countyscore
70.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 90.2Health 88.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Worth County, Iowa

A National Leader in Livability

Worth County delivers an elite performance with a composite score of 70.4, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the upper echelon of American counties for quality of life.

Leading the Way in Iowa

The county significantly outperforms the Iowa state average of 55.6, establishing itself as a premier destination within the state. Its high scores across almost every dimension make it a regional standout for stability.

Exceptional Resiliency and Health

Worth excels with a Risk Score of 90.2 and a Health Score of 88.2, indicating a safe and thriving population. Affordability is another major strength, featuring a low 1.075% effective tax rate and a median gross rent of only $703.

Room for Educational Growth

While the county boasts high marks elsewhere, the School Score of 65.7 represents a relative area for improvement. The Tax Score of 32.8 also suggests that while taxes are manageable, they remain higher than the most aggressive low-tax jurisdictions.

The Ultimate Choice for Families

Worth County is ideal for families and retirees seeking a high-security, low-stress environment with superior financial health. With median incomes reaching $76,875 and extremely low housing costs, it offers a rare level of economic peace of mind.

Score breakdown

Tax32.8Cost68.8Safety85Health88.2Schools65.7Income79.8Risk90.2Water86Weather50.1
🏛32.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠68.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼79.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤88.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡90.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨82.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.8
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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Counties with similar scores

Butler County
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Median income: $82,603
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Martin County
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Doddridge County
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Grant County
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Nearby counties

Freeborn County
Minnesota
47.5
Cerro Gordo County
Iowa
42.5
Mitchell County
Iowa
66.2
Winnebago County
Iowa
68.8
Mower County
Minnesota
44.7
Floyd County
Iowa
56.7
Hancock County
Iowa
61.6
Faribault County
Minnesota
61.9

Deep Dives

Worth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Worth County

via TaxByCounty

Worth County well below national average

Worth County's effective tax rate of 1.075% sits below the national median of 1.086%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties by tax burden. At $1,530 in median annual taxes on a $142,300 home, Worth County residents enjoy significantly lower property tax obligations than the national median of $2,690.

Iowa's lightest tax burden

Worth County has one of Iowa's lowest effective tax rates at 1.075%, well below the state average of 1.344%. Median annual taxes of $1,530 represent just 71% of Iowa's median, making it an outlier for affordability among the state's 99 counties.

Worth County's tax advantage

Worth County's 1.075% rate is the lowest among nearby counties, beating Woodbury County (1.478%) and Wright County (1.544%) decisively. With a median tax bill of just $1,530, Worth residents pay roughly $1,000 less annually than Woodbury neighbors on comparable properties.

Annual tax on median Worth home

On Worth County's median home value of $142,300, the typical property owner pays $1,530 in annual taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,502, while those without mortgages pay $1,563.

Review your assessment even here

Even in low-tax Worth County, some homeowners carry assessments that don't reflect current market conditions. A formal appeal costs nothing and could yield meaningful savings, particularly if your property has declined in value or been overestimated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Worth County

via CostByCounty

Worth County leads on rental affordability

Worth County renters spend just 11% of their income on rent, well below the national benchmark of roughly 15%. With a median household income of $76,875—slightly above the national median of $74,755—Worth County offers some of the most balanced housing economics in the region.

Most affordable among Iowa's three

Worth County's 11% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Iowa's state average of 14.1%, ranking it as the most affordable of the three counties examined. Its $703 median rent runs $109 below the state average of $812, reflecting both lower costs and strong local incomes.

Cheaper rents, higher wages than rivals

Worth County's $703 rent beats Woodbury's $946 by $243 monthly and Wright's $788 by $85. The county also boasts the highest median income ($76,875) among the three, creating the strongest affordability position across all metrics.

Housing takes reasonable share of budget

Worth County renters pay $703 monthly while homeowners spend $821, with a median home value of $142,300. At 11% of income going to rent alone, households here retain more resources for savings, transportation, and other essentials compared to state and national norms.

Best affordability for Iowa relocators

Worth County combines the region's lowest rents, best rent-to-income ratio, and solid wages, making it the strongest choice for cost-conscious families seeking rural Iowa. If housing affordability shapes your move, Worth County's balance of economic opportunity and low housing costs stands out.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Worth County

via IncomeByCounty

Worth County outpaces national average

Worth County's median household income of $76,875 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $2,120. This modest advantage reflects the county's relatively strong economic position compared to most American counties.

Iowa's higher-income counties

At $76,875, Worth County ranks among Iowa's top earners, running $7,045 ahead of the state median of $69,830. The county consistently performs in the upper quartile of Iowa's 99 counties in household income.

