Lucas County
IA · Pop. 8,685 · Rural County
Lucas County is a rural county in Iowa, spanning 431 square miles with 8,685 residents at a density of 20.2 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $117,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.48%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 148-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.1°F and average winter lows of 13.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 37.5 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Lucas County Health Center is 1.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 75.7% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $117,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Lucas County Health Center, with an emergency room, is just 1.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- At 20.2 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.8% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 148-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.48% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Broadband reaches only 75.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 13.8°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Lucas County, IA is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 53/100
- Median home price
- $117k
- Property tax
- 1.48%
- Growing season
- 148 days (zone 5b)
- Annual rainfall
- 37.5"
- Broadband
- 75.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Lucas County Health Center, 1.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lucas County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lucas County?
- Lucas County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b with a 148-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.1°F, and average winter lows of 13.8°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $117,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.48%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 75.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Lucas County Health Center is 1.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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 Lucas 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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