52.7
County Score
Lawn Care 80Soil Quality 75.8Health 74.3

County Report Card

About Page County, Iowa

Above the National Average

Page County earns a composite score of 52.7, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a quality of life that outpaces roughly half of all counties in the United States.

Trailing the Iowa Average

While it performs well nationally, the county sits below the Iowa state average score of 55.6. It faces stiff competition from neighbors in a state known for high baseline livability.

Affordable Living and Strong Health

The county excels in health and affordability, with scores of 74.3 and 70.2 respectively. Median home values of $120,000 and gross rents of $731 make it one of the more accessible markets in the region.

Economic and Tax Burdens

A low tax score of 15.9 stems from an effective tax rate of 1.434%, which is higher than many national peers. Additionally, an income score of 32.3 reflects a median household income of $57,752, trailing more urbanized Iowa counties.

Best for Budget-Conscious Health Seekers

Page County is a strong match for retirees or young families looking for low-cost housing and high-quality health outcomes. It rewards those who value a quiet, affordable lifestyle over high-speed economic growth.

Score breakdown

Tax15.9Cost70.2Safety43.9Health74.3Schools61Income32.3Risk59.8Water59.4Weather48.6
🏛15.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠70.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼32.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡43.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
74.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓61
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
59.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧59.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤48.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨75.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱80
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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Deep Dives

Page County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Page County

via TaxByCounty

Page County taxes: Below the national norm

At 1.434%, Page County's effective tax rate sits above the national median of 1.23%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. Yet homeowners here pay significantly less in absolute dollars—a median of $1,721 annually versus the national median of $2,690—because homes are valued much lower at $120,000 versus $281,900 nationally.

Page ranks middle of Iowa's tax counties

Page County's 1.434% effective rate exceeds Iowa's state average of 1.344%, placing it in the upper half of the state's 99 counties. The median tax bill of $1,721 falls below the state median of $2,160, reflecting the county's lower property values rather than a low tax burden.

Page vs. nearby northwest Iowa counties

Page County's 1.434% rate edges out Palo Alto (1.233%) to the north but trails Pottawattamie (1.613%) to the west. In actual dollars paid, Page homeowners sit between Pocahontas ($1,066) and Ringgold ($1,909), depending on property values in each county.

What a Page County homeowner pays

Own a median-valued home at $120,000 in Page County? Expect to pay roughly $1,721 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that total edges up to $1,785; without one, it drops to $1,644.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many Iowa homeowners are assessed above market value and never appeal. If your assessed value seems high relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing a simple appeal with the county assessor's office could lower your tax burden.

Cost of Living in Page County

via CostByCounty

Page County rents bite harder than nation

At 15.2% of household income, Page County renters spend more than a percentage point above the national average for housing costs. The median rent of $731 per month is affordable in dollar terms, but against a median household income of $57,752—well below the national median of $74,755—housing absorbs a meaningful share of monthly budgets.

Slightly above Iowa's affordability line

Page County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% ranks it above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability across the state. While renters here face tighter budgets than the typical Iowan, ownership costs remain relatively modest compared to the state average.

Cheaper than regional competition

Page County's $731 monthly rent undercuts nearby Pottawattamie County ($970) and Poweshiek County ($864), making it an attractive option for renters seeking rural affordability. Neighboring Ringgold County offers similar rent levels at $745, but Page's lower income levels mean renters here dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing.

Rent and mortgage demands split income

Renters pay $731 monthly while homeowners spend $755 in mortgage costs, creating nearly equal housing burdens across tenure types. With a median household income of $57,752, housing costs consume roughly 15% of income for renters and 16% for owners, leaving limited cushion for other expenses.

Affordable rural living with caveats

Page County delivers some of Iowa's most affordable rents and home values ($120,000 median), but prospective residents should note that local incomes run below state and national averages. Families relocating here for affordability should verify employment prospects before committing, as housing is cheap primarily because wages are lower.

Income & Jobs in Page County

via IncomeByCounty

Page County Lags National Income

Page County's median household income of $57,752 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $17,000 annually. This gap places Page County in the lower tier nationally, where household earnings struggle to keep pace with rising costs across the country.

Below Average Among Iowa Counties

Page County ranks below Iowa's state average of $69,830, earning about $12,000 less per household each year. Among Iowa's 99 counties, this positions Page in the lower-income quartile, reflecting economic challenges in the region.

