countyscore
46.9
County Score
Health 95.7Lawn Care 83.6Soil Quality 74.3

County Report Card

About Story County, Iowa

Near the National Median

Story County earns a 46.9 composite score, landing just slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it offers elite services, high costs impact its overall ranking.

Below the State Average

At 46.9, the county sits below the Iowa state average of 55.6. The presence of a major university drives up local housing costs compared to more traditional rural counties.

World-Class Healthcare and Schools

Healthcare is a major asset with a stellar score of 95.7, alongside a strong school score of 69.5. These services provide a high level of support for resident well-being.

High Costs and Tax Pressures

Housing affordability is the primary challenge, evidenced by a 21.3 cost score and $1,019 median rent. Taxes are also high, with a 14.1 score and a 1.472% effective rate.

A Choice for Academic Professionals

This county is a top pick for those who prioritize access to top-tier health and education services. It suits residents willing to pay higher taxes and rent for superior amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax14.1Cost21.3Safety38.8Health95.7Schools69.5Income64.2Risk31.2Water66.8Weather50
🏛14.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡38.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤95.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.6
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Story County?

Many homeowners in Story County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Story County with Talladega County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Talladega County
Alabama
Median income: $56,249
46.9
Stephens County
Georgia
Median income: $52,264
46.9
St. Helena Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $50,193
46.9
West Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $87,320
46.9
Montgomery County
Maryland
Median income: $128,733
46.9
Pine County
Minnesota
Median income: $69,666
46.9
Cherokee County
North Carolina
Median income: $51,496
46.9
Franklin County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $74,946
46.9

Nearby counties

Marshall County
Iowa
42
Boone County
Iowa
57.8
Hardin County
Iowa
48.1
Hamilton County
Iowa
57.6
Polk County
Iowa
36.6
Jasper County
Iowa
54.1
Dallas County
Iowa
42
Grundy County
Iowa
69.1

Deep Dives

Story County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Story County

via TaxByCounty

Story County taxes rank among Iowa's highest

Story County's effective tax rate of 1.472% sits well above the national median of 1.1%, putting it in the top quartile nationally. The median property tax of $3,586 runs 33% above the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest tax burden in Iowa

Story County ranks among the most heavily taxed in Iowa, with a 1.472% effective rate well above the state average of 1.344%. The median tax bill of $3,586 significantly exceeds the state median of $2,160, making it one of the priciest counties for property owners.

Story County leads the regional tax race

Story County's 1.472% rate is the highest in its region, edging out Scott County's 1.516%—though Scott's higher home values mean similar total burdens. All neighboring counties including Tama, Shelby, and Sioux have meaningfully lower rates.

What homeowners actually pay here

A homeowner with a $243,600 median-valued home in Story County pays approximately $3,586 annually in property taxes. That works out to nearly $299 per month—the highest in the region.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

Story County's elevated tax rates make assessment accuracy especially important. If you believe your home is overvalued on the tax rolls, filing an appeal could yield significant savings on your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Story County

via CostByCounty

Story County renters face affordability squeeze

Story County renters spend 17.7% of income on housing—the highest burden documented here—versus the national average of 14.1%. At $1,019 monthly, median rent reflects the county's college-town dynamics and limited rental supply relative to demand.

Iowa's most expensive rental market

Story County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Iowa's 14.1% average, making it the least affordable county in this survey. Median rent of $1,019 towers $207 above Iowa's typical, driven by Iowa State University's presence and concentrated student housing demand.

College town pricing pattern

Story County's $1,019 rent far exceeds nearby Sac County ($643) and Tama County ($865), with home values of $243,600 also topping regional peers. The college-town premium reflects unique demand dynamics that distinguish Story from surrounding agricultural counties.

Housing consumes largest income share

On $69,006 median income, Story County residents dedicate 17.7% to rent or 21.6% to mortgage payments—the highest allocations in this analysis. This leaves considerably less for other expenses, creating financial strain compared to state and national averages.

Story County demands careful budgeting

Consider Story County only if job opportunities justify the housing cost premium—roughly one-fifth of income versus the state average of 14%. The trade-off: access to Iowa State jobs and amenities comes with genuine affordability challenge that requires strategic household budgeting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Story County

via IncomeByCounty

Story County income meets national average

Story County's median household income of $69,006 falls about 7.6% below the national median of $74,755. However, Story's presence as a college town with Iowa State University boosts overall earnings compared to purely rural counties.

