countyscore
59.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 82.7Lawn Care 82.3

County Report Card

About Wright County, Iowa

Strong Performance Above National Norms

Wright County earns a composite score of 59.7, comfortably outperforming the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is significantly better than the average American experience.

Beating the Iowa Average

The county maintains a competitive edge within its own borders, surpassing the Iowa state average composite score of 55.6. It holds its own against neighbors by offering a high standard of basic services and safety.

Safe Streets and Affordable Homes

Public safety is a primary asset with a score of 82.7, complemented by a very strong Water Score of 86.0. Housing is exceptionally accessible here, with a median home value of just $109,800 driving a high Cost Score of 66.3.

Navigating High Local Taxes

The county’s main challenge is a low Tax Score of 11.0, driven by an effective tax rate of 1.544%. Additionally, an Income Score of 50.9 suggests that local wage growth hasn't quite kept pace with the state's top-performing counties.

A Haven for Homebuyers

Wright County is a perfect fit for first-time homebuyers and budget-conscious families who prioritize safety and low-cost real estate. It offers a secure, traditional Iowa lifestyle for those who value community stability over high-speed income growth.

Score breakdown

Tax11Cost66.3Safety82.7Health75.1Schools54Income50.9Risk58.5Water86Weather46.1
🏛11
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨81.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱82.3
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

Hamilton County
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57.6
Humboldt County
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63.4
Franklin County
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65.5
Webster County
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Hancock County
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Hardin County
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Cerro Gordo County
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Pocahontas County
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Deep Dives

Wright County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wright County

via TaxByCounty

Wright County's elevated tax rate nationally

Wright County's effective tax rate of 1.544% ranks in the top 30% of U.S. counties, exceeding the national median of 1.086% by 42%. However, the median annual tax of $1,695 remains well below the national median of $2,690 due to Wright's significantly lower median home value of $109,800.

Second-highest rate in Iowa

Wright County's effective tax rate of 1.544% ranks as the second-highest in Iowa, just behind Woodbury County's 1.478% and well above the state average of 1.344%. Despite this, median taxes of $1,695 sit below both Woodbury and the state average due to lower property values.

Wright's highest rate in the region

Wright County has the highest effective tax rate among its neighbors at 1.544%, surpassing Woodbury County (1.478%) and significantly exceeding Worth County (1.075%). Though median home values are lowest in Wright, the steep tax rate means residents pay higher taxes per dollar of home value than surrounding counties.

Annual tax on median Wright home

On Wright County's median home value of $109,800, the typical property owner pays $1,695 in annual taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,774, while those without mortgages pay $1,584.

Assessment appeals could help

With Wright County's high tax rate, overassessments have outsized impact on residents' wallets. Appealing an inflated assessment could yield meaningful relief, especially in a county where property values are relatively modest.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wright County

via CostByCounty

Wright County rents align with national trends

Wright County renters spend 14.8% of their income on rent, nearly matching the national average of roughly 15%. However, the county's median household income of $64,033 trails the national median of $74,755 by over $10,000, meaning residents earn less while paying proportionally similar housing costs.

Slightly below state average for rent burden

Wright County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it in the middle of the three counties. With median rent at $788, the county runs $24 above the state median of $812, reflecting moderate housing demand.

Middle ground between Worth and Woodbury

Wright County's $788 rent falls between Worth's $703 and Woodbury's $946, while its $64,033 income is the lowest of the three. Despite the lowest earnings, Wright County's modest housing costs and lowest median home value ($109,800) keep affordability manageable.

Lowest earners, lowest housing prices

Wright County renters pay $788 monthly while homeowners spend $716 on properties valued at just $109,800—the region's most affordable homes. With median income at $64,033, housing consumes roughly 15% of gross income for renters, but the low home values create strong ownership opportunities.

Best homebuying opportunity for budget buyers

Wright County's $109,800 median home value and $716 monthly owner costs offer the most accessible path to homeownership in the region, especially for lower-income households. If building equity matters more than renting flexibility, Wright County's affordable properties and modest ongoing costs make it worth serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wright County

via IncomeByCounty

Wright County below national income

Wright County's median household income of $64,033 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $10,722. This $10,722 gap positions the county below the national average, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Iowa regions.

Below Iowa's state median

Wright County's $64,033 falls $5,797 below Iowa's median of $69,830, ranking the county in the lower third of Iowa's 99 counties. This shortfall underscores local economic pressures and limited wage growth in recent years.

Lowest earnings in the trio

Wright County trails both Worth County ($76,875) and Woodbury County ($70,147) by substantial margins. The $12,842 difference between Wright and Worth represents one of the state's starker intra-regional income disparities.

