countyscore
67.9
County Score
Health 98.2Safety 87.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Winneshiek County, Iowa

National Leader in Wellness and Education

Winneshiek County achieves a 67.8 composite score, soaring past the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community that prioritizes public services and health above almost everything else. It ranks as one of the most well-rounded counties for holistic living in the nation.

Among Iowa's Highest Quality Rankings

The county's 67.8 score is significantly higher than the Iowa average of 55.6. It stands as a beacon of excellence in Northeast Iowa, known for its strong community institutions. Residents enjoy a quality of life that is the envy of much of the state.

Superior Health and School Systems

Health scores are nearly perfect at 98.2, while schools earn a fantastic 80.4. Safety is also a major highlight with a score of 87.4, and the local income score is strong at 78.1. These metrics point to a wealthy, educated, and exceptionally healthy population.

Tax Loads and Rising Property Values

High demand makes this a pricier area, with a cost score of 44.5 and home values reaching $239,000. The tax score is also a challenge at 27.1, though the 1.165% effective rate is relatively efficient for the level of service provided. Affordability is the main hurdle for new entrants.

A Top Choice for Discerning Families

Winneshiek County is the gold standard for families who want the best in schools, health, and safety. The $75,652 median income supports a thriving community of professionals and academics. If you can afford the higher home prices, the return on quality of life is immense.

Score breakdown

Tax27.1Cost44.5Safety87.4Health98.2Schools80.4Income78.1Risk63.8Water86Weather52.8
🏛27.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠44.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤98.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓80.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱83.8
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

Howard County
Iowa
68.1
Chickasaw County
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66.7
Fillmore County
Minnesota
65.1
Fayette County
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Allamakee County
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Houston County
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Crawford County
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Bremer County
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Deep Dives

Winneshiek County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winneshiek County

via TaxByCounty

Winneshiek taxes run below national average

At 1.165%, Winneshiek County's effective tax rate is one of the lowest in the nation, well below the median of 1.91%. The median property tax of $2,784 slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by higher home values relative to the county's favorable tax rate.

Iowa's most tax-friendly county

Winneshiek County's 1.165% effective rate is the lowest among Iowa's peers, running 13% below the state average of 1.344%. This makes Winneshiek one of the most tax-advantaged counties statewide despite having higher-than-average property values.

Lowest rates with higher home values

Winneshiek's 1.165% rate beats all regional neighbors, including Van Buren (1.201%) and Wayne (1.346%), while supporting median home values of $239,000. The combination of low tax rates and higher property values makes Winneshiek a rare tax-efficient county.

What you'll pay on a typical home

On Winneshiek's median home value of $239,000, the typical property tax bill comes to $2,784 annually, or about $232 per month. Those with a mortgage typically pay $2,807 once escrow and insurance are added.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in Iowa's most tax-friendly county, assessment errors exist and appeals succeed regularly. With higher-valued homes in Winneshiek, a successful appeal could save meaningful dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winneshiek County

via CostByCounty

Winneshiek incomes enable solid affordability

Winneshiek County residents earn $75,652 annually—slightly above the national median—allowing them to maintain a 12.7% rent-to-income ratio despite moderate rents. At $800 monthly, rents are below the state median, making housing accessible despite above-average incomes.

Winneshiek ranks among Iowa's best

Winneshiek County's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio places it in Iowa's top tier for affordability, driven by strong household earnings above the state average. The county combines economic stability with genuine housing accessibility for renters and buyers alike.

Balanced northeast Iowa affordability

Winneshiek's $800 rent and $75,652 income reflect a prosperous county within its region, with a home value of $239,000 supporting a vibrant economy. The 12.7% rent-to-income ratio positions it between budget-conscious southern counties and premium options like Warren.

Strong incomes support quality housing

Winneshiek households earning $75,652 spend $800 on rent or $1,068 on mortgage, dedicating 12.7% and 16.9% of income respectively to housing while maintaining strong financial security. This income level supports investment in higher-quality homes while preserving substantial funds for other priorities.

Winneshiek for prosperous relocators

Relocating to Iowa with household income above $70,000? Winneshiek County offers a 12.7% rent-to-income ratio, strong local economy, and median home values ($239,000) reflecting quality communities. The county delivers both affordability and prosperity for those seeking vibrant northeast Iowa living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winneshiek County

via IncomeByCounty

Winneshiek nearly at national median

Winneshiek County's median household income of $75,652 slightly exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $900, placing it nearly in line with national norms. Per capita income of $40,595 also surpasses national averages, reflecting stronger-than-typical individual earning power. Winneshiek ranks among the more prosperous rural counties across America.

Among Iowa's top earners

Winneshiek County's $75,652 median household income significantly outpaces Iowa's state average of $69,830 by nearly $6,000, placing it in the upper third of Iowa's 99 counties. Per capita income of $40,595 exceeds the state average of $37,136 by more than $3,400, signaling robust wages across the county. Winneshiek ranks as one of Iowa's stronger performers economically.