Income Varies Across Southwest Iowa

Page County ($57,752) significantly trails nearby Ringgold County ($69,821) and Pottawattamie County ($71,446). The variation suggests stronger agricultural and industrial bases in neighboring counties support higher household earnings.

Housing Costs Are Manageable Here

At 15.2%, Page County's rent-to-income ratio stays below the recommended 30% threshold, indicating housing affordability. A median home value of $120,000 makes homeownership accessible, though lower median incomes require careful budgeting.

Build Financial Stability Today

Page County residents earning $57,752 should prioritize emergency savings covering three to six months of expenses, then explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts like IRAs. Starting early with modest investments compounds over time, helping bridge the income gap with wealthier regions.

Safety in Page County

via CrimeByCounty

Page County outperforms national safety trends

Page County maintains a safety score of 98.0, placing it well above the national average for security. The total crime rate of 1261.1 per 100K residents is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Slightly behind the Iowa safety average

The county's total crime rate sits just above the Iowa state average of 1095.3 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.0 is nearly identical to the state average of 98.3, showing typical Iowa stability.

Comparing safety to Southern Iowa neighbors

Page County's crime rate of 1261.1 per 100K is higher than Ringgold County's exceptionally low 405.2 per 100K. However, it remains more secure than larger regional hubs like Pottawattamie County.

Property crimes outpace violent incidents

Property crime accounts for 886.7 per 100K residents, while the violent crime rate is 374.4. This violent crime rate is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8, indicating a need for localized vigilance.

Secure your Page County property

With property crime making up the bulk of local incidents, simple deterrents like motion-activated lighting can make a difference. Three reporting agencies work to keep the community safe, but home security awareness remains a vital first line of defense.

Health in Page County

via HealthByCounty

Page County's health mirrors national trends

At 77.6 years, Page County's life expectancy matches the U.S. average and exceeds many rural counties nationwide. The 17.7% poor or fair health rate tracks slightly above the national median, reflecting typical challenges in smaller agricultural communities across America.

Slight edge below Iowa's health profile

Page County ranks near the middle of Iowa's 99 counties with a life expectancy of 77.6 years—just 0.1 years below the state average of 77.7. The county's uninsured rate of 5.8% is marginally higher than Iowa's 5.7%, suggesting comparable healthcare coverage across the state.

Healthier than rural neighbors to the north

Page County's 77.6-year life expectancy outpaces Palo Alto County (76.7) to the northeast and Ringgold County (74.6) to the south. With 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Page County offers solid access that exceeds Pocahontas County's sparse 28 providers per 100K.

Good provider access, typical coverage gaps

Page County's 240 mental health providers per 100,000 residents rank among Iowa's strongest mental health infrastructure. At 5.8% uninsured, roughly 1 in 17 residents lacks coverage—a manageable rate that reflects strong baseline healthcare participation.

Ensure you're not among the uninsured

With 5.8% of Page County residents uninsured, now is the time to verify your coverage through Healthcare.gov or Iowa's Marketplace. Contact your local health department or a certified navigator to explore affordable plans and subsidies available this enrollment season.

Schools in Page County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Page County

Page County supports 2,459 students across 11 public schools and 4 distinct school districts. The infrastructure includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools to serve the region's families.

Strong Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

With a graduation rate of 92.4%, the county slightly exceeds the state average and significantly outperforms the 87.0% national benchmark. Local schools achieve these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,439, which is just below the Iowa state average of $7,591.

Shenandoah and Clarinda Lead the Way

The Shenandoah Community School District is the largest provider with 1,078 students, followed closely by the Clarinda Community School District with 1,062. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, keeping the focus on traditional district schools.

Small Classes in Rural and Town Settings

The educational landscape is split between six rural schools and five town campuses, maintaining an intimate average school size of 224 students. Garfield Elementary is the largest site with 578 students, while several smaller schools offer highly personalized attention.

Find Your Home Near Top Page County Schools

Families seeking high graduation rates and small-town values should explore the housing markets in Clarinda and Shenandoah. School quality remains a primary driver of community stability and local property value in this region.

Disaster Risk in Page County

via RiskByCounty

Page County's risk sits just above national baseline

With a composite risk score of 40.20 and a Very Low rating, Page County ranks slightly above the typical U.S. county's exposure to natural disasters. This score reflects moderate tornado risk balanced against low flood and earthquake hazards, putting residents in a relatively safer position nationally.

