65.2
County Score
Safety 85.6Cost of Living 77.3Soil Quality 73.3

County Report Card

About Pocahontas County, Iowa

Leading the National Field

Pocahontas County achieves a high composite score of 65.2, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score signals an exceptional standard of living compared to the vast majority of U.S. counties.

A Top Iowa Choice

The county outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6 by nearly 10 points. It stands as one of the state's most balanced counties, offering high marks across most livability dimensions.

Superior Safety and Affordability

With a safety score of 85.6 and a cost score of 77.3, this county is both secure and economical. The median home value of $93,300 is remarkably low, providing residents with significant purchasing power.

Taxes and Water Quality

The county's primary drawbacks are its tax score of 28.5 and water score of 37.5. While the 1.143% effective tax rate is manageable, water infrastructure represents the largest area for local improvement.

A Haven for Young Families

Pocahontas County is an outstanding choice for young families seeking safety and homeownership at a fraction of national prices. It offers a rare combination of security and financial breathing room.

Score breakdown

Tax28.5Cost77.3Safety85.6Health71.8Schools66.3Income49.3Risk67Water37.5Weather44.8
🏛28.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼49.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡85.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
71.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓66.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
67
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧37.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤44.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨73.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱70
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Pocahontas County?

Many homeowners in Pocahontas County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Pocahontas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pocahontas County

via TaxByCounty

Pocahontas County: Low rate, low values

Pocahontas County's 1.143% effective rate sits slightly below the national median of 1.23%. The median annual tax of $1,066 is the lowest in this comparison, reflecting both the modest rate and the county's median home value of just $93,300—less than a third of the national median.

Pocahontas ranks middle-low in Iowa taxes

At 1.143%, Pocahontas County's effective rate falls below the state average of 1.344%, placing it in the lower tier of Iowa counties. The median tax of $1,066 is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed here.

Pocahontas offers lowest tax bills nearby

Pocahontas's 1.143% rate undercuts both Palo Alto (1.233%) to the north and Page (1.434%) to the south. At just $1,066 in median annual taxes, Pocahontas residents enjoy the smallest tax bills in the northern Iowa region.

Pocahontas County homeowner tax bill

Own the median home valued at $93,300 in Pocahontas County? You'll pay roughly $1,066 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $1,260; without one, it drops to $916.

Verify your assessment, even in rural areas

Rural counties often have less transparent real estate markets, making assessment appeals even more important. Request your assessment details, research recent comparable sales, and appeal if your valuation seems out of line.

Cost of Living in Pocahontas County

via CostByCounty

Pocahontas achieves near-perfect affordability

At precisely 14.1%—matching Iowa's state average—Pocahontas County sits right at the affordability sweet spot for renters. A median monthly rent of $743 paired with a median household income of $63,423 places housing costs in the manageable range, though income levels run below national averages.

Right at Iowa's affordability middle

Pocahontas County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio perfectly mirrors the state average, marking it as a representative Iowa county for housing affordability. This balanced position reflects typical rental market conditions across the state.

Affordable rents in a rural pocket

Pocahontas County's $743 rent undercuts regional neighbors Pottawattamie County ($970) and Poweshiek County ($864) while remaining comparable to Ringgold County ($745). Local incomes here run lower than in Plymouth and Pottawattamie counties, but rents maintain a rural-affordable profile.

Renting significantly cheaper than owning

Renters pay $743 monthly while homeowners spend $644—making ownership surprisingly affordable despite lower median home values of $93,300. This rare advantage favors both renters and buyers, as homeownership costs remain modest relative to rental markets.

Rural charm with balanced housing costs

Pocahontas County suits relocating families seeking genuine rural affordability without extreme housing stress. The exceptional affordability of homeownership relative to renting makes this county particularly attractive for those ready to build equity through purchase.

Income & Jobs in Pocahontas County

via IncomeByCounty

Pocahontas County Falls Behind Nationally

Pocahontas County's median household income of $63,423 trails the national median of $74,755 by roughly $11,300. This gap places the county in the lower-middle income range, requiring households to stretch budgets further.

Below Iowa's Median Income

Pocahontas County ranks below Iowa's state average of $69,830, earning about $6,400 less per household annually. This positions it in the lower half of Iowa's income distribution, reflecting rural agricultural reliance.

Struggles Against Regional Peers

Pocahontas County ($63,423) significantly underperforms nearby Plymouth County ($81,600) and Palo Alto County ($68,963). The disparity suggests weaker agricultural markets or less diversified employment compared to neighboring areas.

