countyscore
41.6
County Score
Lawn Care 81.1Soil Quality 76.5Health 72.9

County Report Card

About Webster County, Iowa

Meeting Basic Needs Below National Medians

Webster County scores 41.6 on the composite index, which is lower than the national median of 50.0. While it offers solid income and housing stats, other factors pull the overall ranking down. The county represents a more industrial and affordable pocket of the Midwest.

Trailing the Statewide Average Score

The county's score of 41.6 trails the Iowa state average of 55.6 by a notable margin. It faces localized challenges that make it less competitive than high-performing counties in other parts of the state. Improvement in public safety and utilities would help close this gap.

Solid Incomes and Health Resources

The county performs well in health with a score of 72.9 and maintains a respectable income score of 62.1. A median household income of $68,054 paired with a cost score of 61.8 makes it a viable place for many workers. Housing remains accessible with median values at $138,500.

Urgent Needs in Safety and Water

A safety score of 9.9 and a water score of 35.8 are the most significant obstacles to overall livability. Environmental risk also scores low at 40.0, suggesting vulnerability to various natural factors. Taxes remain a burden with a score of 13.7 and a 1.478% effective rate.

Best for Established Local Workers

Webster County is best suited for those with stable local employment who can take advantage of its decent health facilities and income levels. The low housing costs are a major draw, but residents should be mindful of the lower safety and water scores. It works well for those focused on career and affordable homeownership.

Score breakdown

Tax13.7Cost61.8Safety9.9Health72.9Schools47Income62.1Risk40Water35.8Weather49.3
🏛13.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤72.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.1
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

Calhoun County
Iowa
65.9
Humboldt County
Iowa
63.4
Hamilton County
Iowa
57.6
Wright County
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Greene County
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Boone County
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Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Webster County

via TaxByCounty

Webster County taxes run 10% above national average

At 1.478%, Webster County's effective tax rate exceeds the national median, placing it in the higher-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,047 remains below the national median of $2,690, reflecting that homes here are worth less than the U.S. average.

Above-average taxes for Iowa

Webster County's 1.478% effective rate runs about 10% higher than Iowa's state average of 1.344%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The median property tax of $2,047 falls slightly short of Iowa's $2,160 average relative to home values.

Moderate taxes for the north-central region

Webster's 1.478% rate sits between Winnebago County's lower 1.361% and Wapello's higher 1.642%, placing it in the regional middle. The county's median tax of $2,047 exceeds several neighbors while trailing Warren County's substantially higher burden.

What you'll pay on a typical home

On Webster's median home value of $138,500, the typical property tax bill comes to $2,047 annually, or about $171 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $2,153 once escrow and insurance are factored in.

Check if your assessment is fair

Webster County homeowners should review their assessments, as assessment errors are widespread across Iowa. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent comparable sales, an appeal could reduce your annual property tax.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webster County

via CostByCounty

Webster rents deliver solid affordability

Webster County residents spend 13.4% of household income on rent, matching Iowa's best performers and beating the state average of 14.1%. At $762 monthly, rents here are $50 below the state median, offering reliable affordability for modest-income households.

Among Iowa's most affordable counties

Webster County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the top performers statewide, competing with the state's best affordability stories. This strong showing reflects the county's economic balance between reasonable wages and moderate housing costs.

Balanced costs within central Iowa cluster

Webster's $762 rent sits between Wayne ($660) and Washington ($862), positioning it as a moderate option in the broader region. Its median home value of $138,500 is affordable without being rock-bottom, appealing to middle-income buyers seeking reasonable entry points.

Webster provides comfortable affordability balance

With $68,054 in median income and $762 monthly rent, Webster households dedicate 13.4% of gross income to housing, preserving nearly $6,000 annually for other expenses. Homebuyers at $832 monthly face similar proportions, making Webster accessible for both renters and owners.

Webster offers practical Iowa balance

Relocating to Iowa? Webster County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio and moderate home values ($138,500) provide solid affordability without the lowest-cost stigma of rural alternatives. The county suits those seeking genuine value in a balanced community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webster County

via IncomeByCounty

Webster trails U.S. median income

Webster County's median household income of $68,054 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by $6,701, a gap of 8.9%. Per capita income of $35,172 similarly lags the national average, suggesting moderate earning constraints. Webster's below-median positioning reflects typical challenges in manufacturing-dependent rural economies.

Slightly below Iowa's state average

Webster County's median household income of $68,054 falls modestly short of Iowa's state average of $69,830 by less than $1,800, placing it near the state median. Per capita income of $35,172 trails Iowa's average of $37,136 by roughly 5%, indicating slightly weaker individual earning power. Webster represents a typical rural Iowa county with fairly aligned state-level economics.

