Retiring in the US
Iowa
For Americans thinking of retiring to Iowa from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in Iowa run at 87.8 against a US average of 100, with housing at 65.3. We cover Iowa's 99 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
Where Iowa stands
Tier 5 of 16
Cost of living
87.8
Taxes on a retired couple
USD $4,875
Healthcare access
49 % of residents 65+
Safety
3.1 per 100,000 a year
Climate
4.6 months a year
Natural-hazard risk
USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings
Iowa is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
Iowa, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
Iowa's 99 counties
Every county in Iowa on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
- No figure
- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = more)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 99 counties, with their figures
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Adair County
7,403 residents, 1,864 aged 65 or older (25.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,473 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Adair County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Greenfield, Adair, Stuart (Census, 1 July 2024).
Adair County page → -
Adams County
3,617 residents, 950 aged 65 or older (26.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,418 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Adams County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.38 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 46 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Corning, Prescott, Nodaway (Census, 1 July 2024).
Adams County page → -
Allamakee County
14,238 residents, 3,620 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,449 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Allamakee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waukon, Postville, Lansing (Census, 1 July 2024).
Allamakee County page → -
Appanoose County
12,077 residents, 3,087 aged 65 or older (25.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,698 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Appanoose County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 75 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Centerville, Moravia, Moulton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Appanoose County page → -
Audubon County
5,509 residents, 1,492 aged 65 or older (27.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,692 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Audubon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.48 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Audubon, Exira, Kimballton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Audubon County page → -
Benton County
26,004 residents, 5,571 aged 65 or older (21.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.0 Cheaper than 45 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Cedar Rapids, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,584 Lower than 22 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Benton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Vinton, Belle Plaine, Atkins (Census, 1 July 2024).
Benton County page → -
Black Hawk County
131,532 residents, 25,422 aged 65 or older (19.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.1 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,266 Lower than 13 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 62 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.94 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 83 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Evansdale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Black Hawk County page → -
Boone County
26,799 residents, 6,052 aged 65 or older (22.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.8 Cheaper than 47 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Ames, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,795 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Boone County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Boone, Madrid, Ogden (Census, 1 July 2024).
Boone County page → -
Bremer County
25,296 residents, 5,586 aged 65 or older (22.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.1 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,501 Lower than 23 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Bremer County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.26 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 55 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waverly, Sumner, Denver (Census, 1 July 2024).
Bremer County page → -
Buchanan County
20,883 residents, 4,349 aged 65 or older (20.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,753 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Buchanan County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 33 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Independence, Jesup, Winthrop (Census, 1 July 2024).
Buchanan County page → -
Buena Vista County
20,449 residents, 3,805 aged 65 or older (18.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,237 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Buena Vista County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,046 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Storm Lake, Alta, Newell (Census, 1 July 2024).
Buena Vista County page → -
Butler County
14,049 residents, 3,784 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,710 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Butler County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 25 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Parkersburg, Shell Rock, Clarksville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Butler County page → -
Calhoun County
9,562 residents, 2,455 aged 65 or older (25.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,617 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Calhoun County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 72 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,410 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rockwell City, Lake City, Manson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Calhoun County page → -
Carroll County
20,303 residents, 4,844 aged 65 or older (23.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,810 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Carroll County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Carroll, Manning, Coon Rapids (Census, 1 July 2024).
Carroll County page → -
Cass County
12,960 residents, 3,323 aged 65 or older (25.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,702 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cass County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 49 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Atlantic, Griswold, Anita (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cass County page → -
Cedar County
18,359 residents, 4,263 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,254 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cedar County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Tipton, West Branch, Durant (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cedar County page → -
Cerro Gordo County
42,372 residents, 11,329 aged 65 or older (26.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,069 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cerro Gordo County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.39 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 46 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mason City, Clear Lake, Rockwell (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cerro Gordo County page → -
Cherokee County
11,369 residents, 3,042 aged 65 or older (26.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,460 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Cherokee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,094 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cherokee, Marcus, Aurelia (Census, 1 July 2024).
