CountyScore

Worth County

Iowa · IA

#1 in Iowa
75.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Worth County, Iowa

Worth County ranks in the national upper tier

Worth County scores 75.9 out of 100, placing it well above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper percentile of all U.S. counties. This strong score reflects solid performance across most livability dimensions.

Iowa's top-performing county segment

At 75.9, Worth County exceeds Iowa's state average of 69.3 by a meaningful margin, ranking it among the state's best counties for overall livability. This above-average performance makes it a standout choice within Iowa.

Exceptional affordability and low tax burden

Worth County excels on cost and tax efficiency: median rent is just $703 per month and median home values are $142,300 (Cost Score: 83.4), while the effective tax rate of 1.075% is among Iowa's lowest (Tax Score: 72.0). Health outcomes are also strong at 79.2, and residents enjoy a Risk Score of 90.2—the highest among the three counties—indicating economic resilience and stability.

Income levels lag despite overall strength

The one area where Worth County underperforms is income: the median household income of $76,875 and Income Score of 33.6 are modest by national standards. However, this limitation is softened by the county's exceptional affordability and low tax burden.

Ideal for families seeking rural stability and value

Worth County is best suited for families and retirees who value economic stability, low costs, and reliable healthcare over high wages. This county rewards residents who prioritize quality of life, affordability, and community resilience.

Score breakdown

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

Tax72Cost83.4SafetyComing SoonHealth79.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.6Risk90.2WaterComing Soon
🏛72
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.2
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 Worth County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Skagway Municipality
Alaska
75.9
Median income: $78,594
Newton County
Arkansas
75.9
Median income: $47,395
Bent County
Colorado
75.9
Median income: $49,194
Pulaski County
Indiana
75.9
Median income: $59,956
Towner County
North Dakota
75.9
Median income: $63,017

Deep Dives

Worth County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.