Worth County

Worth County is ideal for growing businesses, but also for growing families. Great schools, low housing prices, scholarships for graduating seniors, outdoor recreation, entertainment, restaurants, shops and even a casino work to create a vibrant lifestyle reminiscent of a much larger city. Our communities offer the best of both worlds - a hometown atmosphere combined with big city amenities. We invite you to discover all that our communities have to offer.

Date of HBI Establishment: August 2022
Website: August 2022
Contact: Melissa Michaelis / director@winn-worthbetco.com / 641-592-0800
Cities: Northwood, Joice, Grafton, Manly

Northwood

City of Northwood Veterans Incentives:

  • Tax Abatement for new construction
  • Welcome Packet
  • Free Recycle Bin
  • 1 year subscription to the Northwood Anchor

Joice

Joice offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and peaceful rural living. With a strong sense of community, residents enjoy friendly neighbors, local events, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its proximity to larger towns provides convenient access to amenities while preserving the quiet and safety of country life. Joice is a place where you can truly feel connected and at ease.

City of Joice Veterans Incentives:

  • $500 toward purchase of home

Grafton

Grafton, Iowa is a charming small town that offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by friendly neighbors and a strong sense of community. Its scenic rural setting and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to raise a family or enjoy a slower pace of life. With local businesses, community events, and a deep-rooted pride in its heritage, Grafton is a hidden gem for those seeking both connection and comfort.

City of Grafton Veterans Incentives:

  • One-year free athletic club membership
  • One building permi fee waiver

Manly

Manly, Iowa is a vibrant small town with a big heart, where neighbors know each other and community pride runs deep. Its convenient location, welcoming atmosphere, and strong local values make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. With a mix of small-town charm and forward-thinking spirit, Manly offers a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing connection or opportunity.

City of Manly Veterans Incentives:

  • Base rate for water service waived for 1 year
  • Garbage pick up rate waived for 1 year

County Veteran Offices

These should be veterans first point of contact and every county has a Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and a County Veterans Director. These offices assist veterans with compensation/pensions, medical care, military records, grave markers and veteran home loans. Some counties also have dedicated funds to assist with temporary shelter/utilities, food/health supplies, medical/dental, job placement, counseling and transportation. Visit the County Veterans Office page and click on the county of residence.  

IowaWORKS Centers

IowaWORKS Centers are committed to providing quality employment services to all military service members and their spouses. All veterans and their spouse may be eligible for priority service.  Please let a team member know upon check-in of your veteran status. IowaWORKS Centers provide a full range of job/career assistance. Individual services include:

  • Career counseling and job search skills development
  • Help locating employment and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities
  • Academic skill testing and hands-on computer classes
  • Creating resumes/cover letters and interview preparation

Iowa National Guard Services

The Warrior & Family Services Branch is a Joint Force initiative that provides assistance to all military families, regardless of branch or component, who find themselves beyond the support capability of active duty military facilities or their home units. The Warrior & Family Services Branch acts as a network that allows families to mutually support one another. By providing families with information, resources and support, the program strengthens both the unit and service members. To learn more about these services, visit the Warrior & Family Services page to learn more.

Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

The Iowa ESGR team is comprised of approximately 106 dedicated volunteers and three full-time staff members prepared to engage, inform and support employers and reserve component members throughout the state. Iowa has a proud history of outstanding employer support for reserve component members. Today’s team continues this tradition through a strong emphasis on “prevention through education.” To learn more visit the Iowa ESGR.

Non-Profit Statewide Veteran Support Organizations

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veteran organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a community-service organization which has reached nearly three million members, men and women at almost 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.  The American Legion Department of Iowa is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.  The Department Service Office is located in the Federal Building in Des Moines, with an additional office located in the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. Visit the Iowa Legion or email: info@ialegion.org.

An Introduction to CHAMPs

Iowa's Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) offer higher education incentives to qualified veterans, their spouses and dependents. Benefits include in-state tuition rates, on-campus support, credit for military courses and special financial considerations. 

There are currently no CHAMPs partners located in this county. Please check surrounding communities for CHAMPs offering online programs.

Worth County Veteran Incentives

$1000 Relocation Intentive as funds are available

Home Base Iowa Statewide Veteran Incentives
The Home Base Iowa Act positions Iowa as a leader in respect, support and employment of veterans through a public-private partnership. The Iowa Legislature passed the Act in a broad bi-partisan manner and then Governor Terry E. Branstad signed it into law on Memorial Day, 2014. The Act contains the following incentives:

Please contact the County Veterans Office or the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs for more information.