Cherokee County page → -
Chickasaw County
11,663 residents, 2,902 aged 65 or older (24.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,571 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Chickasaw County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: New Hampton, Nashua, Fredericksburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Chickasaw County page → -
Clarke County
9,574 residents, 2,047 aged 65 or older (21.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,601 Lower than 10 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clarke County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Osceola, Murray, Woodburn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clarke County page → -
Clay County
16,202 residents, 4,040 aged 65 or older (24.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,017 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clay County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.42 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spencer, Everly, Royal (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clay County page → -
Clayton County
16,845 residents, 4,657 aged 65 or older (27.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,530 Lower than 23 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clayton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.75 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 26 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Guttenberg, Monona, Elkader (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clayton County page → -
Clinton County
46,002 residents, 10,396 aged 65 or older (22.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,363 Lower than 12 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Clinton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.22 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clinton, DeWitt, Camanche (Census, 1 July 2024).
Clinton County page → -
Crawford County
16,237 residents, 3,334 aged 65 or older (20.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,493 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Crawford County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 29 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Denison, Schleswig, Manilla (Census, 1 July 2024).
Crawford County page → -
Dallas County
118,457 residents, 17,182 aged 65 or older (14.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.7 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,922 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dallas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dallas County page → -
Davis County
9,230 residents, 1,808 aged 65 or older (19.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,905 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Davis County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.20 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 59 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bloomfield, Pulaski, Drakesville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Davis County page → -
Decatur County
7,655 residents, 1,737 aged 65 or older (22.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,626 Lower than 10 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Decatur County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 65 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Lamoni, Leon, Grand River (Census, 1 July 2024).
Decatur County page → -
Delaware County
17,674 residents, 4,236 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,686 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Delaware County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 18 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Manchester, Earlville, Hopkinton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Delaware County page → -
Des Moines County
38,077 residents, 9,027 aged 65 or older (23.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,277 Lower than 13 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Des Moines County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,410 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Burlington, West Burlington, Mediapolis (Census, 1 July 2024).
Des Moines County page → -
Dickinson County
18,077 residents, 5,530 aged 65 or older (30.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,236 Lower than 49 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dickinson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,410 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Spirit Lake, Milford, Arnolds Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dickinson County page → -
Dubuque County
99,381 residents, 21,335 aged 65 or older (21.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.3 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 3,142 US counties Dubuque, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,305 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Dubuque County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,410 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Dubuque, Asbury, Dyersville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Dubuque County page → -
Emmet County
9,107 residents, 2,326 aged 65 or older (25.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,153 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Emmet County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 60 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,046 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Estherville, Armstrong, Ringsted (Census, 1 July 2024).
Emmet County page → -
Fayette County
19,047 residents, 4,847 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,559 Lower than 22 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fayette County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oelwein, West Union, Fayette (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fayette County page → -
Floyd County
14,901 residents, 3,572 aged 65 or older (24.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,705 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Floyd County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Charles City, Nora Springs, Rockford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Floyd County page → -
Franklin County
9,868 residents, 2,257 aged 65 or older (22.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,606 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Franklin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hampton, Sheffield, Latimer (Census, 1 July 2024).
Franklin County page → -
Fremont County
6,522 residents, 1,645 aged 65 or older (25.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,234 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Fremont County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sidney, Tabor, Hamburg (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fremont County page → -
Greene County
8,658 residents, 2,307 aged 65 or older (26.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,016 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Greene County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Jefferson, Grand Junction, Scranton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Greene County page → -
Grundy County
12,361 residents, 2,882 aged 65 or older (23.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 87.1 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,002 Lower than 33 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Grundy County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grundy Center, Reinbeck, Dike (Census, 1 July 2024).
Grundy County page → -
Guthrie County
10,782 residents, 2,901 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.7 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,273 Lower than 28 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Guthrie County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Guthrie Center, Stuart, Panora (Census, 1 July 2024).
Guthrie County page → -
Hamilton County
14,944 residents, 3,462 aged 65 or older (23.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,424 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hamilton County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 53 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Webster City, Jewell Junction, Stratford (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hamilton County page → -
Hancock County
10,528 residents, 2,842 aged 65 or older (27.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,141 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hancock County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Garner, Britt, Kanawha (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hancock County page → -
Hardin County
16,455 residents, 4,123 aged 65 or older (25.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,809 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Hardin County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Iowa Falls, Eldora, Ackley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Hardin County page → -
Harrison County
14,623 residents, 3,420 aged 65 or older (23.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Omaha, NE-IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,624 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Harrison County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Missouri Valley, Woodbine, Logan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Harrison County page → -
Henry County
19,349 residents, 4,345 aged 65 or older (22.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,451 Lower than 11 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Henry County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mount Pleasant, New London, Winfield (Census, 1 July 2024).