Slightly below Iowa average

Story County's $69,006 median household income sits about $820 below Iowa's state average of $69,830. This near-parity reflects the county's mixed economy of university employment, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Mid-tier earnings in regional context

Story County's $69,006 income exceeds Taylor ($67,279), Tama ($67,955), Shelby ($67,690), and Union ($56,813) but trails Sac ($70,991), Scott ($76,363), and Sioux ($84,736). Story's presence as a college hub differentiates it from purely agricultural neighbors.

Higher homes, higher housing costs

Story County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% is the highest among these eight counties, driven by median home values of $243,600—reflecting Iowa State's presence and demand. Strong income growth is necessary to maintain housing affordability here.

Education investment pays long-term dividends

Story County's university presence creates unique pathways to higher earnings through education and advanced degrees. Residents should prioritize workforce development and skills training while building emergency savings to offset higher housing costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Story County

via CrimeByCounty

Story County Outperforms National Trends

Story County earns a strong 97.8 safety score, reflecting a total crime rate of 1,394.9 per 100,000 residents. This rate remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Local Safety in a University Hub

The county's crime rate sits slightly above the Iowa state average of 1,095.3, likely due to its high-density student population in Ames. Six reporting agencies work together to manage public safety across the metropolitan area.

Stronger Safety Than Most Urban Areas

Story County experiences higher property crime rates than its more rural neighbors, typical for a university center. However, its violent crime rate of 174.5 is notably lower than the Iowa state average of 216.5.

Property Concerns Over Violent Crime

Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at a rate of 1,220.4 per 100,000 people. Violent crime remains relatively infrequent, staying well below both state and national benchmarks.

Focus on Personal Property Security

Since property crime is the most common local issue, residents should focus on securing valuables like bikes and electronics. Installing a video doorbell is a practical way to discourage porch theft in busy residential neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Story County

via HealthByCounty

Story County leads Iowa in life expectancy

At 81.5 years, Story County residents live 2.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Just 13.4% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among all eight counties—indicating exceptional population wellness.

Iowa's second-healthiest county

Story County's 81.5-year life expectancy exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year average by 3.8 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The 4.6% uninsured rate is the lowest in the state and well below Iowa's 5.7% average, showing excellent coverage.

Rivals Sioux County's exceptional health

Story County's 81.5-year life expectancy trails only Sioux County (82.6 years) among the eight counties studied. The 13.4% poor/fair health rate is the best in the region, and the 4.6% uninsured rate surpasses all neighbors.

Top-tier mental health access, strong coverage

Story County boasts 265 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest concentration of behavioral health professionals in the eight-county region. With 64 primary care providers per 100K and just 4.6% uninsured, Story County residents have exceptional access to both physical and mental healthcare.

Story County leads on health insurance

At 4.6%, Story County's uninsured rate is the lowest among the eight counties, reflecting strong community enrollment in health plans. If you're among the small percentage without coverage, visit Healthcare.gov to explore marketplace and Medicaid options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Story County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Education in a College County

Story County hosts 26 public schools across seven districts, serving a large student body of 11,679. The infrastructure is anchored by 14 elementary schools and 7 high schools. This extensive system reflects the county's role as a major educational hub in Iowa.

High Graduation Rates and Smart Spending

The county achieves a 95.2% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 92.3%. Interestingly, this high performance is maintained with a per-pupil spend of $7,393, which is below the state and national averages. A school score of 57.1 confirms that Story County schools are delivering high-quality education efficiently.

Ames Leads a Seven-District System

The Ames Community School District is the largest, managing 4,645 students across eight schools. Other major players include the Ballard and Gilbert districts, which serve nearly 3,500 students combined. No charter schools currently operate in the county, with all public students attending traditional district schools.

A True Mix of City and Rural Life

Story County offers a unique locale diversity with 10 rural schools, 8 city schools, and 6 town-based schools. While the average school size is 449, Ames High School is the largest with 1,403 students. This variety allows families to choose between large-scale urban high schools and smaller rural elementary programs.

Education-First Living in Story County

With a high graduation rate and the presence of a major university nearby, education is at the heart of Story County's identity. Homebuyers often prioritize the top-rated Ames or Gilbert districts when searching for properties. Consider these high-performing school zones as you look for your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Story County

via RiskByCounty

Story County faces above-average risk

Story County's composite risk score of 68.83 with a Relatively Low rating exceeds the national average, indicating moderate exposure to multiple natural hazards. This places it in the higher half of U.S. counties by risk.

Story ranks in Iowa's upper tier

At 68.83, Story County significantly exceeds Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. Only Scott County and a few others face comparable or steeper disaster threats.