Affordable Housing Provides Relief

Pocahontas County's 14.1% rent-to-income ratio and median home value of $93,300 offer exceptional affordability. These low housing costs are crucial for stretching the lower median income and maintaining household financial stability.

Start Small, Build Steady Habits

Pocahontas County residents earning $63,423 should prioritize saving even modest amounts—$50 to $100 monthly in high-yield savings or index funds. Consistent, disciplined investing over decades builds wealth despite lower starting incomes.

Safety in Pocahontas County

via CrimeByCounty

Remarkable safety levels in Pocahontas County

Pocahontas County boasts a near-perfect safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 325.7 per 100K is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

One of Iowa's safest jurisdictions

The county's safety score of 99.5 is higher than the Iowa state average of 98.3. However, since only one agency reports data here, these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

Safer than most surrounding areas

At 325.7 crimes per 100K, Pocahontas is significantly safer than Page County's 1261.1. It also maintains lower rates than Palo Alto County's 682.5 per 100K.

Minimal violent and property incidents

Violent crime is extremely low at 70.8 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is similarly rare at 254.9 per 100K, compared to the national 2,015.7.

Preserving the peace in Pocahontas

While the numbers suggest a very safe environment, basic precautions still matter. Keeping doors locked and being an active neighbor helps ensure these low crime rates continue for the single reporting agency to manage.

Health in Pocahontas County

via HealthByCounty

Pocahontas County faces significant health gaps

At 76.4 years, Pocahontas County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by 1.7 years, reflecting serious mortality risks for a rural community. A 14.3% poor or fair health rate masks deeper access issues driven by critical provider shortages.

Among Iowa's shortest life expectancies

Pocahontas County ranks in Iowa's bottom tier with a life expectancy of 76.4 years—1.3 years below the state average of 77.7. At 7.8% uninsured, the county's coverage rate significantly exceeds the state average gap, suggesting structural barriers beyond insurance explain health outcomes.

Severe disadvantage compared to neighbors

Pocahontas County's 76.4-year life expectancy is 2.6 years shorter than neighboring Plymouth County and falls 1.8 years below Poweshiek County. Most critically, Pocahontas has just 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the regional average—and only 14 mental health providers per 100K, the lowest in this cohort.

Critical shortage of doctors and mental health care

Pocahontas County's 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents force many patients to travel significant distances for basic care, while the 14 mental health providers per 100K cannot meet community behavioral health needs. The 7.8% uninsured rate—highest among profiled counties—compounds these access barriers, leaving vulnerable residents without financial protection.

Insurance is your first step to better health

At 7.8% uninsured, Pocahontas County residents face a health crisis that begins with coverage gaps. Contact your county health department or visit Healthcare.gov immediately to enroll in coverage—securing insurance unlocks access to the primary and mental health care your community desperately needs.

Schools in Pocahontas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Learning in Pocahontas

Education in Pocahontas County is highly focused, with just 4 public schools serving 836 total students. These schools are managed by two districts and consist of two elementary campuses and two high schools.

High Spending Drives Local Results

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, nearly matching the state average and surpassing the national benchmark. Districts here invest $8,122 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Iowa average of $7,591.

Pocahontas Area Schools Take the Lead

The Pocahontas Area Community School District serves 696 students, making it the dominant educational provider in the region. There are no charter schools available, though the county does offer one alternative school for specialized learning.

Quiet, Rural School Environments

All four schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent and quiet learning environment for all students. Pocahontas Area Middle/High School is the largest facility with 392 students, while the Regional Learning Center serves just 21.

Home Buying in a High-Investment Area

If you value a rural setting with high per-pupil investment, Pocahontas County provides a focused educational landscape. Prospective homeowners should consider how these small districts contribute to the area's community-driven lifestyle.

Disaster Risk in Pocahontas County

via RiskByCounty

Pocahontas County sits safely below national risk

With a composite risk score of 33.05 and a Very Low rating, Pocahontas County falls below the U.S. average and represents a relatively safe natural disaster environment. Low earthquake and wildfire risks contribute to this favorable profile.

Among Iowa's safest counties by risk measure

Pocahontas County's 33.05 score ranks well below Iowa's average of 39.68, placing it in the safer tier of the state's 99 counties. This makes it one of the more resilient areas against the state's typical disaster threats.

Safer than western neighbors, similar to eastern

Pocahontas County's risk sits between Palo Alto County's very low exposure (15.46) to the south and Plymouth County's elevated risk (49.20) to the west. Regional peers show similar profiles, making Pocahontas part of a relatively safe zone.