Henry County page → -
Howard County
9,415 residents, 2,228 aged 65 or older (23.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,388 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Howard County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cresco, Elma, Lime Springs (Census, 1 July 2024).
Howard County page → -
Humboldt County
9,409 residents, 2,331 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,518 Lower than 23 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Humboldt County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.44 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 42 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Humboldt, Dakota City, Livermore (Census, 1 July 2024).
Humboldt County page → -
Ida County
6,777 residents, 1,668 aged 65 or older (24.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,050 Lower than 32 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ida County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.28 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ida Grove, Holstein, Battle Creek (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ida County page → -
Iowa County
16,504 residents, 3,861 aged 65 or older (23.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,745 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Iowa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Williamsburg, Marengo, North English (Census, 1 July 2024).
Iowa County page → -
Jackson County
19,288 residents, 4,859 aged 65 or older (25.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,318 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jackson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 23 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Maquoketa, Bellevue, Preston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jackson County page → -
Jasper County
38,153 residents, 8,262 aged 65 or older (21.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.7 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,947 Lower than 16 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jasper County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 84 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Newton, Colfax, Monroe (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jasper County page → -
Jefferson County
15,291 residents, 4,695 aged 65 or older (30.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,950 Lower than 16 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jefferson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 90 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fairfield, Batavia, Maharishi Vedic City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jefferson County page → -
Johnson County
160,044 residents, 24,443 aged 65 or older (15.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.5 Cheaper than 37 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa City, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,309 Lower than 12 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Johnson County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.71 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 28 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty (Census, 1 July 2024).
Johnson County page → -
Jones County
21,253 residents, 4,840 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.0 Cheaper than 45 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Cedar Rapids, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,640 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Jones County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 25 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Anamosa, Monticello, Olin (Census, 1 July 2024).
Jones County page → -
Keokuk County
9,797 residents, 2,328 aged 65 or older (23.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,405 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Keokuk County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.30 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 52 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sigourney, Keota, Hedrick (Census, 1 July 2024).
Keokuk County page → -
Kossuth County
14,322 residents, 3,851 aged 65 or older (26.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,517 Lower than 43 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Kossuth County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Algona, Bancroft, Swea City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kossuth County page → -
Lee County
32,306 residents, 8,001 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,839 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lee County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.53 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 36 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,410 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fort Madison, Keokuk, West Point (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lee County page → -
Linn County
232,028 residents, 44,032 aged 65 or older (19.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.0 Cheaper than 45 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Cedar Rapids, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,793 Lower than 9 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 63 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha (Census, 1 July 2024).
Linn County page → -
Louisa County
10,416 residents, 2,380 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,083 Lower than 31 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Louisa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.51 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Wapello, Columbus Junction, Morning Sun (Census, 1 July 2024).
Louisa County page → -
Lucas County
8,847 residents, 2,078 aged 65 or older (23.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,790 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lucas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chariton, Russell, Lucas (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lucas County page → -
Lyon County
12,354 residents, 2,413 aged 65 or older (19.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,036 Lower than 53 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Lyon County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,310 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Rock Rapids, George, Inwood (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lyon County page → -
Madison County
17,270 residents, 3,501 aged 65 or older (20.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.7 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,175 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Madison County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Winterset, Earlham, St. Charles (Census, 1 July 2024).
Madison County page → -
Mahaska County
21,880 residents, 4,684 aged 65 or older (21.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,607 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mahaska County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 79 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oskaloosa, New Sharon, Fremont (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mahaska County page → -
Marion County
34,192 residents, 7,478 aged 65 or older (21.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,278 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marion County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.96 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 81 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Pella, Knoxville, Pleasantville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marion County page → -
Marshall County
39,890 residents, 7,996 aged 65 or older (20.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,972 Lower than 16 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Marshall County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Marshalltown, State Center, Le Grand (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marshall County page → -
Mills County
14,793 residents, 3,205 aged 65 or older (21.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Omaha, NE-IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,143 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mills County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.76 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 26 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Glenwood, Malvern, Emerson (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mills County page → -
Mitchell County
10,650 residents, 2,640 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,836 Lower than 37 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mitchell County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 22 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Osage, St. Ansgar, Riceville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mitchell County page → -
Monona County
8,539 residents, 2,312 aged 65 or older (27.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,593 Lower than 41 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Monona County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.43 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 43 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Onawa, Mapleton, Whiting (Census, 1 July 2024).