Middle of the pack for Iowa disaster risk

Page County's 40.20 score places it slightly above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it one of the more typical counties in the state by risk profile. The county's tornado exposure (69.62) drives most of its overall risk, while flood and wildfire hazards remain manageable.

Page County faces similar risks to regional peers

Neighboring Ringgold County (14.15) carries substantially lower risk, while Plymouth County to the north (49.20) faces notably higher exposure. Page County's risk profile is most comparable to Poweshiek County (31.27), though Page's tornado risk is notably elevated.

Tornadoes pose your primary weather threat

Tornado risk in Page County reaches 69.62, making severe spring and summer storms your most significant natural hazard concern. Wildfire risk (34.61) and flood risk (27.54) remain secondary but warrant preparedness attention, particularly during high-risk seasons.

Secure your home against tornado damage

Page County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wind and tornado damage, along with a well-maintained safe room or shelter plan. Consider flood insurance as a supplemental policy, especially if your property sits in or near a flood-prone area.

Weather & Climate in Page County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and More Humid Than National Norms

Page County maintains an annual average temperature of 51.0°F, positioning it slightly below the national median. This humid continental climate features distinct seasonal swings and higher moisture levels than typical interior states.

A Warm Outlier in the Hawkeye State

At 51.0°F, Page County sits 3.0 degrees warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. This makes it one of the warmer regions in the state, enjoying more mild conditions than its northern counterparts.

Milder Winters Than Southern Neighbors

Compared to nearby Ringgold County, Page County is noticeably warmer, averaging 51.0°F versus 49.4°F. While both regions share similar precipitation levels around 36.5 inches, Page County experiences a significantly warmer January.

Persistent Summer Heat and Moderate Snow

Summers are intense with 26 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 75.9°F. Winters stay relatively manageable for Iowa, with 24.6 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 22.9°F.

Prepare for High Humidity and Heat Waves

With 26 extreme heat days, robust air conditioning is a necessity for local residents. The 24.6 inches of snow require standard winter equipment, though totals are lower than the state's northern tier.

Soil Quality in Page County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic Soils of the South

Page County soils feature an average pH of 6.27, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While local taxonomic data is limited, these levels are slightly below the Iowa state average of 6.43.

A Silty Foundation for Farming

The soil contains a heavy silt concentration of 53.9% combined with 28.6% clay. This mixture creates a dense earth that holds onto nutrients well but requires careful management to avoid compaction.

Moisture Retention Above the State Average

Organic matter stands at 3.42%, exceeding the national average of 2.0% but trailing the state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity of 0.204 in/in is higher than the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for crops.

Managing Water in Silty Clay

Though specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay content suggests slow permeability. Farmers and builders should account for significant water retention during wet Iowa seasons.

Garden Success in Zone 5b

This county falls in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, which is ideal for tomatoes, peppers, and sweet corn. Grab a shovel and start your garden today in this moisture-rich soil!

Lawn Care in Page County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Page County

Page County earns an 80.0 difficulty score, making it easier to maintain a lawn here than the Iowa average of 77.2. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 5b benefit from a climate that is significantly more favorable for turf than the national median of 50.0.

Managing High Heat and Ample Rain

The area receives 36.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for healthy grass. However, residents face 26 extreme heat days per year—10 more than the state average—requiring vigilant summer watering schedules.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The soil features a healthy pH of 6.27, aligning well with the 6.0-7.0 ideal range for nutrient uptake. With 28.6% clay content, the ground holds moisture effectively but may require aeration to prevent compaction over time.

Resilience Through Dry Spells

While 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, Page County only experienced 10 weeks of drought over the past year. Maintaining a taller mow height during these dry spells helps shade the soil and preserve the 36.5 inches of rain the area typically receives.

Strategic Planting for Zone 5b

For this Zone 5b climate, cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue perform best. Plant your seeds between the last spring frost on April 25 and the first fall frost on October 17 to ensure strong root establishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Page County's county score?
Page County, Iowa has a composite county score of 52.7 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 Page County rank among counties in Iowa?
Page County ranks #68 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 Page County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Page County is $1,721, with an effective tax rate of 1.43%. This earns Page County a tax score of 15.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Page County?
The median household income in Page County, Iowa is $57,752 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Page County earns an income score of 32.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Page County, Iowa a good place to live?
Page County scores 52.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Page 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 Page County with other counties side by side.