CountyScore

Winneshiek County

Iowa · IA

#13 in Iowa
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Winneshiek County, Iowa

Top-tier Iowa performer nationally

Winneshiek County scores 72.7 on the CountyScore index, well above the national median of 50.0. The county ranks around the 45th percentile nationally, placing it among the strongest-performing counties in the nation.

Leads Iowa's livability rankings

At 72.7, Winneshiek exceeds Iowa's state average of 69.3, ranking among the top-performing counties statewide. The county represents Iowa's livability at its best.

Outstanding health and low tax burden

Winneshiek County leads with a Health Score of 85.2, the highest among these eight counties, and a Tax Score of 69.5 supported by an exceptional effective tax rate of just 1.165%. Income is also stronger at 32.8 with a median household income of $75,652.

Housing costs rise with quality

The Cost Score of 77.8 reflects higher housing expenses, with a median home value of $239,000, which may challenge budget-conscious movers. This remains the county's primary affordability constraint.

Premier choice for quality-of-life seekers

Winneshiek County attracts established families and professionals who value exceptional health outcomes, low taxes, and strong incomes over ultra-low housing costs. It's the top pick for those seeking Iowa's best overall livability and willing to pay for premium quality of life.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax69.5Cost77.8SafetyComing SoonHealth85.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.8Risk63.8WaterComing Soon
🏛69.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤85.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Winneshiek County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Alabama
72.7
Median income: $50,714
Polk County
Arkansas
72.7
Median income: $49,252
Yuma County
Colorado
72.7
Median income: $60,051
Schley County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $59,647
Wheeler County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $45,262

Deep Dives

Winneshiek County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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