Affordable housing with tight margins

Wright County's 14.8% rent-to-income ratio is reasonable, and median home values of $109,800 are the region's lowest. However, lower incomes mean households have less cushion for unexpected expenses, making emergency savings crucial.

Strategic planning builds security

Wright County households face tighter budgets but benefit from low housing costs that free up resources for savings. Prioritizing an emergency fund and exploring local job training or business development opportunities strengthens family resilience and future prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wright County

via CrimeByCounty

Wright County is Safer Than Most U.S. Counties

Wright County earns a 99.4 safety score, placing it far above the national average. The local crime rate of 410.9 per 100,000 residents is roughly five times lower than the national rate of 2,385.5.

Wright County Outperforms State Averages

Wright County's crime rate is less than half of the Iowa state average of 1,095.3. It maintains a safety score of 99.4, comfortably exceeding the state average of 98.3.

Comprehensive Reporting Compared to Neighbors

With 410.9 crimes per 100,000 residents, Wright County sees more reported activity than Woodbury or Worth. However, the data represents reports from four distinct agencies, providing a more comprehensive view of local safety.

Understanding Local Crime Trends

Property crime sits at 279.1 per 100,000, while violent crime is reported at a rate of 131.8. While violent incidents are higher here than in Woodbury, they remain well below the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Proactive Security for Wright Residents

Active community involvement and visible home security help maintain these high safety standards. Consider joining a neighborhood watch or installing smart doorbells to monitor for property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wright County

via HealthByCounty

Wright County matches national health

Wright County residents live to 77.8 years, beating the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over a year. At 18.0%, the poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 16.8%, though only slightly. Overall, Wright performs solidly against national benchmarks with life expectancy strength offsetting minor health perception challenges.

Slightly above Iowa average

Wright County's life expectancy of 77.8 years marginally exceeds Iowa's state average of 77.7 years, placing it near the middle of Iowa's counties. The poor/fair health rate of 18.0% runs slightly above the state average, indicating residents report modestly more health challenges than Iowans overall. These near-average metrics reflect a typical rural Iowa health profile.

Between Worth and Woodbury

Wright County's 77.8-year life expectancy falls between Worth County's leading 78.8 years and Woodbury's lower 75.5 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 18.0% places it between Worth's best-in-region 14.4% and Woodbury's highest 19.1%. Wright represents the middle ground health-wise among these three neighboring counties.

Moderate access, stable coverage

Wright County's 5.4% uninsured rate matches nearby Worth County and sits just below the state average, indicating strong coverage overall. The county supports 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than Worth's 14 but less than Woodbury's 63—offering moderate access. Mental health providers number 142 per 100K, showing decent behavioral health capacity despite primary care constraints.

Maintain coverage and seek care

Wright County's solid 5.4% uninsured rate shows most residents have coverage, but the remaining uninsured should check Healthcare.gov for marketplace and Medicaid options. With moderate primary care capacity, establishing a relationship with a provider now ensures you're connected before health needs arise. Review coverage gaps annually to stay prepared.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wright County

via SchoolsByCounty

Wright County's Balanced Public School System

Wright County supports 2,768 students through a network of 9 public schools distributed across 3 districts. The infrastructure includes 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high school facilities to serve the community.

Local Investment Fuels Educational Success

The county spends $8,242 per pupil, which exceeds the Iowa state average of $7,591 and supports an 88.1% graduation rate. While specific data on bachelor's attainment is limited, the county maintains a solid composite school score of 55.2.

Three Districts Supporting Local Families

Clarion-Goldfield-Dows is the largest district, serving 1,071 students across 3 schools. No charter schools operate in the county, meaning the educational focus remains entirely on the three traditional community districts.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

Students attend schools in 6 rural and 3 town-based locales, creating a community-focused environment with an average school size of 308. Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Elementary is the largest campus with 535 students, serving as a central hub for local families.

Build Your Life Near Wright County Schools

Finding a home near these stable, town-centered schools offers families a grounded lifestyle with solid academic results. Consider Wright County's consistent performance and higher-than-average state spending when choosing your next neighborhood.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wright County

via RiskByCounty

Wright County has near-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 41.51, Wright County ranks as very low and sits just slightly above Iowa's state average of 39.68. The county's risk profile is broadly representative of midwestern counties, driven primarily by moderate tornado and flood exposure.

Middle-tier risk among Iowa counties

Wright County's composite risk score of 41.51 places it marginally above Iowa's state average of 39.68, making it a relatively typical Iowa county in disaster vulnerability. The county avoids the extreme concentrations of risk seen in a few high-exposure areas.

