countyscore
51.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 93Health 87.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Warren County, Iowa

Stable Living Near the National Median

Warren County posts a composite score of 51.7, resting just above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a balanced quality of life that mirrors the typical American experience. It provides a steady environment with high-earning potential for its workforce.

A Competitive Suburban State Profile

While the score of 51.7 is slightly below the Iowa state average of 55.6, it remains a key player in the Des Moines metro area. The county offers a suburban alternative to more urbanized neighbors. It maintains high standards for health and individual prosperity.

Top-Tier Incomes and Health Metrics

The county shines with an exceptional income score of 93.0 and a median household income of $92,990. Health outcomes are also impressive, scoring 87.2, which is far above many neighboring counties. Residents are generally wealthy and enjoy excellent access to medical resources.

Housing Costs and Tax Pressure

Affordability is the primary challenge here, as seen in the cost score of 21.3 and median home values of $252,800. The tax score of 12.8 reflects a higher-than-average effective tax rate of 1.502%. Growth and demand are driving up the price of entry for new residents.

Premier Choice for High-Earning Families

Warren County is built for established professionals who value high income and health over low costs. It is an excellent fit for those working in the state capital who want a suburban retreat with superior health metrics. Families will appreciate the stability, provided they can manage the higher price tag.

Score breakdown

Tax12.8Cost21.3Safety61.8Health87.2Schools58.6Income93Risk63.9Water86Weather51
🏛12.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱85.6
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

Polk County
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36.6
Marion County
Iowa
59.2
Lucas County
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55.8
Madison County
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Dallas County
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Deep Dives

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren's property taxes slightly below national

Warren County's 1.502% effective tax rate sits above the nation's median of 1.91%, but homes here are worth significantly more than the national average. The median property tax of $3,797 exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher property values and elevated tax burden.

Iowa's most expensive properties taxed fairly high

Warren County's 1.502% effective rate runs above Iowa's state average of 1.344%, placing it in the higher-tax tier statewide. With a median home value of $252,800—nearly double the state average—Warren carries one of Iowa's largest absolute tax bills at $3,797.

Highest taxes and home values in the region

Warren County's $3,797 median property tax dwarfs nearby Winneshiek County ($2,784) and Washington County ($2,688), driven by substantially higher property values. Its 1.502% effective rate also outpaces most regional neighbors except Wapello.

What you'll pay on a typical Warren home

On Warren's median home value of $252,800, the typical property tax bill reaches $3,797 annually, or about $317 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $3,903 once escrow and insurance are factored in.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in higher-value Warren County, assessment errors occur regularly and appeals often succeed. Given the size of typical tax bills here, a successful appeal could save hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren incomes offset higher housing costs

Warren County residents earn $92,990 annually—24% above the national median—allowing them to absorb a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio despite higher absolute rents. This higher income cushion makes Warren's housing costs manageable compared to lower-income Iowa counties with similar rent levels.

Affluent Warren ranks solidly affordable

Warren County's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Iowa's best, driven by incomes substantially above the state average. The county's affluence and reasonable affordability ratio create a favorable environment for both renters and homebuyers seeking stability.

Premium housing for premium incomes

Warren's median home value of $252,800 is more than double Van Buren's $118,800, yet its 12.6% rent-to-income ratio remains better due to significantly higher household earnings. The county attracts higher-income households whose paychecks support both elevated home costs and rental rates.

Affluence enables higher housing investment

Warren households earning $92,990 spend $975 on rent or $1,386 on home ownership—both substantial in dollars but manageable as percentages of income. This county's economic strength means residents can invest more in housing while maintaining strong financial security.

Warren suits higher-earning relocators

If you're moving to Iowa with household income exceeding $85,000, Warren County offers premium communities with solid affordability metrics. The county's 12.6% rent-to-income ratio and higher home values reflect an economically robust region worth considering if your earnings match the local income profile.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren surpasses U.S. income average

Warren County's median household income of $92,990 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by $18,235, placing it well above typical American households. This 24.4% premium reflects a stronger-than-average job market and higher average wages across the county. Warren ranks among the more prosperous counties in the nation, driven by diverse employment and relatively strong economic fundamentals.

Iowa's income leader

At $92,990, Warren County's median household income substantially exceeds Iowa's state average of $69,830 by more than $23,000, landing it in the top tier of the state's 99 counties. Per capita income of $43,239 also leads Iowa's $37,136 average by nearly $6,000, signaling robust individual earning power. Warren's economic strength makes it a standout performer within the state.