Story faces steeper risks than most neighbors

Story County's 68.83 score exceeds Tama County (45.32), Sioux County (52.39), and Taylor County (38.49) substantially. Only Scott County in the region rivals its elevated risk profile.

Tornadoes and floods lead the threats

Tornado risk (91.35) ranks among Iowa's highest, while flood risk (69.15) adds significant exposure. Together, these two hazards drive Story County's relatively elevated overall risk score.

Prioritize tornado and flood protection

Story County residents should ensure robust tornado and wind coverage in their homeowner's policies, plus serious consideration of flood insurance. A basement shelter or reinforced safe room can provide crucial protection during severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Story County

via WeatherByCounty

Story County Mirrors Central Iowa Averages

Story County maintains an annual average temperature of 48.1°F, placing it well below the national median. This climate is defined by cold winters and warm, humid summers typical of the Midwest.

The Definition of Iowa Weather

Story County's 48.1°F average is almost identical to the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It serves as a perfect meteorological baseline for what to expect across the state.

Typical Precipitation Levels for the Heartland

The county receives 36.4 inches of precipitation annually, matching the state average of 36.1 inches almost exactly. It avoids the dryness of western Iowa and the heavier rains seen in the southeast.

Consistent Snowfall and Moderate Heat

January temperatures average 19.0°F while July sees a warm 73.2°F. The county averages 29.5 inches of snow and 14 days where the thermometer tops 90°F.

Balanced Seasonal Maintenance is Key

With nearly 30 inches of snow and two weeks of 90°F heat, residents must maintain both heating and cooling systems. The moderate July average of 73.2°F suggests a mix of active outdoor days and heat-safety awareness.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Story County

via SoilByCounty

Alkaline Soils in the Heartland

Story County features a pH of 6.66, trending slightly more alkaline than the state average of 6.43. This chemical balance is generally favorable for most traditional Iowa crops and garden vegetables.

Surprisingly High Sand Content

At 42.1% sand, this soil is much grittier than many of its neighbors, which usually feature higher silt. This high sand fraction improves drainage and makes the soil warm up faster in the spring.

Rich in Life, Low on Storage

The organic matter is a robust 4.89%, well above the state average, but the sandier texture results in a lower water capacity of 0.187 inches per inch. You get incredible nutrient richness but may need to water more frequently during heatwaves.

Fast-Warming, Free-Draining Ground

The sandy composition suggests these soils drain quickly compared to the state's heavier clay regions. This makes Story County an excellent location for construction and early-season planting.

Early Starts in Zone 5b

The 5b zone and sandy texture mean you can often get into the garden earlier than your neighbors. Focus on high-value crops that appreciate the rich organic matter and well-aerated soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Story County

via LawnByCounty

Story County Leads in Lawn Ease

Story County features an impressive lawn difficulty score of 83.6, the highest in this group and well above the Iowa average. Located in hardiness zone 5b, the county offers an exceptionally friendly environment for residential turf. This high score suggests that even novice gardeners can achieve professional results here.

Optimal Rainfall and Cooler Summers

With 36.4 inches of annual precipitation, the county meets the ideal moisture requirements for healthy grass. The 14 extreme heat days are lower than the state average, meaning the grass faces less thermal stress during July and August. These conditions reduce the need for constant supplemental watering and intensive summer maintenance.

Sandy Soil for Superior Drainage

Story County soil is unique for the region, containing a high 42.1% sand content alongside 22.5% clay. This mix typically provides excellent drainage, though it may require more frequent fertilization as nutrients can leach through sand more quickly. The 6.66 pH is almost ideal, facilitating easy nutrient absorption for all common grass types.

Low Drought Risk for Story Lawns

The county experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, though 43.7% of the area is currently abnormally dry. This recent history of consistent moisture gives Story County lawns a major head start in resilience and health. Simple monitoring of current dry patches is likely all that is needed to maintain a lush appearance.

Long Growing Season in Central Iowa

A last frost date of April 26 and a first fall frost on October 12 provide a generous window for lawn activities. Zone 5b is perfect for high-quality cool-season blends that benefit from the county's superior drainage. Late April is an excellent time to start spring overseeding for a dense, weed-resistant lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Story County's county score?
Story County, Iowa has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Story County rank among counties in Iowa?
Story County ranks #78 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 Story County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Story County is $3,586, with an effective tax rate of 1.47%. This earns Story County a tax score of 14.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Story County?
The median household income in Story County, Iowa is $69,006 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Story County earns an income score of 64.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Story County, Iowa a good place to live?
Story County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Story 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 Story 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.