countyscore
64.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 85.8Lawn Care 81.4

County Report Card

About Taylor County, Iowa

A National Standout

Taylor County earns an impressive 64.2 composite score, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights it as an exceptionally livable rural area.

Exceeding Iowa’s Average

With a 64.2 score, the county is well ahead of the Iowa average of 55.6. It offers a combination of safety and value that is difficult to find elsewhere in the state.

Safety and Remarkable Affordability

The county shines in safety (85.8) and affordability (71.3). A median home value of $109,700 makes the dream of homeownership very attainable for most families.

Income and Tax Barriers

Income levels are a relative weakness, with a score of 59.6 and a $67,279 median. The tax score of 25.1 also suggests a higher burden than the national norm.

Best for First-Time Homebuyers

This county is a dream for young families looking to maximize their safety and savings. It offers an excellent quality of life for those with stable local or remote employment.

Score breakdown

Tax25.1Cost71.3Safety85.8Health68.4Schools61.8Income59.6Risk61.5Water86Weather48.4
🏛25.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.4
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

Worth County
Missouri
59.2
Nodaway County
Missouri
50.3
Page County
Iowa
52.7
Ringgold County
Iowa
60.8
Adams County
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Union County
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Montgomery County
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Gentry County
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Deep Dives

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Taylor County

via TaxByCounty

Taylor County offers attractive tax rates

Taylor County's effective tax rate of 1.212% sits just slightly above the national median of 1.1%, offering reasonable tax burden compared to the nation. The median property tax of $1,329 runs just 51% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting significantly lower home values in the county.

Below Iowa's state average rate

Taylor County's 1.212% effective rate is noticeably lower than Iowa's state average of 1.344%, saving homeowners money compared to the typical Iowa county. The median tax bill of $1,329 is also well below the state median of $2,160.

Among the most affordable in the region

Taylor County's 1.212% rate is lower than most regional peers, beaten only by Sac County's 1.028%. It sits well below Tama County's 1.390% and Story County's 1.472%.

What homeowners actually pay here

A homeowner with a $109,700 median-valued home in Taylor County pays approximately $1,329 annually in property taxes. That's just $111 per month—among the most affordable in Iowa.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, assessments should be checked for accuracy. If you believe your home is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales in Taylor County, you can appeal for a potential reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Taylor County

via CostByCounty

Taylor County offers national-leading affordability

Taylor County renters spend just 12.6% of income on housing, matching Sioux County as the best performance against the national average of 14.1%. At $707 monthly, median rent ranks among Iowa's lowest, delivering genuine relief for cost-conscious households.

Among Iowa's most affordable counties

Taylor County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average of 14.1%, placing it in Iowa's affordability elite. Median rent of $707 runs $105 below Iowa's median, making Taylor County a standout for renters prioritizing low costs.

Competitive with most affordable rural peers

Taylor County's $707 rent nearly matches Sac County ($643) and beats Shelby ($810) and Tama ($865) substantially. Median home values of $109,700—lowest in this survey—reinforce Taylor County's status as a genuine affordability destination.

Housing takes modest income share

With median income of $67,279, Taylor County residents allocate just 12.6% to rent or 13.8% to mortgage payments, providing exceptional financial flexibility. This leaves substantially more income for savings, investments, and living expenses compared to state norms.

Taylor County maximizes housing affordability

If affordability is your top priority, Taylor County delivers both lowest rents and lowest home values in this Iowa survey. At $707 monthly rent and exceptional cost ratios, Taylor County enables maximum household financial flexibility—ideal for those relocating to stretch every dollar.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taylor County

via IncomeByCounty

Taylor's income significantly below national

Taylor County's median household income of $67,279 falls approximately 10% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap is among the largest in this group, reflecting Taylor's rural character and limited economic diversification.

Well below Iowa average

Taylor County's $67,279 median household income trails Iowa's state average of $69,830 by roughly $2,550. Taylor ranks in the lower half of Iowa's 99 counties for household earnings.

Lower earnings among comparison counties

Taylor County's $67,279 income exceeds only Union County ($56,813) among these eight counties. Tama ($67,955), Shelby ($67,690), and Story ($69,006) all earn slightly more, while Sac, Scott, and Sioux significantly outpace Taylor.