Warren towers over surrounding counties

Warren's $92,990 median income is roughly 50% higher than nearby Van Buren ($60,183) and Wapello ($60,034), and notably exceeds Winneshiek County ($75,652) and Washington County ($71,339). Only a handful of comparable Midwest counties approach Warren's earning levels, making it a regional economic anchor. This disparity suggests concentrated job growth and higher educational attainment in Warren.

Housing remains affordable in Warren

Warren's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% is among the lowest in the dataset, signaling comfortable affordability for renters across the county. With a median home value of $252,800 and median household income of $92,990, homeownership carries a reasonable debt-to-income burden. Strong income relative to housing costs provides Warren residents significant financial flexibility and security.

Invest aggressively in Warren

Warren residents earning $93,000 should maximize retirement contributions and diversify portfolios across stocks, bonds, and real estate to build substantial long-term wealth. With above-average income, residents can leverage investment properties, 529 education plans, and taxable brokerage accounts to compound returns. Working with a fee-only financial advisor can help optimize tax strategies and accelerate wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Warren County

via CrimeByCounty

Warren County Beats National Safety Baselines

Warren County enjoys a safety score of 98.6, placing it well ahead of the national safety curve. Its total crime rate of 882.2 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics reflect a secure community with relatively low law enforcement intervention.

Warren County vs. Iowa Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 98.6 slightly exceeds the Iowa state average of 98.3. Additionally, its crime rate of 882.2 is lower than the statewide average of 1,095.3. This performance indicates that Warren County is one of the more secure regions within the state of Iowa.

Competitive Safety Among Neighbors

Warren County maintains a total crime rate of 882.2, which is lower than nearby Washington County's rate of 1,335.7. Data from three reporting agencies suggests these numbers are a reliable representation of the local safety environment. The county remains a low-crime alternative to busier adjacent areas.

Examining Local Crime Categories

Property crime occurs at a rate of 724.7 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime stays low at 157.5. This violent crime rate is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents are statistically unlikely to experience violent incidents in their daily lives.

Simple Steps for Continued Safety

Because most local crime is property-based, basic preventative measures go a long way in Warren County. Ensuring all entry points are locked and utilizing outdoor lighting can significantly reduce the risk of opportunistic crime. These small habits help maintain the county's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Warren County

via HealthByCounty

Warren Exceeds National Health Standards

Warren County residents live to 78.4 years on average, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years and matching Iowa's state average of 77.7 years. Just 15.3% report poor or fair health, well below national benchmarks.

Top Performer in Iowa

Warren ranks among Iowa's healthiest counties, with strong life expectancy and low rates of self-reported poor health. The county's 3.8% uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties and substantially below Iowa's 5.7% state average.

Leads Southeast Iowa

Warren County's 78.4-year life expectancy surpasses Van Buren (77.5 years) and ties with Washington County (78.5 years) in the region. Its 62 primary care providers per 100K offers solid access, though it falls behind Van Buren's and Washington's provider density.

Low Uninsured, Stable Access

Warren County has the lowest uninsured rate among these eight counties at 3.8%, ensuring most residents have consistent healthcare access. However, mental health provider availability (29 per 100K) lags compared to primary care, suggesting potential behavioral health gaps.

Keep Coverage Strong

With 3.8% uninsured, Warren County maintains strong health insurance coverage, but even small uninsured populations deserve pathways to care. Residents without coverage should explore marketplace options at healthcare.gov to maintain continuity of care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Warren County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education Networks in Warren County

Warren County features a robust education system with 20 public schools serving 10,577 students across five districts. The infrastructure includes 11 elementary schools and four middle schools to support a growing student population.

Exceptional Graduation and High Performance

The county boasts an impressive 95.7% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. Even with a modest $6,503 per-pupil expenditure, the schools maintain a composite score of 55.5, nearly reaching the state average.

Indianola and Norwalk Drive Enrollment

The Indianola Community School District is the largest with 3,665 students, closely followed by the Norwalk district with 3,508 students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the traditional public districts manage 100% of the enrollment.

Suburban Growth Meets Rural Roots

The county offers a diverse mix of nine rural, seven town, and four suburban schools. Indianola High School is the largest facility with 1,120 students, while the average school size across the county is 529 students.

A Premier Destination for Families

Warren County’s high graduation rates and variety of school settings make it a top choice for home buyers. Whether you prefer a suburban feel in Norwalk or a rural campus, this county provides elite educational outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren sits comfortably below national risk

Warren County's composite risk score of 36.10 and Very Low rating indicate substantially lower natural disaster exposure than the average U.S. county. The county benefits from a favorable geographic position with limited multi-hazard overlap.

Among Iowa's safest communities

Warren scores 36.10, placing it well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, ranking among the state's lowest-risk counties. This favorable position reflects relatively moderate exposure across most hazard types.

