countyscore
37.2
County Score
Health 81.7Lawn Care 80.6Income & Jobs 79

County Report Card

About Scott County, Iowa

Urban Trade-offs in a National View

Scott County’s composite score of 37.2 falls below the national median of 50.0. While it offers urban amenities, it faces higher livability hurdles than many American peers.

Trailing the Iowa Average

At 37.2, Scott County sits well below the Iowa state average of 55.6. Higher living costs and safety concerns contribute to this lower relative ranking within the state.

High Earnings and Healthcare Access

The county boasts a strong income score of 79.0, supported by a median household income of $76,363. Public health also remains a major strength with a score of 81.7.

Navigating Safety and Costs

Safety and natural risk are significant challenges, scoring 8.7 and 15.1 respectively. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 1.516% places a higher financial burden on property owners.

Suited for High-Earning Professionals

This county is best for career-oriented individuals who prioritize income potential and healthcare. It suits those comfortable with urban dynamics and higher cost structures.

Score breakdown

Tax12.2Cost26.1Safety8.7Health81.7Schools52.8Income79Risk15.1Water68.2Weather53.4
🏛12.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡8.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤53.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨69.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.6
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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36.7
Clinton County
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38.7
Henry County
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50.3
Muscatine County
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Mercer County
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Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Crime Rates in an Urban Hub

Scott County reports a total crime rate of 2,906.2 per 100,000 residents, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these figures, it maintains a safety score of 95.4 out of 100.

Comparing Scott County to the Iowa Average

With a total crime rate significantly higher than the Iowa average of 1,095.3, the county faces more challenges than many of its rural peers. Eight local reporting agencies track these incidents to keep the public informed.

A Major Regional Center for Activity

The crime rate sits higher than nearby rural counties, largely due to urban density within the Quad Cities area. Compared to Iowa's average violent crime rate of 216.5, Scott County's rate of 450.9 reflects its status as a major regional hub.

Property Crime Dominates Local Data

Property crimes dominate the local landscape at 2,455.3 per 100,000 residents, while violent crimes occur at a rate of 450.9. This means property theft is roughly five times more common than violent incidents in the community.

Vigilance and Security for Scott Residents

Residents should remain proactive regarding home security given the higher property crime rates. Simple steps like motion-sensor lighting and smart locks help deter the thefts that make up the bulk of local reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Urban and Suburban System

Scott County supports a massive educational network of 52 public schools serving 27,216 students across four districts. The system is diverse, featuring 34 elementary schools and 7 high schools. It represents one of the most comprehensive school infrastructures in the state.

Academic Success in a Large System

Scott County reports a 90.6% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but trails the Iowa state average of 92.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,432, slightly below the state average of $7,591 and much lower than the national benchmark of $13,000. Despite these tighter budgets, the county maintains a competitive school score of 54.8.

Davenport and Pleasant Valley Lead the Way

The Davenport Community School District is the county's powerhouse, overseeing 30 schools and 13,744 students. Pleasant Valley Community School District follows with 5,651 students and eight schools. No charter schools currently operate in the county, meaning traditional districts manage all public enrollment.

From Big City Highs to Rural Classrooms

Scott County offers a varied mix of 26 city schools, 15 suburban schools, and 11 rural schools. Large facilities like Pleasant Valley High School serve 1,658 students, while the countywide average school size is 523. This diversity allows families to choose between high-energy urban environments and quieter suburban settings.

Find Your Fit in Scott County

With over 50 schools to choose from, families can find a home near large, resource-rich high schools or smaller neighborhood elementary buildings. School quality remains a primary driver of property values in the Quad Cities area. Explore how these diverse districts can fit your family's educational goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

Scott County Faces a Temperate Continental Climate

The county averages 50.3°F annually, which is warmer than the state average but still trails the national median. It sits in a transitional zone where Midwest cold meets slightly more temperate southern influences.

A Warmer Pocket in the Hawkeye State

At 50.3°F, Scott County is notably warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It ranks among the warmer counties in the state due to its southern and eastern location along the Mississippi River.

Standard Precipitation for the Region

Scott County receives 36.6 inches of precipitation annually, which closely mirrors the Iowa state average of 36.1 inches. This consistent moisture supports the lush landscapes typical of the Quad Cities area.

Warm Summers and Chilly Riverfront Winters

July brings an average temperature of 74.6°F and 16 days of extreme heat reaching above 90°F. January averages a cold 22.1°F, though specific local snowfall data is currently unavailable in the records.

Prioritize Cooling and Humidity Control

With 16 days of extreme heat and warm 72.9°F summer averages, efficient HVAC systems are a priority for residents. Outdoor planning should account for a July peak that is warmer than much of northern Iowa.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Loamy Mollisols of the Mississippi Valley

Scott County is dominated by Mollisols, the deep, dark prairie soils famous for their productivity. The average pH of 6.36 is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 median but remains well within the optimal range for Iowa crops.

Heavy Silt with Loam Texture

The soil contains 56.2% silt and 22.9% clay, creating a classic loamy texture that is easy to till. This high silt concentration allows for excellent root penetration while 20.9% sand helps prevent excessive compaction.

Moderate Fertility and Water Access

Organic matter levels sit at 2.77%, which is lower than the Iowa average of 3.81% but still above the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.190 inches per inch means the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state benchmark.

Moderately Well Drained Foundations

Classified as moderately well drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils move water at a steady pace. This makes the land suitable for both large-scale agriculture and residential basement construction with standard precautions.

Bountiful Growth in Zone 5b

The slightly warmer 5b hardiness zone allows for a longer growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and melons. Start your seeds early to take full advantage of these historic prairie soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

Scott County Lawns Outpace the State

With a high difficulty score of 80.6, Scott County is one of the easier places in the country to maintain a lush lawn. This score exceeds both the national median and the Iowa state average of 77.2. The local 5b hardiness zone offers a slightly longer and warmer season for grass to flourish.

Ample Rainfall for Greener Grass

The county receives 36.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average and perfect for reducing irrigation needs. There are 3,302 growing degree days, providing plenty of warmth for active turf growth. However, 16 extreme heat days per year mean your lawn might need extra hydration during the peak of July.

Rich Loam and Steady Drainage

Scott County features moderately well-drained loam soil, which is often considered the gold standard for residential turf. The 6.36 soil pH is highly favorable, and a balanced mix of 22.9% clay and 20.9% sand ensures both water retention and oxygen flow. Minimal amendments are typically needed to keep this soil foundation productive.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 100.0% of Scott County is classified as abnormally dry, following 15 weeks of drought over the last year. Even with high annual rainfall, these dry stretches can stress grass that isn't properly established. Residents should practice water conservation by mowing at higher heights to shade the soil and retain moisture.

Take Advantage of a Long Season

In zone 5b, cool-season blends like Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue perform exceptionally well. Plan your spring projects for after April 23, as the first fall frost doesn't typically arrive until October 25. This late frost date gives Scott County residents one of the longest fall seeding windows in the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Iowa has a composite county score of 37.2 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 Scott County rank among counties in Iowa?
Scott County ranks #95 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 Scott County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $3,221, with an effective tax rate of 1.52%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 12.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Iowa is $76,363 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 79/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Iowa a good place to live?
Scott County scores 37.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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