Most affordable homes in the group

Taylor County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% and median home value of $109,700 are the lowest among these eight counties, making homeownership highly accessible. This affordability advantage is Taylor's strongest economic asset.

Leverage affordability for financial growth

Taylor County's exceptionally low housing costs allow households to redirect income toward savings, debt reduction, and investments. Residents should prioritize building emergency funds and exploring first-time homebuyer programs to lock in affordable housing equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taylor County

via CrimeByCounty

Taylor County Ranks High for Safety

Taylor County achieves a 99.5 safety score, with a total crime rate of 321.1 per 100,000 residents. This performance is exceptional compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Small-Town Safety with High Rankings

The county is one of Iowa's safest, though residents should note that data comes from only one reporting agency. Its current crime rate is roughly one-third of the Iowa state average.

A Quiet Profile in Southern Iowa

Taylor County maintains a much quieter profile than larger neighboring jurisdictions. Its property crime rate of 253.5 is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Analyzing Local Crime Incident Types

Local data shows a violent crime rate of 67.6 and a property crime rate of 253.5 per 100,000 residents. These low figures suggest a community where crime is the exception rather than the rule.

Staying Safe in a Secure County

Even with low crime rates, basic home security remains a smart investment. Simple deterrents like deadbolts and well-lit entryways help ensure Taylor County stays at the top of the safety rankings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Taylor County

via HealthByCounty

Taylor County faces longevity crisis

At 76.0 years, Taylor County residents live 2.9 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—the lowest among all eight counties. With 16.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county struggles with population health outcomes.

Iowa's lowest life expectancy county

Taylor County's 76.0-year life expectancy is 1.7 years below Iowa's 77.7-year average and the lowest in the entire state among these counties. This represents a significant health deficit compared to state norms.

Severe health disadvantage versus neighbors

Taylor County's 76.0-year life expectancy lags all neighboring counties, trailing Story County (81.5 years) by 5.5 years and Sioux County (82.6 years) by 6.6 years. The county also has the region's lowest access to mental health providers at just 17 per 100K.

Provider shortage compounds health crisis

Taylor County has 51 primary care providers per 100K—above Tama County but below most neighbors—yet only 17 mental health providers per 100K, the region's lowest. The 6.7% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties, leaving vulnerable residents without healthcare access.

Urgent: secure health insurance now

Taylor County's 6.7% uninsured rate—the highest in the eight-county region—combined with limited provider access, makes insurance critical. Contact Healthcare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 immediately to explore Medicaid and marketplace options and connect with available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Taylor County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Lean and Focused Rural System

Taylor County maintains a very concentrated school system with only four public schools across two districts. These schools serve 1,055 students through two elementary schools and two high schools. It is one of the smallest school infrastructures in the state of Iowa.

Strong Outcomes with High Graduation Rates

The county achieves a 92.8% graduation rate, exceeding both state and national benchmarks. This success is managed with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,416, which is slightly below the Iowa average of $7,591. The county's school score of 55.9 is nearly identical to the state average, showing high efficiency.

Bedford and Lenox Districts Drive Success

Education is split almost evenly between the Bedford Community School District (535 students) and the Lenox Community School District (520 students). These two districts manage all public education for the county. No charter schools exist, focusing all resources on these two community pillars.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Setting

All four schools in Taylor County are classified as rural, reflecting the county's agricultural character. The average school size is 264 students, with Lenox Elementary being the largest at 303 students. This small scale ensures that no student is lost in the crowd, providing a very personal educational experience.

Peaceful Living and Small Schools

Families looking for a tight-knit community where the school is a central part of life will find Taylor County appealing. The high graduation rates offer confidence to buyers prioritizing their children's success. Look for residential opportunities near Bedford or Lenox to join these dedicated school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Taylor County

via RiskByCounty

Taylor County's risk near the national median

With a composite risk score of 38.49 and a Very Low rating, Taylor County sits just slightly below the national average. This represents a manageable risk level compared to many U.S. counties.

Taylor ranks just below Iowa average

At 38.49, Taylor County stays just under Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it firmly in the lower half of the state's risk distribution. Multiple Iowa counties rank both safer and considerably riskier.

Taylor balances safety with moderate risks

Taylor County's 38.49 score sits between safer Shelby County (22.77) and higher-risk Tama County (45.32) and Sioux County (52.39). It occupies a moderate risk position in its region.