Safer than most neighboring counties

Warren's Very Low risk outperforms regional neighbors including Washington (44.18) and Wapello (65.33). Only Van Buren (33.62) and Wayne (22.01) offer comparable safety profiles in the surrounding area.

Tornadoes and wildfires pose biggest threats

Tornado risk registers at 65.87 and wildfire risk at 59.41, making these Warren's primary natural hazard concerns. Flood risk remains moderate at 35.94, below state average.

Prioritize storm damage and wildfire prep

Warren homeowners should ensure wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, then add wildfire liability coverage if available. Though your overall risk is low, these two hazards warrant specific insurance attention.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Warren County

via WeatherByCounty

Warren County's Mid-Latitude Climate

Warren County maintains an annual average temperature of 49.9°F, roughly four degrees below the national median. Its position in the heart of the country creates a true continental weather pattern.

Typical Temperatures for Central Iowa

The county's 49.9°F average is slightly warmer than the state's 48.0°F mark. Annual precipitation of 37.8 inches also tracks closely with the Iowa state average of 36.1 inches.

Colder Winters Than Southern Neighbors

While Warren averages 49.9°F, it is cooler than neighboring Wapello at 50.7°F. Snowfall is also heavier here than in the south, reaching 30.8 inches annually.

Snowy Winters and Humid Summers

Winter snowfall hits 30.8 inches, significantly more than the counties to the southeast. Summer features a July average of 74.7°F with about 18 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Invest in Heavy Winter Gear

With over 30 inches of annual snow, a powerful snowblower is a wise investment for local homeowners. Ensure your heating system is serviced before January, when temperatures drop to an average of 21.7°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Warren County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Leanings in Warren County

The soil in Warren County maintains an average pH of 6.27, which is slightly lower than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic classification data is not widely mapped here, the acidity level is typical for the region's productive agricultural land. Most local plants thrive in this range, though some may benefit from minor soil adjustments.

High Clay and Silt Mix

With 55.8% silt and 26.5% clay, Warren County soils are dense and rich in fine particles. The low sand content of 17.7% means the soil can be heavy to work when wet but offers excellent structural stability. This composition is ideal for retaining the nutrients necessary for large-scale crop production.

Superior Water Capacity for Growth

Warren County boasts an available water capacity of 0.200 in/in, outperforming the Iowa state average of 0.195 in/in. Organic matter stands at 3.10%, which is healthy though slightly below the state average of 3.81%. This combination ensures that plants have a steady supply of moisture even when rainfall is inconsistent.

Managing Dense Soil Hydrology

The high clay and silt percentages suggest that drainage can be a challenge in certain parts of the county. Without specific drainage class data, residents should observe their land for slow-drying spots after heavy rains. Proper soil management is key to preventing compaction and ensuring healthy root respiration.

Thriving in a 5b Climate

The Zone 5b climate in Warren County is perfect for growing everything from sweet corn to perennial berries. The high water storage capacity helps backyard gardens survive through the hotter months of July and August. Dig in today and take advantage of this reliable moisture reservoir.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Warren County

via LawnByCounty

Warren County’s Superior Lawn Potential

Warren County boasts an impressive 85.6 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the easiest places in Iowa to grow grass. This score significantly outpaces both the state average of 77.2 and the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Precipitation and Heat Balance

The county enjoys 37.8 inches of rain annually, which is nearly two inches above the state average. With only 18 extreme heat days, the grass faces less thermal stress than many other southern Iowa counties.

Stable pH for Easy Maintenance

A soil pH of 6.27 ensures that your lawn can easily access the fertilizers and nutrients you apply. Although specific drainage classes are not recorded, the 26.5% clay content indicates a soil that holds moisture well during the summer months.

Impressive Resilience in Dry Years

Warren County recorded zero weeks in drought over the past year, showcasing remarkable climate resilience. However, with 100.0% of the county currently abnormally dry, you should still practice water conservation to maintain this healthy baseline.

Planting for a Lush Landscape

With the last spring frost typically occurring on April 24, late April is the prime time for sodding or seeding. The 3252 growing degree days provide a long, productive season for Kentucky Bluegrass to thrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Warren County's county score?
Warren County, Iowa has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Warren County rank among counties in Iowa?
Warren County ranks #70 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 Warren County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Warren County is $3,797, with an effective tax rate of 1.50%. This earns Warren County a tax score of 12.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Warren County?
The median household income in Warren County, Iowa is $92,990 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Warren County earns an income score of 93/100 on CountyScore.
Is Warren County, Iowa a good place to live?
Warren County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Warren 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 Warren 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.