Plymouth County's composite score of 71.3 places it in the 71st percentile nationally, outperforming more than seven out of ten U.S. counties. It exceeds the national median by 21.3 points, reflecting solid livability across key dimensions.
2 / 5
Top Performer Among Iowa Counties
Plymouth County scores 71.3, placing it well above Iowa's state average of 69.3 and solidifying its position among the state's strongest counties. It ranks in the upper quartile of Iowa's 99 counties.
3 / 5
Highest Incomes and Strong Health Outcomes
Plymouth County leads this group with a median household income of $81,600 (income score: 36.6) and a health score of 79.7. It also boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 1.081%, maximizing residents' take-home earnings.
4 / 5
Rising Housing Costs Emerging Concern
The county's cost score of 78.5 reflects higher median home values ($218,600) and rents ($865/month) compared to rural peers. Risk management at 50.8 suggests moderate exposure to economic or environmental challenges.
5 / 5
Perfect for Growing Families and Professionals
Plymouth County suits professionals and families seeking higher incomes, strong health systems, and tax efficiency without sacrificing rural character. It balances earning potential with affordability better than most Iowa counties, making it ideal for upwardly mobile households.
Plymouth County's composite score of 71.3 places it in the 71st percentile nationally, outperforming more than seven out of ten U.S. counties. It exceeds the national median by 21.3 points, reflecting solid livability across key dimensions.
Top Performer Among Iowa Counties
Plymouth County scores 71.3, placing it well above Iowa's state average of 69.3 and solidifying its position among the state's strongest counties. It ranks in the upper quartile of Iowa's 99 counties.
Highest Incomes and Strong Health Outcomes
Plymouth County leads this group with a median household income of $81,600 (income score: 36.6) and a health score of 79.7. It also boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 1.081%, maximizing residents' take-home earnings.
Rising Housing Costs Emerging Concern
The county's cost score of 78.5 reflects higher median home values ($218,600) and rents ($865/month) compared to rural peers. Risk management at 50.8 suggests moderate exposure to economic or environmental challenges.
Perfect for Growing Families and Professionals
Plymouth County suits professionals and families seeking higher incomes, strong health systems, and tax efficiency without sacrificing rural character. It balances earning potential with affordability better than most Iowa counties, making it ideal for upwardly mobile households.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛71.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Plymouth County's effective tax rate of 1.081% is among the lowest in the nation, sitting well below the national median of 1.23%. At $2,363 annually, the median tax bill is just 12% higher than the national median of $2,690, despite the county's higher median home value of $218,600.
Plymouth County has Iowa's second-lowest rate
Plymouth County's 1.081% effective rate ranks second-lowest among Iowa counties analyzed here. The median tax of $2,363 reflects strong home values in the county while maintaining a tax burden well below the state average of $2,160 in absolute dollars.
Plymouth offers real tax savings vs. peers
Plymouth's 1.081% rate significantly undercuts Pottawattamie (1.613%) to the south and Page (1.434%) to the east. At $2,363 in median annual taxes, Plymouth homeowners pay substantially less than Pottawattamie ($2,961) despite comparable home values.
Plymouth County homeowner tax bill
A median-valued home in Plymouth County at $218,600 generates roughly $2,363 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, expect $2,389; without one, the bill drops to $2,329.
Appeal if your assessment seems high
Even in low-tax counties, individual properties can be overassessed. Compare your assessed value to recent arm's-length sales in Plymouth County; if your assessment appears inflated, file an appeal with the county assessor's office.
Plymouth County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, supported by a median household income of $81,600—above both state and national medians. At $865 per month, rents run 6% above the state average, but stronger local wages make housing more manageable here than in lower-income counties.
Above-average incomes fuel affordability
Plymouth County ranks in the upper half of Iowa counties for affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 14.1%. This performance stems primarily from above-average household incomes rather than below-average rents.
Higher rents reflect stronger local economy
Plymouth County's $865 rent exceeds nearby Palo Alto County ($599) and Pocahontas County ($743), reflecting a more competitive regional housing market. However, Plymouth's significantly higher median incomes ($81,600 vs neighbors' $63,400–$68,900) make these higher rents proportionally more affordable.