Leading the region in earnings

Worth County's $76,875 significantly outpaces Woodbury County ($70,147) and Wright County ($64,033), creating a $12,842 income gap to its closest neighbor. This advantage reflects stronger agricultural productivity and manufacturing employment in the immediate area.

Housing costs lowest in region

Worth County's 11.0% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—among the most affordable in the state. Combined with the lowest median home value ($142,300) among the three counties, affordability here enables households to comfortably meet housing needs.

Strong foundation for financial goals

Worth County households enjoy both higher incomes and lower housing burdens, creating prime conditions for wealth building. Investing surplus earnings in diversified portfolios or expanding skills strengthens long-term financial independence in this prosperous community.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Worth County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Scores in Worth County

Worth County earns a high safety score of 99.4, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 350.5 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Iowa State Safety Averages

The county remains well below the Iowa state average crime rate of 1,095.3. Its safety score of 99.4 also beats the statewide average of 98.3, suggesting a high standard of public security.

Local Comparison and Data Limitations

Worth County reports a crime rate of 350.5, which is higher than Woodbury’s 107.0 but lower than Wright County’s 410.9. Because data comes from a single reporting agency, residents should interpret these figures as a partial snapshot of local safety.

Property Concerns Lead Local Statistics

Property crime drives the local stats with a rate of 283.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime accounts for a smaller portion at 67.4, which is less than one-fifth of the national average of 369.8.

Security Awareness for Rural Homes

Security starts with basic awareness and keeping entrances locked. Simple home monitoring systems can provide peace of mind in this low-crime rural community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Worth County

via HealthByCounty

Worth County exceeds national averages

Worth County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 78.8 years, nearly 2.5 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 14.4% report poor or fair health, meaningfully lower than the national average of 16.8%. These strong metrics reflect a healthier-than-average population across the nation.

Top health outcomes in Iowa

At 78.8 years, Worth County leads Iowa's state average life expectancy of 77.7 years by more than a full year. The county's poor/fair health rate of 14.4% ranks well below the state average, placing Worth among Iowa's healthiest counties. This performance suggests effective health management and supportive community conditions.

Worth County's clear health advantage

Worth's 78.8-year life expectancy outpaces Woodbury County (75.5 years) by 3.3 years and edges Wright County (77.8 years) by a full year. The county's 14.4% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among these three neighbors, indicating residents experience fewer health challenges. This consistent advantage suggests Worth's healthcare environment delivers measurable benefits.

Low uninsured rate, limited primary care

Worth County's uninsured rate of 5.4% sits below the state average of 5.7%, ensuring most residents have coverage. However, the county offers only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-quarter the rate in Woodbury County—creating significant access gaps. Mental health provider data is limited, but primary care scarcity remains a challenge despite strong overall health outcomes.

Keep coverage strong and accessible

Worth County's 5.4% uninsured rate is among Iowa's best, but those without coverage should explore Healthcare.gov or local Medicaid options immediately. Even with excellent county-level health outcomes, individual coverage ensures you access the preventive and emergency care that supports Worth's strong health profile. Review your current plan annually to stay ahead of life changes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Worth County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in Rural Worth County

Worth County operates a streamlined system of 4 public schools serving 967 total students. These facilities are organized into one primary district and consist of 2 elementary and 2 high schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the State

Worth County boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 92.3%. While higher education attainment data is unavailable, the county earns a high school score of 56.6 with $7,213 in per-pupil spending.

Northwood-Kensett Anchors Local Learning

The Northwood-Kensett Community School District serves 594 students across 2 campuses. Traditional public schools represent 100% of the county's educational landscape, with no charter schools currently operating.

Small-Town Feel in Every Rural Campus

All 4 schools are located in rural settings, fostering a close-knit average school size of 242 students. Northwood-Kensett Elementary is the largest site with 321 students, while Central Springs Elementary provides an intimate setting for 147 children.

Secure Your Future in Worth County

For buyers prioritizing high-performing rural schools, Worth County offers some of the best graduation outcomes in Iowa. Explore local real estate to find a home within these successful, small-scale learning environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Worth County

via RiskByCounty

Worth County enjoys very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of just 9.86, Worth County ranks as very low for natural disasters—well below Iowa's state average of 39.68 and among the safest counties nationally. This favorable profile reflects consistently low exposure across flood, wildfire, and earthquake hazards.

Iowa's safest counties by far

Worth County's composite risk score of 9.86 places it in Iowa's lowest tier of disaster vulnerability, dramatically outperforming the state average of 39.68. The county's minimal flood risk (10.72), wildfire risk (3.18), and earthquake risk (4.83) contribute to this exceptional safety profile.

