CountyScore

Story County

Iowa · IA

#89 in Iowa
64.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Story County, Iowa

Story County outperforms national average

Story County's composite score of 64.6 beats the national median of 50.0 by nearly 30%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. This reflects a livable community that works well by national standards.

Moderately below Iowa's average

At 64.6, Story County trails Iowa's 69.3 state average by about 5 points, suggesting it's a solid but middle-of-the-pack performer within Iowa. There's room for improvement relative to the state's best counties.

Exceptional health and wellness profile

Story County's health score of 83.1 is the highest in this county group, reflecting outstanding healthcare and wellness services. This strength is significant for families prioritizing medical access and community health.

Low income and rising housing costs

The income score of 28.4 with a median household income of $69,006 is among the lowest in this group, paired with the highest median rent of $1,019/month and a median home value of $243,600. This creates affordability pressure despite lower tax rates.

Best for health-conscious professionals

Story County appeals to professionals, students, and families prioritizing health and wellness who can manage higher housing costs on moderate incomes. It's less ideal for those seeking maximum affordability but excellent for those valuing top-tier healthcare and community services.

Score breakdown

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

Tax60.9Cost71SafetyComing SoonHealth83.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.4Risk31.2WaterComing Soon
🏛60.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤83.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡31.2
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 Story County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Crittenden County
Arkansas
64.6
Median income: $54,271
Walton County
Georgia
64.6
Median income: $82,381
Marshall County
Iowa
64.6
Median income: $72,785
Muscatine County
Iowa
64.6
Median income: $69,512
Androscoggin County
Maine
64.6
Median income: $67,298

Deep Dives

Story County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.