Palo Alto County

IA · Pop. 19,754 · Suburban County

6Homestead Score

Palo Alto County is a suburban county in IA with a population of approximately 19,754.

$/Acre: $4,535

Property Tax: 1.57%

Growing Season: 153 days

Broadband: 61%

Safety: 6/10

Density: 54.6/sq mi

Pros

Rural setting

Cons

Limited amenities

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.57%

Local Sales Tax1.77%

Combined Sales Tax7.77%

Cost of Living Index98.3

Median Household Income$46,760

Poverty Rate25.1%

Homestead ExemptionYes

Land & Building

Avg Land $/Acre$4,535

Median Home Price$455K

Acres for Sale3926

Building CodeBasic

Permit Required

Zoning TypeLimited Zoning

Tiny Home Friendly

Mobile Home Friendly

Min Lot Size0.5 acres

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone8

Growing Season153 days

Annual Rainfall31.1 inches

Avg Summer High85°F

Avg Winter Low7°F

Soil TypeClay

Soil Quality7/10

Elevation2,266 ft

Top CropsVegetables

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought4/10

Wildfire2/10

Tornado3/10

Flood4/10

Water & Energy

Primary Water SourceWell

Well Depth (avg)190 ft

Water AvailabilityAbundant

Solar (Avg PSH)4.7

Wind Potential5/10

Electric Rate$0.15/kWh

Laws & Regulations

Unincorporated

HOA PrevalenceSome

Livestock Allowed

Chicken OrdinanceRestricted

Burn Permit Required

Raw Milk AccessNo

Safety

Violent Crime /100K342

Property Crime /100K274

Overall Safety6/10

Sheriff Response45 minutes average

Healthcare

Nearest Hospital10.2 miles

Emergency Room

Healthcare Facilities1

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage61%

Cell CoverageFair

Starlink Available

Nearest Town7 miles

Nearest City26 miles

School District7/10

Farmers Markets0

Public Land Nearby20%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.1%

Ag EconomyModerate