countyscore
59.1
County Score
Health 89.8Income & Jobs 88.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Sioux County, Iowa

Solid Stability in a National Context

Sioux County posts a composite score of 59.1, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. It represents a strong example of Midwestern social and economic stability.

Competitive Within the State

The county exceeds the Iowa state average of 55.6, demonstrating resilience across most major livability metrics. It remains a top-tier choice for those settling in Northwest Iowa.

Wealth and Wellness Lead the Way

Excellent health and income scores of 89.8 and 88.3 drive the county's success. A high median household income of $84,736 supports a robust local standard of living.

Managing Rising Costs and Taxes

Affordability is a growing concern with a cost score of 34.0, as median home values have reached $235,600. The tax score of 27.7 also indicates a heavier burden than some state peers.

Best for High-Earning Families

Sioux County is ideal for professionals who value community safety and superior health outcomes. It is a great fit for those who can afford a premium for a stable environment.

2040608010027.73485.989.848.788.347.68643.3Tax27.7Cost34Safety85.9Health89.8Schools48.7Income88.3Risk47.6Water86Weather43.359.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Sioux County DNA

Foverall

How Sioux County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sioux County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (89.8/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (27.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
27.7-24.3
Cost
34-14
Safety
85.9+30.900000000000006
Health
89.8+39.8
Schools
48.7
Income
88.3+37.3
Risk
47.6
Water
86+28
Weather
43.3-12.700000000000003
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Many homeowners in Sioux County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$235,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$888/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$235,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,736/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Gallatin County
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Calvert County
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Nearby counties

Lincoln County
South Dakota
34.4
Lyon County
Iowa
65.1
Plymouth County
Iowa
47.3
Union County
South Dakota
51.5
Clay County
South Dakota
37.1
O'Brien County
Iowa
61.5
Rock County
Minnesota
70.7
Turner County
South Dakota
59.3

Deep Dives

Sioux County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sioux County

via TaxByCounty

Sioux County offers competitive tax rates

Sioux County's effective tax rate of 1.155% sits just slightly above the national median, placing it in the middle range nationally. The median property tax of $2,722 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite slightly lower home values.

Well below Iowa's state average

Sioux County's 1.155% rate is notably lower than Iowa's state average of 1.344%, saving homeowners money compared to the typical Iowa county. The median tax bill of $2,722 exceeds the state median of $2,160, but this reflects higher home values rather than higher rates.

Sioux offers good value in the region

Sioux County's 1.155% rate is lower than most nearby peers, including Tama County at 1.390% and Story County at 1.472%. Only Sac County's 1.028% rate is meaningfully lower in the immediate region.

What homeowners actually pay here

A homeowner with a $235,600 median-valued home in Sioux County pays approximately $2,722 annually in property taxes. That works out to about $227 per month—reasonable given the home values in the county.

Don't overlook assessment appeals

Even in fairly-taxed counties, assessments can drift above fair market value. Sioux County homeowners should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales and appeal if they believe their valuations are inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sioux County

via CostByCounty

Sioux County combines strong income and affordability

Sioux County renters spend just 12.6% of income on housing—better than the national average of 14.1%—while earning above-average wages of $84,736. This combination makes Sioux County one of Iowa's most financially comfortable counties for housing.

Best income relative to Iowa standard

With median household income of $84,736, Sioux County significantly outearns Iowa's typical household, and its 12.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.1%. This advantage reflects strong agricultural and manufacturing economies supporting family financial security.

Higher income offsets higher home prices

Though median home values of $235,600 rank highest among rural peers, Sioux County households earn substantially more—$84,736 versus $70,991 in Sac County. This income advantage allows residents to comfortably absorb higher housing costs while maintaining strong affordability ratios.

Highest earnings support housing stability

Sioux County residents earning $84,736 allocate just 12.6% to rent or 15.4% to mortgage payments, the most favorable balance in this survey. Their above-average income provides genuine financial cushion for housing, savings, and other priorities.

Sioux County: affordability through earning power

Moving to Sioux County means earning more and spending less of it on housing—a rare combination in rural Iowa. If you work in agriculture, food processing, or local manufacturing, Sioux County's strong job market and income levels make housing highly manageable despite premium home prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sioux County

via IncomeByCounty

Sioux County earns well above U.S. average

Sioux County's median household income of $84,736 ranks in the top tier nationally, exceeding the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 13%. This strong performance is exceptional for a rural Midwestern county and reflects robust agricultural and food-processing sectors.

Iowa's highest-earning county here

At $84,736, Sioux County leads all eight counties by a significant margin—about $15,000 above Iowa's state average of $69,830. Sioux consistently ranks among the top five highest-earning counties statewide.