Monona County page → -
Monroe County
7,406 residents, 1,692 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,812 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Monroe County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.31 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 51 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Albia, Lovilia, Melrose (Census, 1 July 2024).
Monroe County page → -
Montgomery County
10,002 residents, 2,495 aged 65 or older (24.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,786 Lower than 9 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Montgomery County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.58 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 33 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Red Oak, Villisca, Stanton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Montgomery County page → -
Muscatine County
41,853 residents, 8,447 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,251 Lower than 13 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Muscatine County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Muscatine, West Liberty, Wilton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Muscatine County page → -
O'Brien County
14,220 residents, 3,173 aged 65 or older (22.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,439 Lower than 44 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- O'Brien County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.12 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 67 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,202 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sheldon, Hartley, Sanborn (Census, 1 July 2024).
O'Brien County page → -
Osceola County
5,980 residents, 1,417 aged 65 or older (23.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,960 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Osceola County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.07 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 71 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sibley, Ashton, Ocheyedan (Census, 1 July 2024).
Osceola County page → -
Page County
14,856 residents, 3,768 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,927 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Page County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.09 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,602 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Clarinda, Shenandoah, Essex (Census, 1 July 2024).
Page County page → -
Palo Alto County
8,899 residents, 2,261 aged 65 or older (25.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,188 Lower than 29 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Palo Alto County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,998 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Emmetsburg, Graettinger, West Bend (Census, 1 July 2024).
Palo Alto County page → -
Plymouth County
25,697 residents, 5,475 aged 65 or older (21.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,754 Lower than 38 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Plymouth County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Le Mars, Remsen, Akron (Census, 1 July 2024).
Plymouth County page → -
Pocahontas County
6,819 residents, 1,811 aged 65 or older (26.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,964 Lower than 34 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pocahontas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 69 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,070 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Pocahontas, Laurens, Fonda (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pocahontas County page → -
Polk County
516,546 residents, 82,024 aged 65 or older (15.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.7 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,870 Lower than 8 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 82 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.83 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 90 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines (Census, 1 July 2024).
Polk County page → -
Pottawattamie County
92,996 residents, 19,303 aged 65 or older (20.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Omaha, NE-IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,485 Lower than 11 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Pottawattamie County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.52 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 37 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Council Bluffs, Carter Lake, Avoca (Census, 1 July 2024).
Pottawattamie County page → -
Poweshiek County
18,368 residents, 4,438 aged 65 or older (24.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,286 Lower than 27 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Poweshiek County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 85 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Grinnell, Brooklyn, Montezuma (Census, 1 July 2024).
Poweshiek County page → -
Ringgold County
4,642 residents, 1,317 aged 65 or older (28.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,701 Lower than 20 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Ringgold County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.39 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 45 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Mount Ayr, Diagonal, Kellerton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ringgold County page → -
Sac County
9,525 residents, 2,534 aged 65 or older (26.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,851 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sac County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,070 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sac City, Lake View, Odebolt (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sac County page → -
Scott County
175,259 residents, 34,553 aged 65 or older (19.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 89.1 Cheaper than 45 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,160 Lower than 14 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 61 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge (Census, 1 July 2024).
Scott County page → -
Shelby County
11,689 residents, 2,990 aged 65 or older (25.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,469 Lower than 24 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Shelby County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.46 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Harlan, Shelby, Elk Horn (Census, 1 July 2024).
Shelby County page → -
Sioux County
36,774 residents, 6,539 aged 65 or older (17.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,920 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sioux County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,202 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sioux Center, Orange City, Rock Valley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sioux County page → -
Story County
101,291 residents, 15,170 aged 65 or older (15.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 88.8 Cheaper than 47 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Ames, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,914 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Story County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,010 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ames, Nevada, Huxley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Story County page → -
Tama County
16,796 residents, 3,831 aged 65 or older (22.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,812 Lower than 18 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Tama County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 63 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Tama, Toledo, Traer (Census, 1 July 2024).
Tama County page → -
Taylor County
5,835 residents, 1,449 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,426 Lower than 25 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Taylor County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.36 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 47 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bedford, Lenox, New Market (Census, 1 July 2024).
Taylor County page → -
Union County
11,829 residents, 2,647 aged 65 or older (22.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $6,303 Lower than 6 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Union County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Creston, Afton, Lorimor (Census, 1 July 2024).
