countyscore
68.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Health 90Soil Quality 87.6

County Report Card

About Winnebago County, Iowa

Elite Livability in Northern Iowa

Winnebago County earns a stellar 68.8 composite score, placing it far ahead of the 50.0 national median. This high score identifies it as a premier location for quality of life in the United States. It combines safety, health, and affordability into a cohesive package.

A Top Performer in the State

Crushing the Iowa state average of 55.6, Winnebago's 68.8 score makes it one of the most desirable counties in the region. It outperforms almost all neighboring areas across a wide variety of metrics. The county is a true leader in providing a high standard of living.

Peak Safety and Health Outcomes

The county is remarkably safe, earning a near-perfect safety score of 97.5. Health services and outcomes are also elite, scoring 90.0 on the health index. Combined with a cost score of 71.0 and $712 median rent, it offers an incredible value proposition.

Tax Burdens and Moderate Incomes

The tax score of 18.6 is the primary weak point, reflecting a 1.361% effective rate that can pinch household budgets. Income scores sit at a moderate 50.1, with a median household income of $63,719. While not low, these economic figures don't quite reach the heights of the safety and health scores.

The Ultimate Secure Rural Retreat

Winnebago County is an exceptional choice for anyone prioritizing personal safety and physical wellness. With a median home value of $132,300 and world-class safety, it is a dream for families and retirees alike. It provides a high-quality, peace-of-mind lifestyle that few places can match.

Score breakdown

Tax18.6Cost71Safety97.5Health90Schools63.6Income50.1Risk69.4Water86Weather48
🏛18.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤90
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.4
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
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨87.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.2
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

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61.6
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61.9
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Worth County
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Deep Dives

Winnebago County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winnebago County

via TaxByCounty

Winnebago taxes run roughly at national average

At 1.361%, Winnebago County's effective tax rate sits just below the national median, placing it right in the middle nationally. The median property tax of $1,800 falls well short of the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the region.

Slightly above Iowa's statewide average

Winnebago County's 1.361% effective rate runs just 1.3% above Iowa's state average of 1.344%, putting it essentially in line with the state. The median property tax of $1,800 trails Iowa's $2,160 average, indicating relatively modest home values.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Winnebago's 1.361% rate sits between Van Buren (1.201%) and Washington County (1.347%), making it one of the region's more tax-friendly options. Its median tax of $1,800 remains well below Warren ($3,797) and Winneshiek ($2,784).

What you'll pay on a typical home

On Winnebago's median home value of $132,300, the typical property tax bill comes to $1,800 annually, or about $150 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $1,790 once escrow and insurance are included.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even with moderate tax rates, Winnebago homeowners should verify their assessments for accuracy. If your assessed value appears inflated compared to recent neighborhood sales, an assessment appeal could provide additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winnebago County

via CostByCounty

Winnebago delivers exceptional rental value

Winnebago County residents spend 13.4% of household income on rent, matching Iowa's top performers and significantly below the national benchmark. At $712 monthly, rents fall well below the state median of $812, offering strong affordability for renters statewide.

Top-tier affordability in Iowa

Winnebago County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio places it among Iowa's most affordable counties, competing with the state's best affordability stories. This ranking reflects genuine accessibility for households earning near the state median.

Competitive rents in north-central Iowa

Winnebago's $712 monthly rent is affordable within its region, though slightly higher than Wayne ($660) and lower than Webster ($762). Its median home value of $132,300 keeps homeownership accessible while maintaining strong rental affordability.

Housing costs leave room for savings

Winnebago households earning $63,719 spend $712 on rent, dedicating just 13.4% of income to housing and preserving over $5,400 yearly for necessities and savings. Homebuyers at $776 monthly enjoy similar proportions, making the county accessible across both rental and ownership markets.

Winnebago: affordable North Iowa living

If you're relocating to Iowa and value affordability, Winnebago County's 13.4% rent-to-income ratio and $712 monthly rents offer genuine savings. The county delivers solid value without requiring you to move to the state's most remote or economically challenged areas.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winnebago County

via IncomeByCounty

Winnebago below typical U.S. income

Winnebago County's median household income of $63,719 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $11,036, a gap of 14.8%. Per capita income of $36,877 similarly falls short of national averages, reflecting limited earning opportunities in this smaller rural market. Winnebago's position indicates economic challenges typical of northern Iowa's agricultural and light-manufacturing communities.

Below average but closer to middle

Winnebago County's $63,719 median household income trails Iowa's state average of $69,830 by about $6,100, positioning it slightly below the state median. Per capita income of $36,877 nearly matches Iowa's average of $37,136, suggesting fairly typical individual earning power. Winnebago performs reasonably close to state norms despite rural challenges.