Winneshiek a regional income leader

Winneshiek's $75,652 income trails only Warren County ($92,990) within its peer group, significantly exceeding Washington ($71,339), Webster ($68,054), and all southern Iowa counties. The $16,534 lead over Wapello ($60,034) exemplifies the stark earning disparities within the state. Winneshiek's position reflects diverse employment, strong agricultural productivity, and educational institutions that anchor the local economy.

Housing highly affordable in Winneshiek

Winneshiek's rent-to-income ratio of 12.7% ranks among the lowest in the dataset, providing ample financial cushion for renters. With a median home value of $239,000 and median household income of $75,652, homeownership is comfortably within reach for most working families. Strong income relative to housing costs positions Winneshiek residents for financial stability and wealth building.

Optimize wealth through diversification

Winneshiek residents earning $75,000+ should maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts, explore investment real estate, and build diversified taxable portfolios for long-term wealth. With above-average income and relatively affordable housing, many households can aggressively save 15-20% of income toward future goals. Consulting a financial planner can help optimize tax strategies and estate planning for multi-generational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winneshiek County

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive Safety in Winneshiek County

Winneshiek County maintains an elite safety score of 99.6. Its total crime rate of 274.3 per 100,000 residents is nearly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Residents here enjoy one of the most secure environments in the entire country.

Winneshiek Exceeds Iowa Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 99.6 is higher than the state average of 98.3. Furthermore, its crime rate of 274.3 is a fraction of the statewide average of 1,095.3. Winneshiek stands as a model for public safety within the state of Iowa.

Comparing Regional Safety Performance

With a rate of 274.3, Winneshiek County is significantly safer than neighboring Washington County (1,335.7). Data from two agencies confirms that crime remains consistently low across the county. This consistency provides peace of mind for those living in the northeast Iowa region.

A Low Risk for Crime

The violent crime rate is 144.6, well below the national average of 369.8, while property crime is even lower at 129.7. Most reported incidents are minor, and the risk of serious criminal activity is statistically very low. This makes the county a highly desirable place for those prioritizing safety.

Preserving Your Home's Security

While crime is rare, simple measures like outdoor lighting and secure window locks provide extra peace of mind. Supporting local neighborhood watch groups can help maintain these excellent safety standards. Staying connected with neighbors is the best way to keep Winneshiek County secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Winneshiek County

via HealthByCounty

Winneshiek Leads the Nation

Winneshiek County's 81.8-year life expectancy towers above the U.S. average of 76.4 years and Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, making it one of America's healthiest counties. Just 11.8% report poor or fair health—the lowest among these eight counties.

Iowa's Healthiest County

Winneshiek County ranks at the top of Iowa for life expectancy and overall health status, a distinction reflecting strong community health outcomes. The county's 4.2% uninsured rate is the second-lowest in this cohort and well below Iowa's 5.7% state average.

Northeast Iowa's Health Champion

Winneshiek County's 81.8-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Winnebago County (78.8 years) and all other peers in the cohort. The county provides robust healthcare infrastructure with 101 primary care providers and 283 mental health providers per 100K.

Best Access Drives Best Outcomes

Winneshiek County combines the strongest primary care access (101 per 100K) with excellent mental health availability (283 per 100K), supporting comprehensive healthcare delivery. At just 4.2% uninsured, nearly all residents have pathways to the services that drive the county's exceptional health outcomes.

Keep Winneshiek Healthy

With 4.2% uninsured, Winneshiek County maintains the insurance coverage underpinning its national health leadership. Those without coverage should immediately explore marketplace and Medicaid options to sustain access to the primary and behavioral health services supporting the county's outstanding longevity.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Winneshiek County

via SchoolsByCounty

Elite Educational Standards in Winneshiek

Winneshiek County operates nine public schools serving 2,495 students across three dedicated districts. The system includes four elementary schools and three high schools, providing ample capacity for the local population.

Top-Tier Performance and Strong Funding

Winneshiek County boasts an incredible 96.3% graduation rate and a high school score of 59.4. This success is backed by a healthy per-pupil expenditure of $8,201, which is significantly higher than the Iowa state average.

Decorah Community School District

The Decorah Community School District is the largest provider, educating 1,589 students in four schools. No charter schools operate in the county, leaving education in the hands of three highly successful local districts.

Small Schools with Big Results

Six schools are located in rural areas, while three are in town settings, maintaining an average size of 277 students. Decorah High School is the largest in the county with 576 students, offering a personal learning environment for every teenager.

Secure Your Future in Winneshiek

With some of the highest graduation rates and school scores in the state, Winneshiek County is a premier choice for education-focused families. Investing in a home here means providing your children with top-tier academic resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winneshiek County

via RiskByCounty

Winneshiek's risk remains below U.S. average

Winneshiek County scores 36.20 and rates Very Low, placing it 9% below the national average. The county experiences fewer multi-hazard exposures than typical American communities.