Union County page → -
Van Buren County
7,131 residents, 1,840 aged 65 or older (25.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,138 Lower than 30 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Van Buren County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.22 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 15 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,482 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Keosauqua, Farmington, Milton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Van Buren County page → -
Wapello County
35,210 residents, 6,959 aged 65 or older (19.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,523 Lower than 10 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wapello County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,482 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ottumwa, Eldon, Eddyville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wapello County page → -
Warren County
57,331 residents, 10,546 aged 65 or older (18.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.7 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,018 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Warren County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.81 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 91 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Indianola, Norwalk, Carlisle (Census, 1 July 2024).
Warren County page → -
Washington County
22,667 residents, 5,133 aged 65 or older (22.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 91.5 Cheaper than 37 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa City, IA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,786 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Washington County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.15 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Washington, Kalona, Wellman (Census, 1 July 2024).
Washington County page → -
Wayne County
6,738 residents, 1,502 aged 65 or older (22.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,745 Lower than 19 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wayne County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.17 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Corydon, Seymour, Humeston (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wayne County page → -
Webster County
36,838 residents, 7,791 aged 65 or older (21.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,865 Lower than 17 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 29 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,410 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fort Dodge, Gowrie, Dayton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Webster County page → -
Winnebago County
10,251 residents, 2,544 aged 65 or older (24.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,617 Lower than 21 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Winnebago County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Forest City, Lake Mills, Buffalo Center (Census, 1 July 2024).
Winnebago County page → -
Winneshiek County
19,733 residents, 5,213 aged 65 or older (26.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,908 Lower than 35 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Winneshiek County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,986 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Decorah, Calmar, Ossian (Census, 1 July 2024).
Winneshiek County page → -
Woodbury County
106,649 residents, 18,003 aged 65 or older (16.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 86.5 Cheaper than 72 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Sioux City, IA-NE-SD metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,074 Lower than 15 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 72 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Moville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Woodbury County page → -
Worth County
7,338 residents, 1,815 aged 65 or older (24.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,841 Lower than 36 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Worth County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Northwood, Manly, Fertile (Census, 1 July 2024).
Worth County page → -
Wright County
12,801 residents, 2,892 aged 65 or older (22.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 84.1 Cheaper than 87 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Iowa nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,285 Lower than 13 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Wright County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $5,669 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond (Census, 1 July 2024).
Wright County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence.
Where Iowa stands, on the six criteria
Iowa's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 5 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of Iowa, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
87.8 Cheaper than 94% of the other 50 · housing 65.3 · goods 93.7 · utilities 83.3 · other services 92.9
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $4,875 (90% margin USD $4,840–$4,910) Lower than 24% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
49 % of residents 65+ Higher than 30% of the other 50
CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
3.1 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 2.8–3.4) Lower than 84% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
4.6 months a year More than 34% of the other 50
CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in Iowa
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in Iowa, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $4,870 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $16,270 in a bad year (from USD $13,270), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 16 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $5,669 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 9 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of Iowa's 99 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025).
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Iowa adds no Medigap enrollment right beyond the federal six-month open enrollment period, which starts the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Iowa's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in Iowa: Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), 1-800-351-4664 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to Iowa: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to Iowa, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Cost of living: cheaper than 94% of the other 50 (87.8). BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5)
- Safety: lower than 84% of the other 50 (3.1 per 100,000 a year). CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence
Cons
None of Iowa's six figures is in the bottom fifth of the states.
Also shown, not scored
Iowa's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of Iowa — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
3,238,387 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
649,656 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
22.2 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in Iowa
We apply Iowa's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
Iowa's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 3.8 % Iowa Department of Revenue, 2025 IA 1040 Iowa Individual Income Tax Return · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security benefits subtracted (IA 1040 Schedule 1, line 5): 100 % of it Iowa Department of Revenue, 2025 IA 1040 Schedule 1 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- IRA and pension income excluded at 55 or older (Schedule 1, line 7): 100 % of it, from age 55 Iowa Department of Revenue, IA 1040 Expanded Instructions: Schedule 1 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- State sales tax 6 %, plus 1 % where a local option tax is in force: 6 % Iowa Department of Revenue: Iowa Tax/Fee Descriptions and Rates · checked Oct 26, 2026
We don't cover a town in Iowa yet. See the towns we cover in the United States.
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