Winnebago in the lower-middle tier

Winnebago's $63,719 income exceeds Wayne ($59,118), Wapello ($60,034), and Van Buren ($60,183) but trails Winneshiek ($75,652), Warren ($92,990), and Washington ($71,339). It closely parallels Webster County ($68,054), forming a mid-tier peer group in north-central Iowa. This clustering reflects broadly similar economic structures across the region.

Low rent burden supports renters

Winnebago's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% is among the lowest in the dataset, providing substantial breathing room for rental households to cover other expenses. With a median home value of $132,300 and median household income of $63,719, homeownership requires careful planning but remains achievable. The low rent burden suggests rental markets here remain relatively affordable and competitive.

Modest income, meaningful savings

Winnebago residents should prioritize payroll-deducted 401(k) contributions and explore small-business retirement plans like SEP-IRAs if self-employed. Setting aside even 5-10% of gross income in diversified investments compounds significantly over 30+ years. Regular financial reviews, eliminating high-interest debt, and taking advantage of employer benefits maximize wealth-building potential despite modest base income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winnebago County

via CrimeByCounty

Winnebago County Reports Perfect Safety Score

Winnebago County carries a safety score of 100.0, the highest possible rating. Official reports show a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data point highlights an extremely quiet reporting environment.

Standing Out in the State of Iowa

With a safety score of 100.0, Winnebago County significantly outperforms the state average of 98.3. Its reported crime rate is far below the Iowa state average of 1,095.3. This places the county at the very top of safety rankings statewide.

Unique Regional Data Trends

Winnebago's reported rate of 0.0 is significantly lower than neighbor Winneshiek County (274.3). It is important to note this data comes from a single reporting agency and may reflect a lack of reported incidents rather than a total absence of crime. Caution is advised when comparing such low numbers to more populated counties.

Analyzing the Crime Breakdown

The county reports 0.0 for both violent and property crime rates, well below national averages. In practical terms, this suggests that major crime is not a frequent part of life for residents here. Law enforcement activity focused on crime is minimal based on available 2022 data.

Standard Precautions Still Apply

Even with a perfect safety score, common-sense security measures are always recommended. Locking doors and maintaining visibility around your property ensures the county remains safe and secure. Don't let low numbers discourage you from staying alert and engaged with your community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Winnebago County

via HealthByCounty

Winnebago Leads in Life Expectancy

Winnebago County residents live to 78.8 years on average, topping both the U.S. average (76.4 years) and Iowa's state average (77.7 years). Only 12.8% report poor or fair health—the second-lowest among these eight counties.

Iowa's Top Tier County

Winnebago County ranks among Iowa's highest-performing counties for longevity and overall health status. At 5.6% uninsured, the county sits just below Iowa's 5.7% state average, ensuring broad health insurance coverage.

Healthy, Though Provider-Sparse

Winnebago County's 78.8-year life expectancy ranks second-highest among these eight counties, surpassed only by Winneshiek County (81.8 years). However, the county offers just 28 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in the cohort—raising questions about care access supporting excellent outcomes.

Paradox: Great Health, Sparse Providers

Winnebago County achieves outstanding longevity despite having only 28 primary care providers per 100K, suggesting population health factors beyond traditional healthcare access. Mental health provider availability is also limited at 19 per 100K, the lowest among these counties.

Maintain Strong Coverage

At 5.6% uninsured, Winnebago County maintains excellent health insurance coverage that supports its outstanding health outcomes. Residents without coverage should explore marketplace options to sustain access and build on the county's health success.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Winnebago County

via SchoolsByCounty

Balanced Grade Levels in Winnebago

Winnebago County features nine public schools divided evenly between elementary, middle, and high school levels. Three districts serve a total enrollment of 2,292 students across this well-distributed infrastructure.

Exceeding State and National Averages

The graduation rate in Winnebago County is a strong 92.8%, surpassing both state and national benchmarks. School performance scores of 56.2 are right in line with the Iowa state average, despite spending only $7,558 per pupil.

Forest City Leads Local Education

The Forest City Community School District is the largest in the county, serving 1,141 students across three campuses. The Lake Mills and North Iowa districts manage the remaining schools, all of which are traditional public institutions.

A High Proportion of Rural Schools

Two-thirds of the county's schools are located in rural areas, with the remainder in town settings. The average school size is 255 students, with Forest City Elementary being the largest at 487 students.

Exceptional Success in a Rural Hub

Families moving to Winnebago County can expect high academic performance and a safe, rural atmosphere. The high graduation rates and balanced school levels make it a stable environment for long-term home ownership.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winnebago County

via RiskByCounty

Winnebago sits well below national average

Winnebago County scores 30.66 in the Very Low risk category, placing it 23% below the national average. The county enjoys minimal natural disaster exposure compared to typical American regions.

