Louisa County
IA · Pop. 10,710 · Suburban County
Louisa County sits in Iowa across 402 square miles, home to 10,710 people at 26.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $138,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.27%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 166-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F and average winter lows of 15.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 36.7 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Trinity Muscatine is 18.2 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.4% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $138,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- A strong agricultural economy built on corn, soybeans, hay means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 9.9% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- Broadband reaches only 79.4% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Trinity Muscatine, is 18.2 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
At a glance
Louisa County, IA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 48/100
- Median home price
- $138k
- Property tax
- 1.27%
- Growing season
- 166 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 36.7"
- Broadband
- 79.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Trinity Muscatine, 18.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Louisa County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Louisa County?
- Louisa County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 166-day growing season, average summer highs of 82.6°F, and average winter lows of 15.1°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $138,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.27%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Trinity Muscatine is 18.2 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Iowa Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Iowa
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The closest counties to Louisa 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.
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