Pottawattamie County's composite score of 61.4 ranks it in the 61st percentile nationally, slightly above the national median of 50.0. It reflects a mixed livability profile with both strengths and notable constraints.
2 / 5
Below Iowa's State Average
Pottawattamie County scores 61.4, falling below Iowa's state average of 69.3 by nearly 8 points. It ranks in the lower-to-middle tier of Iowa's 99 counties, suggesting limited competitive advantages statewide.
3 / 5
Moderate Affordability and Reasonable Health
Pottawattamie County offers a cost score of 73.7, with median rents of $970 and home values of $183,600—moderately affordable compared to larger metros. Health outcomes at 73.9 provide residents with adequate care access.
4 / 5
High Risk and Tax Burdens Constrain Growth
The county struggles with a risk score of just 19.6, indicating significant economic or environmental vulnerabilities, and a tax burden (1.613% effective rate) that exceeds most rural peers. Income at $71,446 median lags stronger-performing counties.
5 / 5
For Flexible Families Tolerating Uncertainty
Pottawattamie County suits adaptable families and workers seeking mid-range affordability and willing to accept economic volatility and higher tax burdens. It offers a middle ground but lacks the stability or premium incomes of stronger-performing Iowa counties.
Pottawattamie County's composite score of 61.4 ranks it in the 61st percentile nationally, slightly above the national median of 50.0. It reflects a mixed livability profile with both strengths and notable constraints.
Below Iowa's State Average
Pottawattamie County scores 61.4, falling below Iowa's state average of 69.3 by nearly 8 points. It ranks in the lower-to-middle tier of Iowa's 99 counties, suggesting limited competitive advantages statewide.
Moderate Affordability and Reasonable Health
Pottawattamie County offers a cost score of 73.7, with median rents of $970 and home values of $183,600—moderately affordable compared to larger metros. Health outcomes at 73.9 provide residents with adequate care access.
High Risk and Tax Burdens Constrain Growth
The county struggles with a risk score of just 19.6, indicating significant economic or environmental vulnerabilities, and a tax burden (1.613% effective rate) that exceeds most rural peers. Income at $71,446 median lags stronger-performing counties.
For Flexible Families Tolerating Uncertainty
Pottawattamie County suits adaptable families and workers seeking mid-range affordability and willing to accept economic volatility and higher tax burdens. It offers a middle ground but lacks the stability or premium incomes of stronger-performing Iowa counties.
Score breakdown
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🏛56.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Pottawattamie County's 1.613% effective tax rate sits in the 70th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 1.23%. The median annual tax of $2,961 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's solid median home value of $183,600.
Pottawattamie ranks high among Iowa counties
At 1.613%, Pottawattamie County's effective rate is 20% above Iowa's state average of 1.344%. The median tax of $2,961 is 37% above the state median of $2,160, making it one of Iowa's higher-burden counties.
Pottawattamie leads the western region
Pottawattamie's 1.613% rate significantly exceeds Page (1.434%) to the east and nearly doubles Plymouth's 1.081% rate to the north. At $2,961 median taxes, Pottawattamie homeowners face the region's steepest bills.
Pottawattamie County homeowner tax bill
A median home valued at $183,600 in Pottawattamie County results in roughly $2,961 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that increases to $3,137; without one, it drops to $2,737.
Appeal if your assessment is inflated
Pottawattamie's higher tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important for your bottom line. Review your assessment notice, compare it to recent sales of comparable properties, and file an appeal if your value seems overstated.
At 16.3% of household income, Pottawattamie County renters exceed the national average rent-to-income ratio, with median rents of $970 consuming a significant share of the $71,446 median income. This makes the county one of the pricier rental markets in Iowa relative to earnings.
Among Iowa's costliest counties overall
Pottawattamie County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the state's least affordable counties, trailing only Polk County (16.4%). The high rent costs relative to income reflect regional demand from the Omaha metro area's influence.
West-side premium near metro influence
Pottawattamie County's $970 rent ranks second-highest in this regional analysis, exceeded only by Polk County ($1,113). The higher costs likely reflect the county's proximity to the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, creating regional competition for housing.