Among Iowa's safest counties

Winnebago scores 30.66, well below Iowa's state average of 39.68, ranking among the state's lowest-risk communities. The county's favorable position reflects moderate hazard exposure across all categories.

Safest county in northern Iowa cluster

Winnebago (30.66) outperforms neighboring Winneshiek (36.20) and significantly exceeds Webster (59.99). Only Wayne County (22.01) offers lower overall risk in the broader region.

Tornadoes top the list, others minimal

Tornado risk at 45.83 represents Winnebago's primary hazard concern, though wildfire risk remains exceptionally low at 13.61. Flood and earthquake risks remain below state averages.

Standard coverage with tornado protection

Winnebago residents should ensure homeowners policies include wind and hail coverage for tornado protection, but can likely skip specialized flood or wildfire riders. Your county's low overall risk means competitive standard policies offer excellent value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winnebago County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Northern Tier Climate

Winnebago County is one of the cooler locations in the U.S., with an annual average of just 44.9°F. This represents a true northern continental climate.

One of Iowa's Coldest Counties

At 44.9°F, Winnebago is significantly colder than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. Its winter average of 17.7°F is among the lowest in the state.

Colder and Drier Than Neighbors

Winnebago is notably colder than Webster County's 46.5°F average. It experiences more severe winter conditions than almost any other county in the central Iowa region.

Harsh Winters and Rare Heat

Winter dominates with 38.1 inches of snow and a freezing 14.1°F January average. Summer heat is rare, with only 9 days per year reaching 90°F.

Prepare for Extreme Winter Cold

Heavy-duty thermal insulation and emergency winter car kits are vital here. With only 9 days of extreme heat, many residents prioritize heating over intensive air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winnebago County

via SoilByCounty

The Gold Standard of Soil pH

Winnebago County features an average pH of 6.54, almost perfectly matching the national median of 6.5. This optimal balance allows for maximum availability of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. It is the ideal chemical environment for a high-yielding farm or garden.

Grainy Texture with Strong Foundation

The soil contains 34.6% sand and 37.8% silt, creating a texture that resists compaction and allows for easy root penetration. With 23.5% clay, the soil still possesses the necessary structure to retain moisture and support large plants. This mix is highly desirable for its workability and physical health.

Incredible Organic Richness

At a massive 8.09% organic matter, Winnebago County's soil is more than double the Iowa state average of 3.81%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.202 in/in, surpassing the state's 0.195 benchmark. This is world-class soil that offers nearly unparalleled growing potential.

Robust Hydrology for Productive Lands

The combination of high organic matter and balanced sand content suggests excellent water movement and storage. While specific drainage classes are unavailable, this soil is built to handle heavy rainfall while maintaining air pockets for roots. It is a resilient landscape that supports both agriculture and local ecosystems.

Abundance in Hardiness Zone 5a

Though the winters are cold in Zone 5a, the summer growth in this soil is explosive. This is an elite environment for growing high-quality root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Take advantage of this extraordinary fertility and start your most ambitious garden yet.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winnebago County

via LawnByCounty

Northern Iowa’s Cool-Season Advantage

Winnebago County scores an 81.2 for lawn difficulty, benefiting from the cooler temperatures of Hardiness Zone 5a. The environment is considerably easier for lawn care than the national average, though it requires specific northern-adapted grass types.

Minimal Heat Stress and Cool Nights

With a mere 9 extreme heat days per year, your grass is less likely to enter summer dormancy compared to the rest of the state. The 36.5 inches of precipitation aligns perfectly with the state average, keeping the ground adequately hydrated.

Sandy Loam Characteristics

The soil features a high sand content of 34.6% and a healthy 6.54 pH. This combination provides excellent drainage and nutrient availability, though you should keep an eye on moisture levels during prolonged dry spells.

Watch for Abnormally Dry Conditions

Winnebago is currently 100% abnormally dry, following 6 weeks of drought over the past year. Using mulch-mowing techniques can help keep moisture in the soil and protect the roots from drying out too quickly.

Respect the Northern Frost Dates

The last spring frost occurs late on April 30, so wait until May to start your heavy seeding. Focus on cool-season varieties that thrive in the 2601 growing degree days available in this northern Iowa county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winnebago County's county score?
Winnebago County, Iowa has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Winnebago County rank among counties in Iowa?
Winnebago County ranks #4 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 Winnebago County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Winnebago County is $1,800, with an effective tax rate of 1.36%. This earns Winnebago County a tax score of 18.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winnebago County?
The median household income in Winnebago County, Iowa is $63,719 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winnebago County earns an income score of 50.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winnebago County, Iowa a good place to live?
Winnebago County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Winnebago 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 Winnebago 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.