Worth County
IA · Pop. 7,380 · Rural County
Worth County is a rural county in Iowa, spanning 400 square miles with 7,380 residents at a density of 18.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $142,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.08%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 154-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.9°F and average winter lows of 8.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 34.3 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. North Iowa Medical Center West Campus is 15.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% of homes. On the hazard side, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $142,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- At 18.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 3% reflects a stable local job base.
- A low poverty rate of 7.3% signals a relatively stable local economy.
Cons
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- A 154-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- The nearest hospital, North Iowa Medical Center West Campus, is 15.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 8.3°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Worth County, IA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 68/100
- Median home price
- $142k
- Property tax
- 1.08%
- Growing season
- 154 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 34.3"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- North Iowa Medical Center West Campus, 15.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Worth County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Worth County?
- Worth County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 154-day growing season, average summer highs of 78.9°F, and average winter lows of 8.3°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $142,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.08%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- North Iowa Medical Center West Campus is 15.1 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 Worth 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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