Ida County
IA · Pop. 6,944 · Rural County
Ida County is a rural county in Iowa, spanning 432 square miles with 6,944 residents at a density of 16.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. A median home price of $109,000 and an effective property tax rate of 1.06% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 158-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.2°F and average winter lows of 11.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 31 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Horn Memorial Hospital is 4.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 91.6% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $109,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 91.6% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Horn Memorial Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- At 16.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 158-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Average winter lows of 11.8°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Ida County, IA is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 78/100
- Median home price
- $109k
- Property tax
- 1.06%
- Growing season
- 158 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 31"
- Broadband
- 91.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Horn Memorial Hospital, 4.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Ida County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Ida County?
- Ida County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 158-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.2°F, and average winter lows of 11.8°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $109,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.06%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 91.6% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Horn Memorial Hospital is 4.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Iowa Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Iowa
All Iowa countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Ida County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.