Ownership markedly pricier than renting
Renters pay $970 monthly while homeowners spend $1,130, reflecting median home values of $183,600. With median income at $71,446, renters dedicate 16.3% of income to housing while buyers commit 19%—a substantial ownership premium.
Metro-adjacent living with metro prices
Families relocating to Pottawattamie County for Omaha-area employment should expect housing costs near regional metro levels rather than rural Iowa affordability. Renters may find better value in neighboring rural counties if commuting is feasible.
Pottawattamie County's median household income of $71,446 sits about $3,300 below the national median of $74,755. The proximity to national averages positions it solidly in the middle-income range.
Slightly Above Iowa State Average
Pottawattamie County's $71,446 median income exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830 by roughly $1,600. This modest advantage reflects the economic strength of the Council Bluffs metro area.
Competitive Earnings in Southwest Iowa
Pottawattamie County ($71,446) outearns Page County ($57,752) significantly while slightly trailing Ringgold County ($69,821). Proximity to Omaha's job market boosts incomes compared to purely rural counties.
Rising Housing Costs Squeeze Budgets
Pottawattamie County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio approaches affordability limits, with median home values at $183,600. Higher housing costs relative to income require careful financial planning and limit savings capacity.
Prioritize Savings Before Home Costs
Pottawattamie County residents earning $71,446 should establish emergency funds and retirement contributions before stretching for higher mortgages. Automating savings through payroll deduction ensures wealth-building even when housing takes 16% of income.
At 75.5 years, Pottawattamie County's life expectancy is 2.6 years below the U.S. average and among the lowest in rural America. A 17.0% poor or fair health rate compounds this concerning trend, signaling multiple acute health challenges requiring urgent intervention.
Second-lowest life expectancy in Iowa
Pottawattamie County ranks near the bottom of Iowa's health outcomes with a 75.5-year life expectancy—2.2 years below the state average of 77.7. Despite matching Iowa's 5.7% uninsured rate, the county's severe longevity gap points to deeper determinants beyond insurance coverage.
Poorest health in its region
Pottawattamie County's 75.5-year life expectancy significantly trails Poweshiek (78.2) and Polk (77.2), and even lags Ringgold (74.6) by just 0.9 years. With 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Pottawattamie has adequate access on paper, but outcomes suggest underlying social and economic barriers.
Provider access insufficient to offset challenges
Pottawattamie County's 242 mental health providers per 100,000 residents match state-leading levels, yet the county still suffers the second-shortest life expectancy in Iowa. The 5.7% uninsured rate mirrors the state average, indicating that coverage and provider availability alone cannot overcome the county's underlying health determinants.
Secure coverage as your health foundation
Pottawattamie County faces a public health emergency, starting with ensuring every resident has insurance coverage at Healthcare.gov. Coverage is your foundation for accessing the primary and mental health care your county provides—and the first step toward reversing Iowa's most concerning health trend.
At 80.44, Pottawattamie County's composite risk score significantly exceeds the U.S. average, earning a Relatively Low rating but reflecting substantial disaster exposure. Tornado risk (95.23) and flood risk (74.59) drive this concerning profile.
Second-riskiest county in Iowa overall
Pottawattamie County's 80.44 score ranks it second only to Polk County (91.98) in statewide risk, more than double Iowa's average of 39.68. The county faces a particularly severe tornado threat compared to other regions.
Pottawattamie significantly riskier than surrounding areas
Neighboring counties like Page County (40.20) and Ringgold County (14.15) carry dramatically lower risk profiles than Pottawattamie. Pottawattamie's position in western Iowa makes it a relative hazard hotspot compared to its regional peers.
Tornadoes and floods dominate your hazard profile
Tornado risk (95.23) and flood risk (74.59) are exceptionally high in Pottawattamie County, representing your two most serious natural disasters. Wildfire risk (67.21) adds a tertiary concern, particularly during drought conditions in summer and early fall.
Multi-layered insurance is critical protection
Pottawattamie County residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with tornado, wind, and hail coverage, plus separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Invest in a sturdy shelter or safe room, and maintain an emergency supply kit with multiple days of essentials.