Tornadoes present the primary threat

Tornado risk (54.26) represents Taylor County's main hazard concern, while wildfire (36.55) ranks second. Flood risk (20.87) and earthquake risk (18.51) remain relatively minor factors.

Basic protective measures suffice

Taylor County residents benefit from a standard homeowner's policy that includes tornado and wind coverage. Designate a safe room in your home and stay alert during severe weather season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Taylor County

via WeatherByCounty

Taylor County Climbs Toward National Averages

With an annual average of 50.3°F, Taylor County is warmer than many of its northern peers. It remains cooler than the national median but represents the warmer edge of the Midwestern climate.

One of Iowa's Warmest Counties

Taylor County's average of 50.3°F is 2.3 degrees higher than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its location along the southern border makes it a warm outlier in the Hawkeye State.

High Rainfall in the South

At 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, Taylor County is wetter than the state average of 36.1 inches. This increased moisture often arrives as summer thunderstorms rather than winter snow.

Frequent Heat and Lighter Snowfall

Summers are intense with 23 days of extreme heat and a July average of 75.5°F. Conversely, it receives just 18.0 inches of snow, which is significantly less than northern Iowa counties.

Focus on Summer Cooling Systems

With over three weeks of 90°F weather, high-capacity air conditioning is a necessity for residents. Homeowners can expect more rain and less snow than their northern neighbors, simplifying winter yard maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Taylor County

via SoilByCounty

Forest-Derived Alfisols in Taylor

Unlike much of Iowa's prairie soil, Taylor County features Alfisols, which typically form under forest cover. The pH of 6.24 is more acidic than the national average, reflecting this unique local history.

Classic Silt Loam Texture

A composition of 56.0% silt and 28.6% clay makes this a true loam. It is heavy enough to provide a stable anchor for crops while remaining manageable for home gardeners.

Great Water Storage Potential

Taylor County excels in water storage, with a capacity of 0.209 inches per inch compared to the state average of 0.195. Organic matter is 3.38%, providing a solid biological foundation for plant growth.

Managing Poorly Drained Ground

These soils are somewhat poorly drained and fall into hydrologic group D, meaning water moves slowly through the profile. Proper tiling or raised garden beds are often necessary to prevent waterlogging.

Garden Success in Zone 5b

The 5b hardiness zone allows for a diverse range of fruits and vegetables. Given the high water capacity, your garden will likely stay green even when summer rains are sparse.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taylor County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growth in Southern Iowa

Taylor County scores an 81.4 for lawn difficulty, indicating a very friendly environment for home landscaping. Its 5b hardiness zone is slightly warmer than northern Iowa, allowing for a robust and resilient lawn. This score suggests that climate and soil factors align well for the average homeowner.

High Rainfall Meets Intense Heat

At 37.8 inches, Taylor County receives some of the highest precipitation in the region, exceeding the state average. However, it also faces 23 extreme heat days, significantly higher than the 16-day Iowa average. This means that while rain is plentiful, the heat can still stress grass, requiring careful monitoring in mid-summer.

Managing Poorly Drained Loam

The soil is a somewhat poorly drained loam with a pH of 6.24 and 28.6% clay content. Because drainage can be sluggish, homeowners should avoid overwatering to prevent root rot or fungal diseases. Core aeration is highly recommended to improve the movement of water and air through the relatively heavy soil.

Abnormally Dry but Improving

Currently, 100.0% of Taylor County is abnormally dry, though it only saw 7 weeks of drought over the past year. High annual rainfall helps mitigate these dry spells, but the current dry conditions require temporary supplemental watering. Focus on deep soaking early in the morning to fight the 23 annual days of extreme heat.

A Long Fall Seeding Window

The last frost on April 24 and the first frost on October 15 create a long and productive growing season. Zone 5b supports heat-tolerant cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue, which can handle the local summer spikes. The mid-October frost date allows for successful late-season overseeding and repair work.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taylor County's county score?
Taylor County, Iowa has a composite county score of 64.2 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 Taylor County rank among counties in Iowa?
Taylor County ranks #17 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 Taylor County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Taylor County is $1,329, with an effective tax rate of 1.21%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 25.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Iowa is $67,279 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 59.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Iowa a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 64.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Taylor 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 Taylor 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.