countyscore
36.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Soil Quality 74.9Lawn Care 72.5

County Report Card

About Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Below National Median Trends

Pottawattamie County receives a composite score of 36.1, placing it below the national median of 50.0. The score reflects significant challenges in safety and tax burden that impact the overall ranking.

Trailing State Averages

The county's 36.1 score is notably lower than the Iowa average of 55.6. This gap is largely due to the higher costs and risks associated with its proximity to the Omaha metro area.

High Income and Great Water

With a water score of 86.0 and an income score of 70.0, the county provides strong utility infrastructure and solid earnings. Residents earn a healthy median household income of $71,446.

Safety and Tax Pressure

Safety is a primary concern with a score of 10.3, while a low tax score of 9.2 reflects a 1.613% effective tax rate. The environmental risk score of 19.6 also suggests the county faces more natural hazards than its neighbors.

Ideal for Metro Commuters

Pottawattamie County suits those who work in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro and value clean water and solid wages. It is a location for people who prioritize career proximity over low taxes and quiet rural safety.

Score breakdown

Tax9.2Cost26.8Safety10.3Health69.1Schools57.4Income70Risk19.6Water86Weather48.5
🏛9.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.5
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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Nearby counties

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Mills County
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46.7
Washington County
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Deep Dives

Pottawattamie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pottawattamie County

via TaxByCounty

Pottawattamie County: Above-average tax rate

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pottawattamie County

via CostByCounty

Pottawattamie rents strain tighter budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pottawattamie County

via IncomeByCounty

Pottawattamie Near National Median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pottawattamie County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates exceed the national average

Pottawattamie County reports a total crime rate of 2748.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a respectable safety score of 95.7.

Trailing the Iowa safety average

The county's safety score of 95.7 is lower than the Iowa state average of 98.3. Its total crime rate of 2748.5 is also considerably higher than the statewide average of 1095.3 per 100K.

Comparison with regional peers

Pottawattamie County has a higher crime rate than nearby Page County at 1261.1. It also sees more activity than Polk County, which reports a rate of 1673.3 per 100K.

High property crime figures

Property crime is high at 2326.2 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate of 422.3 also sits above the national average of 369.8.

Strengthening home security is key

With property crime above the national average, residents should prioritize home security upgrades. Four reporting agencies serve the area, and community awareness is essential for reducing these rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pottawattamie County

via HealthByCounty

Pottawattamie County faces longevity crisis

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pottawattamie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in Western Iowa

Pottawattamie County oversees 34 public schools and 7 districts for a total student population of 15,576. This infrastructure is well-balanced with 19 elementary, 7 middle, and 8 high schools.

Meeting Benchmarks with Targeted Spending

The county's 90.5% graduation rate exceeds the national average, though it sits slightly below the state mark. Education is a clear priority, with $7,834 in per-pupil spending and a composite school score of 55.6.

Council Bluffs Leads the District Pack

Council Bluffs Community School District leads the region, educating 8,733 students across 15 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus across all seven districts.

A Blend of City and Country Schools

The county features a split personality with 17 rural schools and 16 city schools. Abraham Lincoln High School is the largest campus with nearly 1,400 students, while the average school size county-wide is 458.

Live Near Top Pottawattamie Schools

Families often look to the Council Bluffs and Lewis Central districts for diverse educational programs and strong athletics. Evaluating school rankings is a smart move for any home buyer looking at the eastern side of the Omaha metro.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pottawattamie County

via RiskByCounty

Pottawattamie County faces elevated national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pottawattamie County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures with Standard Precipitation

Pottawattamie County averages 49.4°F annually, slightly below the national median. The 35.3 inches of annual precipitation reflect a typical continental climate with moisture-rich summers.

Warming Above the Iowa State Average

At 49.4°F, this county is 1.4 degrees warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its annual precipitation of 35.3 inches sits just below the statewide average of 36.1 inches.

Snowier and Cooler Than Southern Page

Pottawattamie is cooler than Page County to its south, which averages 51.0°F. However, Pottawattamie receives 3 more inches of snow annually, making for a slightly more rigorous winter.

Steamy Summers and Moderate Winter Cold

The county experiences 20 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging 74.4°F. Winter is characterized by 27.6 inches of snow and a 20.9°F January average.

Expect Variable Winter and Summer Peaks

HVAC systems must be prepared for both the 20 days of extreme heat and the 24.1°F winter average. Proper attic ventilation is recommended to manage the consistent summer humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pottawattamie County

via SoilByCounty

Mollisols of the Loess Hills

These Mollisol soils have a pH of 6.75, which is higher than the state average of 6.43. The county maintains a strong soil score of 74.9 despite some unique drainage challenges.

Heavy Silt and Silty Clay

Dominant silty clay loam textures come from a 62.4% silt and 26.6% clay mix. Only 11.1% of the soil is sand, resulting in a fine, smooth texture that can become very heavy when wet.

High Water Capacity, Lower Carbon

The available water capacity is 0.210 in/in, which is superior to the state average. However, organic matter is lower at 2.86%, suggesting a need for compost or cover crops to build fertility.

Slow Drainage and High Runoff

The soil is poorly drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group D, which means it has a high runoff potential. Managing surface water is critical for any farming or construction projects here.

Diverse Planting in Zone 5b

Zone 5b gardeners can grow impressive yields of melons and tomatoes in this moisture-retaining soil. Put your seeds in the ground and watch your garden flourish this season!

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pottawattamie County

via LawnByCounty

Hands-On Care in Pottawattamie

Pottawattamie County earns a 72.5 lawn difficulty score, placing it just below the state average of 77.2. While the 5b hardiness zone is generally favorable, specific soil and moisture challenges require a more hands-on approach.

Warm Summers and Solid Rainfall

The county sees 35.3 inches of rain and 20 extreme heat days, providing a solid environment for the 3216 growing degree days recorded. This climate supports a robust growing season that starts after the April 23 frost and extends late into the autumn.

Managing Poorly Drained Clay Soil

Local soil is classified as silty clay loam and is often poorly drained, which can lead to waterlogging after heavy rains. With 26.6% clay and a 6.75 pH, regular aeration is essential to prevent the ground from becoming too compacted for roots to breathe.

Navigating Moisture and Drainage

Residents managed 22 weeks of drought last year, and nearly 90% of the county currently faces abnormally dry conditions. Focus on improving soil drainage to ensure that when rain does fall, it reaches the roots rather than pooling on the surface.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Select grass types that can handle both heavy clay and the occasional dry spell, such as turf-type tall fescue. The window between the April 23 spring frost and the October 14 fall frost offers plenty of time for successful seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pottawattamie County's county score?
Pottawattamie County, Iowa has a composite county score of 36.1 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 Pottawattamie County rank among counties in Iowa?
Pottawattamie County ranks #97 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 Pottawattamie County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Pottawattamie County is $2,961, with an effective tax rate of 1.61%. This earns Pottawattamie County a tax score of 9.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pottawattamie County?
The median household income in Pottawattamie County, Iowa is $71,446 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pottawattamie County earns an income score of 70/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pottawattamie County, Iowa a good place to live?
Pottawattamie County scores 36.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #97 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.