Clear income leader among peers

Sioux County's $84,736 median far outpaces all seven comparison counties, with only Scott County ($76,363) coming within $8,000. Sioux's economic strength reflects concentrated agricultural production and agribusiness employment.

Higher income funds higher home values

Despite median home values of $235,600—among the highest in this group—Sioux County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% remains manageable. Strong household earnings make homeownership sustainable even at these price points.

Sioux's incomes enable serious wealth-building

Sioux County households can aggressively fund retirement accounts, college savings plans, and diversified investment portfolios while maintaining home equity. The combination of strong income and manageable housing costs creates substantial capital for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sioux County

via CrimeByCounty

Sioux County Sets a High Standard

Sioux County boasts an impressive 99.5 safety score, placing it well ahead of national trends. Its total crime rate of 315.5 per 100,000 is a mere fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Ranked Among Iowa’s Safest Counties

The county ranks as one of the safest in Iowa, with crime rates far below the state average of 1,095.3. Five different reporting agencies coordinate to keep these figures consistently low for the community.

Safe Even by Regional Standards

Sioux County maintains a much lower crime profile than many of its neighbors in Northwest Iowa. Its violent crime rate of 67.0 is nearly four times lower than the national average of 369.8.

Violent Incidents Remain Extremely Rare

Property crime accounts for 248.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains rare at just 67.0. Residents are statistically unlikely to experience violent incidents given these very low frequencies.

Community Effort Keeps Sioux Safe

Maintaining such a high safety score is a community-wide effort. Simple home security habits, such as locking vehicles and garages, help prevent the minor property crimes that do occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sioux County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of Five Districts

Sioux County features a robust educational network of 17 public schools serving 5,374 students. Five distinct school districts manage these facilities, which include eight elementary schools and five high schools. The county provides a wide range of options for families across several growing communities.

Competitive Spending and Steady Results

The graduation rate in Sioux County stands at 88.6%, which is slightly above the national average of 87.0% but below the Iowa state average. Schools are supported by an investment of $7,630 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $7,591. The overall school score of 54.2 remains competitive within the region.

Sioux Center and MOC-Floyd Valley Stand Out

Sioux Center Community School District is the largest with 1,579 students, closely followed by MOC-Floyd Valley with 1,489. These two districts manage eight schools combined, representing the bulk of the county's enrollment. There are no charter schools, keeping the educational focus squarely on local public districts.

Town-Based Schools with a Rural Reach

The locale mix includes 10 schools in town settings and 7 in rural areas, reflecting the county's cluster of vibrant municipalities. Average enrollment per school is 316, with Sioux Center High School being the largest at 495 students. This creates an environment where schools are large enough for diverse programming but small enough for individual recognition.

Vibrant Communities for Families

Sioux County's mix of growing towns and strong public schools creates a compelling case for homebuyers. Proximity to districts like Sioux Center or Rock Valley is often a major factor in local real estate decisions. Explore the area's diverse housing options near these reputable school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sioux County

via RiskByCounty

Sioux County's risk approaches national average

Sioux County's composite risk score of 52.39 with a Relatively Low rating sits modestly above the national average. While not alarming, it signals moderate exposure to natural hazards across multiple categories.

Sioux ranks in Iowa's middle tier

At 52.39, Sioux County exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of the state's risk profile. Several Iowa counties pose lower risks, while others face considerably steeper hazards.

Sioux ranks higher than adjacent counties

Sioux County's 52.39 score exceeds neighboring Sac County (27.29) and approaches Story County (68.83). It represents a moderate risk level for northwestern Iowa.

Tornadoes and floods demand attention

Tornado risk (79.36) and flood risk (49.46) drive Sioux County's hazard profile, with wildfire (39.66) presenting a secondary concern. The combination of strong wind and water threats requires active preparedness.

Ensure flood and wind coverage

Sioux County residents should verify their homeowner's policies include tornado and wind protection, and consider flood insurance given the moderate flood risk. Review your policy limits and update coverage after major home improvements.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sioux County

via WaterByCounty

Superior Drinking Water Performance

Sioux County maintains a perfect A grade with no health violations reported in the last five years. Its 0.0 violation rate far exceeds the state performance average of 25.9 per 100,000 people.

Watershed Status Data Pending Assessment

Water bodies in this county are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment cycle. Until these assessments occur, the county lacks a official record of failing or attaining water bodies.

Concentrated Monitoring at 5 Key Sites

Despite having only 5 sites, the county has recorded ,1817 measurements over five years. Scientists focus their efforts on tracking nutrients, organics, pesticides, and physical water characteristics.