Safest in a relatively low-risk region

Worth County's risk score of 9.86 is substantially lower than Wright County (41.51) and miles ahead of Woodbury County (83.27). Even within a region of generally lower disaster exposure, Worth County stands out as exceptionally protected from natural hazards.

Tornado risk is the main concern

Worth County's only meaningful natural disaster exposure is tornado risk at 36.01, still well below statewide levels and manageable with proper planning. All other major hazards—flood, wildfire, earthquake—score extremely low, leaving residents with minimal multi-hazard vulnerability.

Standard coverage meets local needs

Worth County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection, though tornado-specific preparation remains prudent—identify a safe room and keep emergency supplies accessible. Your primary focus should be maintaining working smoke detectors and a basic emergency kit rather than specialized disaster coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Worth County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold Northern Climate Profile

Worth County's 43.0°F annual average is significantly lower than the national median. This northern location results in shorter summers and a much colder overall climate profile.

One of Iowa's Coldest Counties

Worth County ranks well below the state average, sitting 5 degrees cooler than the 48.0°F Iowa mean. Its 35.5 inches of precipitation closely matches the state's average of 36.1 inches.

Cooler Summers than Southern Neighbors

Worth County only sees 4 days of extreme heat annually, far fewer than counties in southern or western Iowa. It records 40.2 inches of snowfall, which is higher than many regional peers.

Dominant Winters and Mild Summers

Winter is intense here, with a January average of only 12.6°F. Summers remain mild and pleasant, featuring a July average of 69.0°F and very few days reaching 90°F.

Winter Preparedness is Top Priority

With over 40 inches of annual snow, high-quality winter gear and snow blowers are essential. Residents should prioritize home insulation for the frigid 16.3°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Worth County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Iowa Mollisols

Worth County sits on rich Mollisols with a nearly perfect pH of 6.45, mirroring both the state average and the national median. These 'prairie soils' represent some of the most productive agricultural land in the world.

Balanced Silt Loam Texture

The dominant silt loam texture consists of 38.9% silt and 36.5% sand, creating a workable and versatile medium. This balance, rounded out by 21.1% clay, provides enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming overly heavy.

Exceptional Organic Fertility

With a massive 5.98% organic matter content, Worth County far outpaces the state average of 3.81%. Its available water capacity hits the state benchmark of 0.195 in/in, creating an ideal environment for high-yield growth.

Managing Poorly Drained Soils

Classified as somewhat poorly drained in hydrologic group D, these soils may retain water during wet Iowa springs. This classification suggests that growers should prioritize drainage tiles or raised beds to manage moisture effectively.

High-Yield Potential in Zone 5a

Located in Hardiness Zone 5a, this fertile ground is perfect for sweet corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. The exceptional organic matter levels provide a natural boost, making this an ideal spot to launch a productive home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Worth County

via LawnByCounty

An Ideal Environment for Iowa Lawns

Worth County is a standout for easy lawn care, scoring a 78.8 on the difficulty scale. This score exceeds both the national median of 50.0 and the Iowa state average of 77.2. Situated in Hardiness Zone 5a, the county provides a very hospitable climate for lush, green turf.

Mild Summers and Sufficient Rainfall

Lawns benefit from 35.5 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns closely with the state average of 36.1 inches. Extreme heat is rare here, with only 4 days per year hitting 90°F compared to the 16-day state average. This lack of heat stress means your grass stays greener longer into the summer months.

Thriving in Silt Loam Soils

The soil features a silt loam texture with a 36.5% sand content, providing a lighter structure than heavier clay regions. With a pH of 6.45, the ground is naturally optimized for grass health without the need for heavy lime applications. Because the soil is somewhat poorly drained, homeowners should ensure proper grading to avoid standing water.

High Resilience to Dry Weather

Worth County shows strong drought resilience, recording only 7 weeks of drought over the last year. Currently, only 31.7% of the area faces abnormally dry conditions, which is significantly better than many neighboring counties. Natural rainfall handles most of the work here, keeping irrigation costs low.

Start Planting After Early May

Fine fescues and perennial ryegrass thrive in this northern Iowa climate and soil type. Plan your primary seeding for after the last spring frost on May 4 to ensure survival. A second window for overseeding opens in late August, well before the first fall frost on October 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Worth County's county score?
Worth County, Iowa has a composite county score of 70.4 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 Worth County rank among counties in Iowa?
Worth County ranks #2 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 Worth County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Worth County is $1,530, with an effective tax rate of 1.08%. This earns Worth County a tax score of 32.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Worth County?
The median household income in Worth County, Iowa is $76,875 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Worth County earns an income score of 79.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Worth County, Iowa a good place to live?
Worth County scores 70.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Worth 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 Worth 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.