Pocahontas County's composite score of 72.4 ranks it in the 72nd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. It outperforms more than seven out of ten counties across the United States.
2 / 5
Strong Performer in Iowa Rankings
Pocahontas County scores 72.4, exceeding Iowa's state average of 69.3 and placing it in the upper half of the state's 99 counties. It's a consistently solid performer in the region.
3 / 5
Excellent Affordability and Tax Profile
Pocahontas County shines with a cost score of 85.3 and a tax score of 70.1, offering median home values of just $93,300 and an effective tax rate of 1.143%. These features make it one of the state's most affordable counties.
4 / 5
Income Growth and Healthcare Gaps
The income score of 24.8 reflects a median household income of $63,423, below state averages and most peers in this group. Health scores at 75.1 are respectable but trail higher-performing counties, suggesting room for healthcare expansion.
5 / 5
Best for Retirees and Frugal Families
Pocahontas County appeals to retirees and cost-conscious families seeking minimal tax burdens and rock-bottom housing prices. It offers stability and affordability, though limited income potential suits those with fixed incomes or remote work arrangements.
Pocahontas County's composite score of 72.4 ranks it in the 72nd percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. It outperforms more than seven out of ten counties across the United States.
Strong Performer in Iowa Rankings
Pocahontas County scores 72.4, exceeding Iowa's state average of 69.3 and placing it in the upper half of the state's 99 counties. It's a consistently solid performer in the region.
Excellent Affordability and Tax Profile
Pocahontas County shines with a cost score of 85.3 and a tax score of 70.1, offering median home values of just $93,300 and an effective tax rate of 1.143%. These features make it one of the state's most affordable counties.
Income Growth and Healthcare Gaps
The income score of 24.8 reflects a median household income of $63,423, below state averages and most peers in this group. Health scores at 75.1 are respectable but trail higher-performing counties, suggesting room for healthcare expansion.
Best for Retirees and Frugal Families
Pocahontas County appeals to retirees and cost-conscious families seeking minimal tax burdens and rock-bottom housing prices. It offers stability and affordability, though limited income potential suits those with fixed incomes or remote work arrangements.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.