Rock River Flows Near Normal Levels

The primary gauge near Rock Valley reports a discharge of 501 cfs, representing 82% of its typical flow. This river drains a massive 1,592 square mile area, maintaining relatively steady volume for the region.

Support Healthy Agricultural Practices

Excellent compliance records should be paired with awareness of local nutrient and pesticide monitoring results. Since the Rock River is a major drainage point, maintaining buffer zones helps protect this high-quality water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sioux County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Drier Sioux County Climate

Sioux County averages 47.4°F annually, which is significantly cooler than the national median temperature. Its position in the northwest makes it a drier-than-average representative of the continental climate zone.

A Chillier Notch on the State Map

The county's 47.4°F annual average is lower than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It represents the cooler, wind-swept northern tier of the state where winters hold a stronger grip.

One of Iowa’s Driest Counties

With only 29.4 inches of annual precipitation, Sioux County is much drier than the state average of 36.1 inches. This 6.7-inch deficit distinguishes it from the rainier counties in eastern Iowa.

Extreme Heat Days and Snowy Winters

Despite its northern location, the county faces 21 days of heat over 90°F each summer. Winters are rigorous, featuring a January average of 17.7°F and 31.6 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Wide Temperature Extremes

Residents need high-efficiency cooling to handle the 21 days of extreme summer heat. Winter readiness is equally critical, as the county receives more snow than most of its southern neighbors.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sioux County

via SoilByCounty

Sioux County's Sweet Soil Profile

Sioux County soil features a pH of 6.61, which is slightly more alkaline than both the national median and the Iowa average. This 'sweet' soil is excellent for nutrient availability, particularly for legumes and grasses.

A Solid Silt and Clay Mix

The composition is 51.5% silt and 26.1% clay, providing a sturdy structure for agricultural machinery. The 21.1% sand fraction ensures that the soil remains workable and doesn't turn into a solid block when dry.

Reliable Organic Matter and Moisture

Organic matter sits at a healthy 3.51%, nearing the state average of 3.81% and easily beating national figures. The water capacity of 0.201 inches per inch is slightly above the state norm, ensuring steady growth.

Balanced Hydrology for Deep Roots

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the silt-heavy profile typically supports deep root systems. Proper field management is key to preventing erosion in these fine-textured Northwest Iowa soils.

Success in Hardiness Zone 5a

The 5a hardiness zone is perfect for cereal grains and cool-weather vegetables like kale and peas. This soil's natural alkalinity makes it a prime candidate for a thriving home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sioux County

via LawnByCounty

Sioux County Faces Greater Lawn Challenges

At 58.5, Sioux County has one of the lower lawn difficulty scores in Iowa, sitting well below the state average of 77.2. While still above the national median, the local 5a hardiness zone presents tougher conditions for traditional turf. Maintaining a green lawn here requires more effort and attention to environmental stressors.

Drier Air and Intense Summer Heat

Sioux County receives just 29.4 inches of rain annually, which is below the state average and the ideal 30-inch threshold for lawns. Compounding this is a high count of 21 extreme heat days, significantly more than the Iowa average of 16. These factors create a challenging environment where grass can quickly dry out and turn brown.

Stable Soil with Proper Acidity

The soil pH of 6.61 is nearly perfect for lawn health, ensuring that fertilizers are effective. The texture includes 26.1% clay and 21.1% sand, offering a decent balance of drainage and water storage. While specific drainage data is unavailable, the balanced texture usually prevents the extreme compaction found in heavier clay soils.

Persistent Drought Requires Smart Watering

Drought is a major factor here, with 100.0% of the county currently abnormally dry after 38 weeks of drought in the past year. This persistent lack of moisture makes drought-resistant grass choices and irrigation systems essential for survival. Homeowners should prioritize deep root growth through infrequent but heavy watering cycles.

Select Tough Grass for a Hard Zone

Given the 5a zone and May 1 last frost date, hardy varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass or heat-tolerant Tall Fescue are recommended. The short season ends with a frost around October 4, leaving a narrow window for fall recovery. Starting your lawn projects in late August gives the grass the best chance to survive the harsh local winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sioux County's county score?
Sioux County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Sioux County rank among counties in Iowa?
Sioux County ranks #46 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 Sioux County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Sioux County is $2,722, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Sioux County a tax score of 27.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sioux County?
The median household income in Sioux County, Iowa is $84,736 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sioux County earns an income score of 88.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sioux County, Iowa a good place to live?
Sioux County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Sioux 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 Sioux County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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