Country land in Iowa
How much good country Iowa has, where it is, and what to know before you buy: growing season, homeschool rules, internet and prices. "Good country" here means land past the suburbs and their buffer, off the busiest roads, scored by the Land Finder.
The best counties for country living
Ranked by how much of each county scores as good country (fast-growing counties ranked a little lower).
| County (towns) | Good country | Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren County Keosauqua, Birmingham | 100% | +0.1%/yr | Score a spot |
| Wayne County Millerton, Corydon | 100% | +0.5%/yr | Score a spot |
| Ida County Ida Grove, Battle Creek | 100% | -0.7%/yr | Score a spot |
| Howard County Lime Springs, Chester | 100% | -0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Greene County Jefferson, Churdan | 100% | -0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Davis County Bloomfield, Drakesville | 100% | +0.2%/yr | Score a spot |
| Pocahontas County Havelock, Plover | 99% | -0.2%/yr | Score a spot |
| Lucas County Chariton, Williamson | 99% | +0.3%/yr | Score a spot |
| Worth County Kensett, Northwood | 100% | -0.4%/yr | Score a spot |
| Franklin County Hampton, Coulter | 99% | +0.0%/yr | Score a spot |
Growing fast (2.5%+ a year since 2020; today's country can become tomorrow's suburb): Dallas County.
Homeschool rules
Five choices. Independent private instruction and Opt-Out need no forms by default (cover math, reading and language arts, science and social studies with a plan). Choices with Form A (Annual Assessment, Supervising Teacher, a district's Home School Assistance Program) add 148 days, an assessment or a supervising teacher, and give access to dual enrollment.
Not legal advice; laws change. Verify with the state and your school district. Source
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A shortlisting guide from public data (Census, USGS, USDA, NOAA, FCC, FEMA) and our principles. Visit the land and verify water, septic, zoning and access with the county.