profile allows you to focus financial resources on other priorities.

ByCounty Network

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