Tornadoes dominate your natural hazard exposure

Tornado risk (49.65) is your county's primary concern, while flood risk (18.10) and earthquake risk (11.80) remain low. Notably, wildfire risk (4.23) is among the lowest in the region, reflecting the county's agrarian landscape.

Prioritize tornado preparedness and coverage

Pocahontas County residents should maintain homeowners insurance with comprehensive tornado and wind coverage as the core protection strategy. Develop a family tornado safety plan with a basement shelter or interior room, and monitor weather during spring severe season.

Weather & Climate in Pocahontas County

via WeatherByCounty

High Snowfall and Cool Annual Temps

Pocahontas County averages 46.9°F annually, falling below the national median in a classic humid continental zone. The county is notable for receiving 38.8 inches of snow, which is high by national standards.

Leading the Region in Winter Snow

With 38.8 inches of snow annually, Pocahontas County is one of the snowier spots in Iowa. Its 46.9°F average temperature makes it roughly 1.1 degrees cooler than the state average.

Snowier Than Its Western Neighbors

Pocahontas County records 38.8 inches of snow, which is 5 inches more than Plymouth County to the west. It shares nearly identical annual temperatures with its neighbors, despite the difference in winter accumulation.

Severe Winters and Brief Heat Waves

The county faces a cold winter average of 20.0°F, with January being the coldest point at 16.6°F. Summer offers a July average of 73.4°F, though residents must still navigate 18 days of extreme heat.

Prepare for Significant Snow Removal

Reliable snow removal service or high-end equipment is a must for the 38.8 inches of annual snow. Residents should also winterize homes early to prepare for the 16.6°F January lows.

Soil Quality in Pocahontas County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral to Alkaline Prairie Soil

The soil in Pocahontas County reaches a pH of 6.89, placing it above the state average of 6.43. This provides a stable, near-neutral environment for microbial life and nutrient availability.

A Balanced Loamy Mix

With 36.7% sand and 39.0% silt, this soil maintains a versatile structure. The 24.4% clay content ensures enough body to hold nutrients without becoming an impenetrable barrier.

Rich in Vital Organic Matter

Organic matter is very high at 5.55%, far exceeding the Iowa average of 3.81%. This natural wealth compensates for an available water capacity that sits just below the state norm.

Steady Moisture for Strong Crops

The soil profile holds 0.194 inches of water per inch of soil, matching the state average almost perfectly. Without specific drainage data available, the loamy mix suggests moderate natural filtration.

Lush Gardens in Zone 5a

Zone 5a conditions are perfect for growing asparagus, rhubarb, and diverse berry bushes. Your garden will thrive in this nutrient-dense soil if you start today!

Lawn Care in Pocahontas County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Zone 5a Climate

Pocahontas County scores a 70.0 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly more demanding than the average Iowa county. Its Zone 5a climate requires careful management to bridge the gap between cold winters and warm summers.

Typical Iowa Growing Conditions

The county receives 32.8 inches of rain and 18 extreme heat days annually, reflecting typical Iowa growing conditions. Mowing schedules typically ramp up as the county hits its 2942 growing degree days, peaking during the 73.4°F July heat.

Balanced Nutrients and Clay Mix

A soil pH of 6.89 provides a stable foundation for turf, sitting right within the optimal window for most grass species. The mix of 24.4% clay and 36.7% sand offers a decent balance of moisture retention and aeration potential.

Conserving Water in Heat Waves

While 64.3% of the county is abnormally dry, it experienced only 14 weeks of drought last year, which is better than many neighboring counties. Practice water conservation by watering early in the morning to minimize evaporation during those 18 high-heat days.

Cool-Season Success in Pocahontas

Cool-season grasses are the standard for Zone 5a, where January temperatures average a brisk 16.6°F. Establish your lawn before the October 7 frost date to ensure the root system is strong enough to survive the winter freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pocahontas County's county score?
Pocahontas County, Iowa has a composite county score of 65.2 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 Pocahontas County rank among counties in Iowa?
Pocahontas County ranks #15 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 Pocahontas County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Pocahontas County is $1,066, with an effective tax rate of 1.14%. This earns Pocahontas County a tax score of 28.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pocahontas County?
The median household income in Pocahontas County, Iowa is $63,423 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pocahontas County earns an income score of 49.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pocahontas County, Iowa a good place to live?
Pocahontas County scores 65.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas County with other counties side by side.