More vulnerable than Worth, less than Woodbury

Wright County's risk score of 41.51 sits squarely between Worth County (9.86) and Woodbury County (83.27), reflecting moderate regional variation in hazard exposure. The county's tornado and flood risks are notably higher than Worth's but substantially lower than Woodbury's.

Tornado and flood are the primary threats

Tornado risk of 54.39 and flood risk of 35.05 represent Wright County's primary natural disaster exposures, with both at or above state averages. Secondary risks—wildfire (7.28), earthquake (16.76), and hurricane (16.65)—remain minimal, focusing concern on spring severe weather and seasonal flooding.

Standard insurance with tornado readiness

Wright County residents should ensure homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage and maintain adequate flood coverage, especially if your property sits in or near floodplain areas. Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated safe room, keep emergency supplies ready, and monitor spring weather forecasts closely.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wright County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Continental Climate Patterns

Wright County’s 47.0°F average annual temperature trails the national median by several degrees. The region follows a humid continental pattern with four distinct and active seasons.

Matching the Iowa Precipitation Baseline

The county's 34.3 inches of annual precipitation is nearly on par with the 36.1-inch Iowa state average. However, its 47.0°F annual temperature is slightly cooler than the statewide 48.0°F average.

Balanced Snowfall Compared to Northern Peers

Wright County receives 31.1 inches of snow, which is less than the 40.2 inches seen in neighboring Worth County to the north. It experiences 16 extreme heat days, a middle-ground figure for the region.

Hot July Days and Cold January Nights

July temperatures average 73.4°F, providing a sharp contrast to the 16.0°F average in January. The county manages a significant 31.1 inches of snow throughout the winter months.

Insulate for Extreme Seasonal Swings

Homeowners should prepare for 16 days of heat above 90°F with reliable air conditioning. Efficient heating is equally vital to combat winter averages that stay well below freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wright County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral pH for Optimal Growth

Wright County maintains a balanced pH of 6.53, aligning almost perfectly with the national median of 6.5. This neutral environment allows for optimal nutrient uptake for most common midwestern crops despite the lack of specific taxonomic data.

Stable Mineral Composition

The soil profile contains a mix of 37.9% silt and 35.6% sand, backed by a 24.9% clay component. This combination provides a stable foundation that balances water storage with essential structural support.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter levels here reach an impressive 6.11%, nearly doubling the state average of 3.81%. While the available water capacity of 0.191 in/in is just below the state average, the high organic content helps maintain moisture.

Monitoring Soil Hydrology

Specific hydrologic and drainage classifications are not listed in the current data for Wright County. Growers should observe how their specific plots drain after heavy storms to ensure healthy root development and prevent saturation.

A Gardener's Paradise in Zone 5a

The Zone 5a climate and elite organic matter levels make Wright County a gardener's paradise. Whether you are planting field crops or a backyard vegetable patch, these nutrient-dense soils offer a significant head start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wright County

via LawnByCounty

Wright County Leads in Lawn Success

With a lawn difficulty score of 82.3, Wright County is one of the easiest places in the nation to maintain a lawn. This score far exceeds the national average of 50.0 and beats the state average of 77.2. Residents in this Zone 5a county enjoy a climate that naturally supports healthy turf growth.

Steady Growth with Moderate Heat

The county receives a reliable 34.3 inches of rain annually, keeping it within the ideal range for grass health. Extreme heat days exactly match the state average of 16 per year, providing a predictable seasonal rhythm. The 2,971 growing degree days offer a consistent growing season that isn't cut short by early extremes.

Perfect pH for Nutritious Turf

A soil pH of 6.53 puts Wright County in the absolute sweet spot for lawn nutrients. The soil consists of 24.9% clay and 35.6% sand, creating a balanced medium that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. While specific drainage data is unavailable, this physical composition is generally excellent for residential turf.

Excellent Natural Drought Defense

Wright County is remarkably resilient, having experienced only 2 weeks of drought conditions in the past year. Current data shows 0.0% of the area is under any drought stress, which is a rare and favorable condition for lawn owners. You can rely on natural precipitation for the vast majority of the growing season.

Prime Growing Season for Homeowners

Kentucky Bluegrass blends are highly recommended here to take advantage of the excellent soil and moderate moisture. The planting season kicks off after April 30 and continues with high vigor throughout the summer. You have until the first frost on October 10 to complete any fall fertilization or repair work.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wright County's county score?
Wright County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.7 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 Wright County rank among counties in Iowa?
Wright County ranks #40 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 Wright County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Wright County is $1,695, with an effective tax rate of 1.54%. This earns Wright County a tax score of 11/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wright County?
The median household income in Wright County, Iowa is $64,033 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wright County earns an income score of 50.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wright County, Iowa a good place to live?
Wright County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Wright 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 Wright 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.