CountyScore

Scott County

Iowa · IA

#93 in Iowa
62.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Scott County, Iowa

Scott County outperforms national median

Scott County's composite score of 62.5 tops the national median of 50.0 by 25%, placing it in the 60th percentile nationally. This reflects solid, above-average livability despite some internal challenges.

Below Iowa's average but still competitive

With a score of 62.5, Scott County falls slightly below Iowa's 69.3 state average, indicating room for improvement. However, it remains a mid-tier performer within the state.

Health outcomes shine brightest

Scott County's health score of 77.2 is its strongest dimension, reflecting solid medical access and community wellness. Income is also relatively competitive, with a median household income of $76,363 among the highest in this county group.

Risk profile demands attention

The risk score of 15.1 is concerningly low, signaling potential environmental, economic, or safety vulnerabilities that warrant investigation. Housing costs are also elevated, with a median home value of $212,500 and median rent of $958/month—notably higher than peer counties.

Best for income-focused professionals

Scott County appeals to professionals and families with solid incomes who value health and wellness services. It's less ideal for budget shoppers but works well for those seeking urban amenities and higher earning potential despite higher costs.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax59.6Cost72.9SafetyComing SoonHealth77.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.2Risk15.1WaterComing Soon
🏛59.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Scott County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

DeSoto County
Florida
62.5
Median income: $50,868
Marion County
Florida
62.5
Median income: $58,535
Clarke County
Georgia
62.5
Median income: $52,267
McDonough County
Illinois
62.5
Median income: $50,434
Morgan County
Illinois
62.5
Median income: $65,175

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County taxes run above national average

Scott County's effective tax rate of 1.516% ranks in the upper half nationally, about 38% higher than the national median. At $3,221 in median annual property taxes, Scott homeowners pay nearly 20% more than the national median of $2,690.

Higher taxes across Iowa

Scott County ranks above the Iowa state average, with a 1.516% effective rate compared to the state's 1.344%. The median tax bill of $3,221 substantially exceeds the state median of $2,160, making it one of Iowa's pricier counties for property owners.

Scott County leads regional tax rates

Scott County's 1.516% rate is notably higher than most neighboring counties. Story County comes closest at 1.472%, but Sac County's 1.028% and Sioux County's 1.155% show the wide regional variation.

What homeowners actually pay here

A homeowner with a $212,500 median-valued home in Scott County pays approximately $3,221 annually in property taxes. That works out to about $268 per month—among the highest in Iowa.

Appeal if you believe you're overassessed

With property values fluctuating, many homeowners in higher-tax counties like Scott are paying based on inflated assessments. Requesting a reassessment or filing an appeal could lower your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County housing costs exceed national norms

Renters in Scott County spend 15.1% of income on housing, notably higher than the national average of 14.1%. At $958 per month, median rent reflects the county's role as Iowa's urban hub, with prices that rival metropolitan areas nationwide.

Priciest county in Iowa survey

Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% ranks as the highest burden among Iowa counties studied, exceeding the state average of 14.1%. Median rent of $958 runs $146 above Iowa's median, driven by demand in the Cedar Rapids metro area.

Urban premium shapes Scott County costs

Scott County's $958 rent significantly exceeds rural neighbors like Sac County ($643) and Shelby County ($810), reflecting urban and employment advantages. Home values of $212,500 also position Scott County as a premium market compared to surrounding agricultural counties.

Housing absorbs larger income share

Residents earning $76,363 median income dedicate 15.1% to rent or 18.8% to mortgage payments, leaving less discretionary income than state averages. The trade-off: access to Iowa's strongest job market and urban amenities justifies higher housing costs for many households.

Scott County: urban opportunity costs money

Moving to Scott County means paying more for housing than rural Iowa, but you gain access to the Cedar Rapids job market and urban services. Budget roughly 15% of income for rent; if career growth and city living justify that cost, Scott County remains Iowa's economic engine.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott outearns most of America

Scott County's median household income of $76,363 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 2%, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. This is rare strength for an Iowa county and reflects Scott's larger urban center and diverse economy.

Second-strongest in Iowa

Scott County ranks among Iowa's highest-earning counties at $76,363, roughly $6,500 above the state average of $69,830. Only Sioux County's $84,736 exceeds Scott's median household income among these eight counties.

Clear income leader in region

Scott County's $76,363 median significantly outpaces Shelby ($67,690), Tama ($67,955), Taylor ($67,279), and Union ($56,813) counties. Only Sioux County ($84,736) and Story County ($69,006) offer comparable or superior household earnings nearby.

Higher income meets higher costs

Scott County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% is moderate but higher than Sac or Taylor counties, reflecting higher rental and housing prices. At a median home value of $212,500—about 50% above Sac County—strong income is needed to maintain affordability.

Leverage Scott's income advantage

With household earnings above the national average, Scott County residents have genuine capacity for wealth-building through retirement savings, investment accounts, and real estate equity. The region's economic diversity also supports multiple income streams and career advancement opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Scott County

via HealthByCounty

Scott County life expectancy near national mark

Scott County residents live 77.5 years on average, just 1.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The 15.1% poor/fair health rate is slightly below the national average of 16%, indicating moderately good population health.

Slightly below Iowa health performance

At 77.5 years, Scott County's life expectancy is 0.2 years below Iowa's 77.7-year average. The county ranks in the middle tier of Iowa health outcomes, with performance comparable to the state baseline.

Strong provider access, moderate longevity

Scott County's 77.5-year life expectancy lags Story County (81.5 years) and Sioux County (82.6 years) but exceeds Taylor County (76.0 years). With 100 primary care providers per 100K, Scott County leads the region in physician access.

Best in region for mental health care

Scott County excels with 194 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far ahead of most neighboring counties and reflecting robust behavioral health infrastructure. The 5.8% uninsured rate matches the state average, and 100 primary care providers per 100K provide strong medical access.

Ensure your insurance coverage is current

Scott County's 5.8% uninsured rate means most residents have coverage, but a segment remains uninsured. Visit Healthcare.gov or speak with a local navigator to review your current plan and explore options if you're uninsured or underinsured.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County faces above-average disaster risk

Scott County's composite risk score of 84.89 earns a Relatively Moderate rating—more than double Iowa's state average of 39.68. This places it among higher-risk areas nationally and reflects significant exposure to multiple hazards.

Scott ranks among Iowa's riskiest counties

At 84.89, Scott County substantially exceeds the state average, putting it in Iowa's upper tier of natural disaster risk. Its risk profile stands out as notably higher than most other Iowa counties.

Scott faces steeper risks than neighbors

Scott County's 84.89 score dramatically exceeds nearby Story County (68.83) and Tama County (45.32). It emerges as the highest-risk county in its immediate region.

Floods and tornadoes top the threat list

Flood risk (88.42) and tornado risk (82.89) dominate Scott County's hazard profile, with wildfire (52.23) and earthquake (75.13) risks also elevated. The combination of water and wind threats makes Scott County's disaster preparedness unusually critical.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Scott County residents need flood insurance—a separate policy from standard homeowner's coverage—plus tornado and wind protection. Review your coverage annually and ensure your policy limits match your home's replacement cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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