Webster in the middle-income range

Webster's $68,054 income exceeds lower-tier counties like Wayne ($59,118) and Wapello ($60,034) but trails Winneshiek ($75,652) and Warren ($92,990) by meaningful margins. It sits very close to Washington County ($71,339) and Winnebago County ($63,719), forming a middle-income peer group. This positioning reflects a moderately stable local economy with room for growth.

Rent-to-income ratio shows stability

Webster's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable rental costs for most households. With a median home value of $138,500 and median household income of $68,054, homeownership is accessible for credit-qualified families. The balance between income levels and housing costs supports reasonably stable homeownership in the county.

Build wealth through steady discipline

Webster residents earning around $68,000 should establish automated 401(k) contributions and explore employer matching programs to accelerate retirement savings. With modest but steady income, disciplined budgeting and monthly investing in low-cost index funds can yield meaningful long-term wealth. Paying down high-interest debt and maintaining a three-month emergency fund provides a foundation for financial growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Webster County

via CrimeByCounty

Understanding Safety Trends in Webster County

Webster County reports a total crime rate of 2,784.8 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county holds a respectable safety score of 95.6. This score reflects a community that is safer than many other regions with similar crime volumes.

Webster County vs. State Averages

The county’s safety score of 95.6 is lower than the Iowa state average of 98.3. With a total crime rate of 2,784.8, Webster reports more activity than the state average of 1,095.3. These statistics highlight Webster as a more active hub for law enforcement in Iowa.

Comparing Webster to Nearby Counties

Webster’s crime rate of 2,784.8 is higher than that of neighbors like Washington County (1,335.7). However, three reporting agencies provide data, ensuring a high level of transparency and accuracy for these figures. This transparency allows for better-targeted local safety initiatives.

Property Crime Drives Local Stats

Property crime is the most frequent issue, at a rate of 2,322.5 per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate of 462.3 also exceeds the national average of 369.8. Most residents will find that theft and burglary represent the primary local safety concerns.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Given the property crime rates, investing in a home security system is a practical choice for Webster County residents. Simple habits like locking garage doors and hiding valuables from view can prevent most thefts. Strong neighborhood connections remain a key part of local crime prevention.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Webster County

via HealthByCounty

Webster's Life Expectancy Falls Short

At 74.5 years, Webster County ties Wapello for the lowest life expectancy in this cohort, falling 1.9 years below the U.S. average and 3.2 years below Iowa's state average. However, only 14.1% report poor or fair health, suggesting hidden health vulnerabilities despite decent self-perception.

Among Iowa's Shortest Lifespans

Webster County ranks among the lowest in Iowa for life expectancy, though its 14.1% poor/fair health rate is closer to state norms. The county's 5.7% uninsured rate matches the state average exactly, indicating insurance coverage is not a primary barrier.

Outpaced by Regional Peers

Webster County's 74.5-year life expectancy significantly trails nearby Winnebago County (78.8 years) and Winneshiek County (81.8 years) to the north. The county offers an exceptional 337 mental health providers per 100K—the highest among all eight counties—yet struggles with low life expectancy.

Primary Care Shortage Prominent

Webster County offers only 43 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in this cohort—limiting access to preventive and routine medical care. Despite this shortage and poor life expectancy outcomes, the county features the strongest mental health provider network at 337 per 100K.

Strengthen Primary Care Access

Webster County's primary care shortage (43 per 100K) likely contributes to its low life expectancy; residents should prioritize establishing relationships with available providers. With the uninsured rate at state average, most have coverage—use it to schedule preventive care and address health gaps early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Webster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Infrastructure in Webster County

Webster County supports 4,810 students across 11 public schools, including seven elementary facilities. Three districts manage the county's schools, providing a mix of middle and high school options for the region.

Consistently Beating National Graduation Benchmarks

The county's 88.6% graduation rate sits above the national average of 87%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $7,499 is slightly under the state average, the county maintains a competitive school score of 53.9.

Fort Dodge Community School District

The Fort Dodge Community School District is the dominant provider, serving 3,527 students across seven schools. This district operates without charter school competition, focusing resources on traditional public education for the majority of the county.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Options

The county offers a balanced mix of six town-based and five rural schools, with an average enrollment of 437 students. Fort Dodge High School is the largest in the county, currently enrolling 1,072 students.

Find Your Community in Webster County

With a strong central district in Fort Dodge and several surrounding rural options, Webster County provides diverse housing and schooling choices. It is a solid choice for families seeking reliable public education in a town-and-country setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webster County

via RiskByCounty

Webster faces above-average natural hazards

Webster County scores 59.99, placing it in the Relatively Low category but 51% above the national average. The county experiences substantially more severe weather exposure than typical U.S. communities.