Among Iowa's lower-risk counties

Winneshiek scores 36.20, slightly below Iowa's state average of 39.68, ranking in the state's safer half. The county's risk profile reflects moderate exposure balanced across most hazard types.

Safer than Webster, comparable to Warren

Winneshiek (36.20) significantly outperforms Webster (59.99) and closely matches Warren (36.10) and Van Buren (33.62). The county ranks among northeast Iowa's safer communities.

Tornadoes and floods lead hazard list

Tornado risk reaches 60.81 in Winneshiek, making it the county's primary concern, while flood risk at 47.46 ranks second. Both scores remain close to state averages, reflecting the county's moderate overall exposure.

Comprehensive storm and flood coverage advised

Winneshiek homeowners should prioritize wind and hail insurance for tornado protection, then evaluate flood coverage given the moderate 47.46 flood risk score. Standard policies with these riders offer solid protection for your county's risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winneshiek County

via WeatherByCounty

Winneshiek County's Cool Temperate Climate

Winneshiek County averages 48.5°F annually, sitting below the national median. It experiences the sharp, scenic seasonal changes typical of the Driftless Area.

Near the State Average Temperature

The county's 48.5°F average is nearly identical to the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It receives slightly more precipitation than the state norm, totaling 37.6 inches.

Warmer Than the Far North

Winneshiek is significantly warmer than Winnebago County's 44.9°F. However, it experiences similar heavy snowfall patterns found across northern Iowa.

Significant Snowfall and Cool Summers

Annual snowfall reaches 37.5 inches, paired with a January average of 19.0°F. Summer is mild, with a July average of 73.5°F and only 12 days of extreme heat.

Equip for a Long Snow Season

Robust snow tires and winter gear are essential for navigating the 37.5 inches of annual snow. Homeowners should also ensure basements are sealed against the 37.6 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winneshiek County

via SoilByCounty

Mollisols and Loamy Fine Sands

Winneshiek County is characterized by Mollisols, the deep, dark, fertile soils of the grasslands. The dominant texture is loamy fine sand, and the average pH is 6.34, just under the national median. These soils are famous for their historical productivity and natural wealth.

Sandier Soil for Superior Aeration

With 30.4% sand and a high 49.4% silt content, this soil is exceptionally easy to till and manage. The clay content is relatively low at 19.3%, which means it doesn't get as sticky as other Iowa soils. This creates a light, breathable environment that encourages rapid root expansion.

Classic Iowa Fertility Levels

The organic matter in Winneshiek stands at 3.72%, nearly matching the state average of 3.81%. Available water capacity is also exactly at the state average of 0.195 in/in. These metrics indicate a very reliable and balanced soil that is well-suited for traditional Midwestern farming.

Rapid Drainage in Hydrologic Group A

Classified as excessively drained and part of hydrologic group A, water moves very quickly through this soil. This reduces the risk of root rot but may require more frequent irrigation during peak summer heat. It is a fantastic soil for construction and gardening, as it dries out quickly after a storm.

Perfect for Cold-Hardy Specialties

Winneshiek's Zone 5a climate and well-drained loamy sand are ideal for specialty crops like grapes or berries. The soil's tendency to dry quickly makes it perfect for plants that dislike 'wet feet.' Plant your orchard or vineyard here and watch it thrive in the rich Mollisol base.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winneshiek County

via LawnByCounty

Distinctive Growing Conditions in Winneshiek

Winneshiek County achieves a high 83.8 lawn difficulty score, outperforming the state average of 77.2. Homeowners in this Zone 5a county enjoy a climate that supports healthy turf with relatively low intervention.

Temperate Summers and Ample Rain

With only 12 extreme heat days and 37.6 inches of precipitation, the climate is very friendly to grass. These conditions help maintain a green lawn throughout the summer without the constant irrigation needed in hotter regions.

Managing Excessively Drained Soil

Unique to this area, the loamy fine sand soil is classified as excessively drained. While the 6.34 pH is ideal, you must water more frequently because the soil does not hold onto moisture as long as Iowa's typical clay soils.

Resilient Against Current Drought

Winneshiek is currently free from any abnormally dry conditions, providing a great starting point for the season. Even with 6 weeks of drought last year, the local environment has shown a strong ability to recover.

Start Late for Best Results

The last spring frost on May 3 is one of the latest in the state, so patience is key for new plantings. Choose cold-hardy Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue to make the most of the 3070 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winneshiek County's county score?
Winneshiek County, Iowa has a composite county score of 67.9 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 Winneshiek County rank among counties in Iowa?
Winneshiek County ranks #6 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 Winneshiek County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Winneshiek County is $2,784, with an effective tax rate of 1.16%. This earns Winneshiek County a tax score of 27.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winneshiek County?
The median household income in Winneshiek County, Iowa is $75,652 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winneshiek County earns an income score of 78.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winneshiek County, Iowa a good place to live?
Winneshiek County scores 67.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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