Ownership slightly pricier than renting
Renters spend $865 monthly while homeowners pay $942, with median home values reaching $218,600—substantially higher than rural county averages. Both tenure types consume roughly 12–14% of the $81,600 median income, leaving strong discretionary income for families and individuals.
Premium housing for premium incomes
Plymouth County appeals to professionals and families with above-average earnings who want affordable housing in a stronger economic hub. Higher home values and rents reflect a healthier local job market—making relocation here sensible primarily for those with job prospects to match.
Plymouth County's median household income of $81,600 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by about $6,800. This strong position ranks Plymouth among higher-earning counties nationally and reflects robust local economic activity.
Among Iowa's Top Earners
Plymouth County ranks well above Iowa's state average of $69,830 with $81,600 in median household income. The $11,770 advantage places it in the upper income tier statewide, signaling a healthy local economy.
Economic Leader in Northwest Iowa
Plymouth County ($81,600) substantially outearns Palo Alto County ($68,963) and Pocahontas County ($63,423) in the surrounding region. This leadership reflects strong agricultural productivity and diversified manufacturing sectors.
Higher Incomes Support Home Values
Plymouth County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio remains affordable despite median home values reaching $218,600. The higher home prices reflect stronger incomes; households can comfortably manage costs in the current market.
Invest Your Income Advantage Now
Plymouth County residents with $81,600 median income have greater capacity for diversified investing beyond homeownership. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, building taxable investment accounts, and exploring real estate or business ventures to compound wealth further.
At 79.0 years, Plymouth County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average by 0.9 years and ranks among the healthiest rural counties in America. The 14.8% poor or fair health rate reflects below-average health struggles, indicating a population with strong longevity despite daily health challenges.
Top-tier life expectancy in Iowa
Plymouth County's 79.0-year life expectancy ranks it in Iowa's top quartile, exceeding the state average of 77.7 by 1.3 years. The 4.6% uninsured rate is the lowest of any county profiled, demonstrating exceptional healthcare coverage and access integration.
Clear health advantage over surrounding region
Plymouth County's 79.0-year life expectancy outpaces all nearby counties—Palo Alto (76.7), Pocahontas (76.4), and Poweshiek (78.2). With 55 primary care providers per 100K and robust mental health resources (198 per 100K), Plymouth County has built the strongest health infrastructure in its region.
Low uninsured rate fuels health success
Plymouth County's 4.6% uninsured rate means nearly 95% of residents have active coverage—critical for prevention and early intervention. The 198 mental health providers per 100,000 residents ensure community access to behavioral health services that support overall longevity.
Maintain Plymouth's coverage excellence
With 4.6% uninsured, Plymouth County has built something special—near-universal healthcare access. If you're among the uninsured minority, visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to join your neighbors and secure the coverage that's contributing to Iowa's longest rural lifespan.
At 49.20, Plymouth County's composite risk score significantly exceeds the national average and earns a Relatively Low rating, reflecting elevated exposure to multiple hazard types. Tornadoes, floods, and wildfires all contribute notably to this profile.
Plymouth ranks among Iowa's riskier counties
Plymouth County's 49.20 score surpasses Iowa's average of 39.68, placing it in the upper tier of the state's risk rankings. The combination of high tornado (77.35), flood (45.23), and wildfire (70.52) risks makes it one of Iowa's more hazard-prone areas.
Plymouth faces distinctly higher risks than neighbors
Neighboring Palo Alto County (15.46) and Pocahontas County (33.05) both carry significantly lower composite risk. Plymouth County's elevated exposure across multiple hazard types sets it apart as the riskier territory in northwest Iowa.
Tornadoes and wildfires drive your risk profile
Tornado risk (77.35) and wildfire risk (70.52) are your two dominant natural hazards, with tornado exposure among the highest in the state. Flood risk (45.23) adds a secondary layer of concern, particularly during spring snow melt and heavy precipitation events.
Invest in comprehensive hazard insurance
Plymouth County residents should maintain robust homeowners insurance covering tornado, hail, and wind damage, with separate flood insurance if in or near a flood zone. Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter and keep emergency supplies stocked year-round.