Mitchell County Ranked in
Top 15 Best Places To Live

by David Namanny
Press-News Editor

Based on several factors including air quality, income, education, pollution rates, water quality and crime stats, Mitchell County has been ranked in the top 15 best places to live in the Midwest by "The Progressive Farmer," magazine. The new study is published in a recent edition of the national publication and can also be found online.

Each year "The Progressive Farmer" and "OnBoard LLC," a real estate research firm team up to conduct the survey. First they crunch numbers and then hit the road for a first-hand look. The researchers begin by putting together a preliminary list of rural counties that meet certain criteria. The staff looks at household income, household spending, home and land prices, crime rates, air quality, education, access to health care - all the things that can indicate a snapshot of places the magazines  rural readers would want to call home.

Then for several months out of the year, the magazine's team of editors travels to the top counties, taking pictures, interviewing residents and getting the lay of the land. Crime rates and pollution rates are determined by using a national average of 100.

Mitchell County's personal crime rate, for example is 10, which means residents are only one-tenth as likely to experience a crime as someone living in the average Midwest county. Other categories include health care providers per person within the county and leisure activities. Other categories include health care providers per person within the county and leisure activities.

In comparison to other similar counties that made the list in Iowa, such as Wright and Sac counties, Mitchell County seems lag only in the percentage of college bound students and health care density (but is still above the national average in both categories. "Mitchell County has lots to be proud of," said County Supervisor Chair Stan Walk, who saw the ranking early last week in the Des Moines Register. "It says a lot for all aspects of the county- it says we have had good leadership in our schools, city government and county government. It says Mitchell County is on the right path for providing vital services and strengthening our economic development base.

"Baby boomers wanting to retire and younger families looking for a clean environment, healthy lifestyles, low cost of living, quality schools, low crime area and friendly communities should consider moving here."

"It has been a fun couple weeks as our growth and quality of life here in Mitchell County has been recognized on a regional and multi-state level, said Brenda Dryer, Executive Director of Mitchell County Economic Development. "We are truly blessed with the quality of life, wonderful schools, and great business and industry that we have in Mitchell County.  My hope is that we all work together to continue to build on our successes moving forward."

Mitchell County is ranked among the top five in terms of air quality and lowest crime rate. Overall, the local area outdoes the average rural county by leaps and bounds. Those who would like to see the top 60 counties and judge for themselves, the statistics can be found online at "pfbestplaces.com."The following is an explanation  (key) for each category.

In the graphic with this story are the official Mitchell County results.
 

TOP 200 AVG. The average data for the top 200 counties on our list, for comparison purposes. AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME The average total income for all wage earners. AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SPENDING The average total spending for a household, which includes mortgage and consumer debt payments. SPENDING TO INCOME RATIO The average total spending for a household, which includes mortgage and consumer debt payments, against average household income. These ratios were used to rank counties by cost of living. COUNTY SALES TAX Combined state and county sales tax; there may also be city sales tax in individual commmunities. AVERAGE HOME PRICE Includes all single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes. Not available for all counties on our list. STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO The number of students for every one teacher; also called classroom size. COLLEGE BOUND PERCENTAGE The percentage of high school graduates who enter undergraduate education. PERSONAL CRIME Risk of incidence based on FBI crime data. Personal crimes are crimes committed directly against an individual, such as assault. The national average is 100; 200 would be twice the average risk and 50 would be half the average risk. PROPERTY CRIME Risk of incidence based on FBI crime data. Property crimes are crimes dealing with posessions, such as theft. The national average is 100; 200 would be twice the average risk and 50 would be half the average risk. TOTAL CRIME Total risk taking both personal and property crimes into account. HEALTH DENSITY A measure of the number of health resources per person within the county borders. AIR QUALITY INDEX Based on the EPA air quality rating. 100 is the national average pollution level, 200 would be twice the average level and 50 would be half the average level. ANNUAL RAINFALL Average yearly precipitation, including snowfall, in inches. MAXIMUM/MINIMUM TEMPERATURES The maximum temperature is the average high in this county in July. The minimum temperature is the average low in January. LEISURE INDEX A measure of the number of leisure resources per person within the county borders (restaurants/bars, museums, theaters, golf courses, etc.).
 

For more information regarding this story, please contact:
David Namanny
Press-News Editor
Osage, Iowa 50461

PH: (641) 732-3721
FAX (641) 732-5689

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