One of Iowa's highest-risk counties

Webster ranks well above Iowa's state average of 39.68 with a score of 59.99, among the state's top hazard-exposed counties. This elevated risk stems primarily from exceptional tornado vulnerability.

Significantly riskier than most neighbors

Webster (59.99) substantially exceeds Winnebago (30.66) and Winneshiek (36.20), approaching the extreme risk level of Wapello (65.33). The county ranks among Iowa's riskiest communities overall.

Tornadoes present extraordinary threat

Tornado risk soars to 92.08 in Webster County—one of the highest scores in the entire nation. Flood risk at 47.11 ranks second, while wildfire risk remains surprisingly low at 19.15.

Tornado insurance is non-negotiable

Webster residents face severe tornado risk (92.08) and must prioritize comprehensive wind and hail coverage in any homeowners policy. Consider additional umbrella or storm-specific policies given the extraordinary tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Webster County

via WeatherByCounty

Webster County's Cold Continental Climate

Webster County's 46.5°F annual average is much cooler than the national median. This reflects its position in the northern reaches of the American Corn Belt.

Cooler and Snowier Than Average

The county's 46.5°F average sits below the Iowa state mark of 48.0°F. It is also drier than the state average, receiving 35.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer Than Far Northern Counties

Webster is warmer than Winnebago County's 44.9°F but significantly colder than southern counties like Wapello. It shares a high-snowfall profile with its northern neighbors.

Short Summers and Long Winters

Winter is intense, with 39.0 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 16.4°F. Summers are brief, seeing only 11 days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Prioritize Heating and Snow Removal

Residents must prepare for 39 inches of snow with professional-grade removal equipment. High-performance home heating is a necessity given the 16.4°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Webster County

via SoilByCounty

Sweet and Productive Webster Soil

Webster County soil has an average pH of 6.65, which is slightly more alkaline than the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral pH is ideal for nutrient uptake, reducing the need for chemical adjustments. It is one of the more chemically balanced soils in the state for general agriculture.

High Sand and Silt Balance

This county has a unique mix of 36.4% sand and 38.5% silt, along with 24.1% clay. The higher sand content compared to southern neighbors improves aeration and makes the soil easier to work. It strikes a rare balance between good drainage and enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Webster County shines with an organic matter content of 5.27%, far exceeding the state average of 3.81%. While the water capacity of 0.190 in/in is slightly below the state average, the high organic content makes this soil incredibly fertile. This is some of the richest earth in the region for intense cultivation.

Efficient Infiltration in Webster

The increased sand content likely leads to better natural drainage than seen in more clay-heavy counties. While specific drainage classes are not provided, this composition typically allows for faster field entry after spring rains. This makes it a preferred area for farmers who need to time their planting precisely.

Vigorous Growth in Zone 5a

In Hardiness Zone 5a, the growing season is slightly shorter, but the rich organic matter more than compensates. This soil is perfect for heavy-producing vegetable gardens and vibrant flower beds. Use this fertile ground to grow award-winning produce right in your backyard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Webster County

via LawnByCounty

Cooler Climate for Webster Lawns

Webster County earns an 81.1 lawn difficulty score, reflecting the easier maintenance found in Hardiness Zone 5a. This score is well above the national median, making it a great place for dedicated lawn enthusiasts.

Low Heat and Moderate Moisture

With only 11 days over 90°F, Webster lawns face much less summer stress than most of Iowa. The 35.1 inches of annual precipitation is slightly below the state average, so you may need to supplement water during the hottest weeks.

Sandy Soil and Optimal pH

The soil pH of 6.65 is arguably the best in this group, sitting perfectly within the ideal range. With a higher sand content of 36.4%, your lawn will likely drain faster than others, requiring more frequent, shorter watering cycles.

Currently Free of Drought Stress

Unlike many neighboring counties, Webster currently shows 0% abnormally dry area. Having only faced 2 weeks of drought over the past year, your lawn is likely in a strong position to handle the upcoming growing season.

Planning for a 5a Climate

Because Webster is in Zone 5a, you should select grass types like Kentucky Bluegrass that have excellent cold tolerance. Seed after the April 28 spring frost to ensure the young shoots aren't damaged by a late-season freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webster County's county score?
Webster County, Iowa has a composite county score of 41.6 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 Webster County rank among counties in Iowa?
Webster County ranks #89 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 Webster County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Webster County is $2,047, with an effective tax rate of 1.48%. This earns Webster County a tax score of 13.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webster County?
The median household income in Webster County, Iowa is $68,054 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webster County earns an income score of 62.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webster County, Iowa a good place to live?
Webster County scores 41.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Webster 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 Webster County with other counties side by side.

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