countyscore
65.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 85.7Disaster Risk 85.2

County Report Card

About Osceola County, Iowa

A National Leader in Livability

Osceola County shines with a composite score of 65.3, well above the national median of 50.0. This score places it among the top tier of counties for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in Iowa

At 65.3, Osceola significantly outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6. It stands out as one of the state's most secure and affordable places to call home.

Exceptional Safety and Security

The county boasts an outstanding safety score of 85.7 and a risk score of 85.2. Combined with water quality at 86.0 and an affordable cost score of 63.0, it offers a high standard of living.

Focusing on Educational Growth

The school score of 60.9 is the county's lowest major category, indicating room for educational investment. While taxes are reasonable at 1.052%, the tax score of 34.4 remains a secondary area for improvement.

The Verdict: Best for Total Security

Osceola County is perfect for anyone prioritizing personal safety and disaster resilience. It is a premier destination for those seeking a stable, secure, and affordable rural community.

Score breakdown

Tax34.4Cost63Safety85.7Health71Schools60.9Income64.7Risk85.2Water86Weather47.3
🏛34.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤71
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨77.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.8
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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Nearby counties

Nobles County
Minnesota
50.4
Dickinson County
Iowa
59.1
O'Brien County
Iowa
61.5
Jackson County
Minnesota
72.5
Clay County
Iowa
59.7
Rock County
Minnesota
70.7
Lyon County
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65.1
Murray County
Minnesota
72.7

Deep Dives

Osceola County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Osceola County

via CrimeByCounty

Osceola County: A Model of Public Safety

Osceola County is one of the safest in the nation, boasting a safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 325.2 per 100,000 is roughly 86% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

With only 325.2 crimes per 100,000, Osceola far outpaces the Iowa state average of 1,095.3. These figures come from a single reporting agency, which reflects the exceptionally low volume of crime in the area.

Osceola Stands Out in the Region

Osceola is significantly safer than all its neighbors, including Mitchell and O'Brien. Its crime rate is less than half that of Mitchell County, which is also considered very safe.

Crime is an Outlier in Osceola

The county reports a tiny violent crime rate of 81.3 and a property crime rate of 243.9. Crime is extremely rare here, with very few incidents reported across the entire population.

Maintaining Peace in Osceola

In such a low-crime area, maintaining simple habits like locking vehicles and homes is usually sufficient. Even so, smart home technology can provide an extra layer of comfort for lasting peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Osceola County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in a Three-School System

Osceola County operates a concentrated system of three public schools serving 729 total students. A single school district manages an elementary, middle, and high school to provide a complete K-12 experience.

High Graduation Success Despite Leaner Spending

The county boasts a 95.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state average of 92.3% and the national 87% mark. This success is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,867, below the state average of $7,591.

Sibley-Ocheyedan Serves the Entire County

The Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District is the sole educational provider, managing all 729 students. This unified approach ensures all county children share the same high standards and community resources.

Intimate Community Schools in Town

All three schools are located in town settings, providing a close-knit learning environment. Sibley Ocheyedan Elementary is the largest with 303 students, while the average school enrollment across the district is 243.

Join a Focused, Successful Community

Osceola County's single-district system offers consistency and high performance that families love. Explore homes in Sibley to enjoy a small-town atmosphere with graduation rates that are among the best in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Osceola County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Region's Coldest

Osceola County averages just 44.5°F annually, which is among the lowest in the Midwest and far below the national median. It receives 30.5 inches of precipitation.

Deep Below the State Mean

Osceola sits 3.5 degrees below the Iowa average of 48.0°F. This gap is driven by a very low January average temperature of 13.9°F.

The Coldest of Neighbors

Osceola is the coldest county in this group, averaging over 6 degrees less than Mills. It is even colder and snowier than its neighbor O'Brien.

Intense Winter, Rare Heat

With 43.5 inches of snow and only 10 days of extreme heat, winter is the dominant season. The winter average temperature is a frigid 17.3°F.

Prioritize Home Heating

Focus your home maintenance budget on high-efficiency heating and insulation to withstand the 13.9°F January lows. Snow management is a major consideration for the 43.5 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Osceola County

via SoilByCounty

Productive Soils of Northwest Iowa

Osceola County features an average pH of 6.72, making it slightly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median. The county earns a high soil score of 77.2, reflecting its significant agricultural value. Although specific taxonomic orders are not listed, the chemical profile indicates a very healthy growing environment.

Sand-Rich Texture for Better Airflow

The soil is composed of 44.4% silt, 28.1% sand, and 27.5% clay. This relatively high sand content for Iowa helps with soil warming and provides better aeration for plant roots. It is a sturdy composition that resists the extreme compaction often found in heavier clay regions.

Elite Organic Matter Levels

At 4.79%, Osceola County has some of the highest organic matter in the state, far exceeding the Iowa average of 3.81%. It also beats the state average for available water capacity at 0.197 in/in. This combination creates an incredibly fertile powerhouse for any type of plant growth.

Reliable Moisture Management

While formal drainage classes are not provided in this dataset, the high sand and organic matter levels suggest good natural structure. The soil's ability to hold 0.197 inches of water per inch of soil depth provides a great buffer against short-term drought. This reliability is a hallmark of the county's farming success.

Planting in Hardiness Zone 5a

Osceola County's Zone 5a climate and elite soil fertility make it perfect for heavy-feeding crops like corn, pumpkins, and squash. The high organic matter means your plants will have access to a deep reservoir of nutrients all season long. Start your own gardening tradition in some of Iowa's richest soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Osceola County

via LawnByCounty

Osceola's Northern Lawn Outlook

Osceola County scores 71.8 on the difficulty index, making it more challenging than the state average but much easier than the national median. This Zone 5a county requires a focused approach to irrigation and timing due to its northern location.

Low Rain and Short Seasons

With just 30.5 inches of annual rain, this is one of the driest counties in the set, falling at the bottom of the ideal range. The short 2,569 growing degree day season means you have less time for your grass to recover from summer damage.

Optimal Soil Chemistry

The soil pH is nearly perfect at 6.72, promoting easy nutrient absorption for your turf. The balance of 27.5% clay and 28.1% sand suggests a soil that can support healthy roots if properly managed despite the limited regional drainage data.

Conserving Moisture in Osceola

Only 7 weeks of drought were recorded in the past year, but the entire county currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Focus on building organic matter through mulching to help the soil retain every bit of the limited rainfall.

When to Plant in Osceola

Hardy varieties like Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are best suited for this cool climate. Time your planting between the May 5 spring frost and October 3 fall frost to ensure your new lawn is established before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osceola County's county score?
Osceola County, Iowa has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Osceola County rank among counties in Iowa?
Osceola County ranks #14 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 Osceola County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Osceola County is $1,302, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Osceola County a tax score of 34.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Osceola County?
The median household income in Osceola County, Iowa is $69,138 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Osceola County earns an income score of 64.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Osceola County, Iowa a good place to live?
Osceola County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Osceola 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 Osceola 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.