10 Counties with the Highest Property Tax Rates in Iowa
If you are comparing property taxes across Iowa, these 10 counties have the highest effective rates in the state. The highest-rate county, Montgomery County, comes in at 1.79% — 0.36% higher than the Iowa average (1.43%). The statewide effective rate is 1.43%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montgomery County | 1.79% | $1,968 | $109,900 |
| 2 | Union County | 1.79% | $2,108 | $117,800 |
| 3 | Polk County | 1.76% | $4,364 | $248,400 |
| 4 | Decatur County | 1.69% | $1,856 | $109,500 |
| 5 | Linn County | 1.66% | $3,396 | $204,400 |
| 6 | Wapello County | 1.64% | $1,854 | $112,900 |
| 7 | Pottawattamie County | 1.61% | $2,961 | $183,600 |
| 8 | Henry County | 1.61% | $2,394 | $148,600 |
| 9 | Johnson County | 1.56% | $4,587 | $293,100 |
| 10 | Madison County | 1.55% | $3,681 | $236,900 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the highest rates in Iowa often share a few characteristics: lower home values and/or higher millage rates driven by school and local service funding needs.
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