Lee County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lee County is 1.57%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Iowa state median of 1.54%. With the median home value in Lee County at $99,640, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $1,604, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lee County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions, such as the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Lee County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Fort Madison or another part of Lee County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lee County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.57%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,564
Ownwell’s Lee County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Lee County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Lee County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Lee County, Iowa
Property taxes in Lee County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lee County is 1.57%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lee County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Lee County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Lee County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Iowa and the national median. For comparison, the city of Keokuk has one of the higher property tax rates in Iowa at 2.01%, while the city of Saint Paul boasts one of the lowest at 1.05%. Analyzing how Lee County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Lee County Tax Rate
1.57%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | 0.79% | 1.01% | 1.16% | 1.28% | 1.41% |
| Denmark | 1.03% | 1.12% | 1.18% | 1.26% | 1.34% |
| Donnellson | 0.98% | 1.06% | 1.19% | 1.36% | 1.51% |
| Farmington | 0.88% | 0.98% | 1.08% | 1.20% | 1.33% |
| Fort Madison | 1.11% | 1.39% | 1.66% | 1.87% | 1.94% |
| Hillsboro | 0.98% | 1.03% | 1.13% | 1.20% | 1.34% |
| Houghton | 0.97% | 1.14% | 1.25% | 1.33% | 1.36% |
| Keokuk | 1.28% | 1.61% | 2.01% | 2.27% | 2.38% |
| Montrose | 1.00% | 1.11% | 1.26% | 1.42% | 1.54% |
| Pilot Grove | 1.03% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.16% | 1.18% |
| Saint Paul | 0.97% | 1.03% | 1.05% | 1.10% | 1.15% |
| Salem | 1.00% | 1.07% | 1.16% | 1.31% | 1.43% |
| West Point | 1.02% | 1.10% | 1.21% | 1.31% | 1.40% |
| Wever | 1.02% | 1.13% | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.38% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, Iowa
In Lee County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Lee County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices in Lee County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lee County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively. The highest median tax bill in the county is in Salem at $2,511, while the lowest is in Pilot Grove at $1,138.
Average Lee County Assessed Value
$99,640
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | $14,480 | $54,760 | $115,700 | $199,160 | $287,290 |
| Denmark | $30,647 | $59,960 | $95,955 | $149,575 | $178,357 |
| Donnellson | $45,332 | $96,798 | $155,170 | $226,540 | $309,667 |
| Farmington | $13,380 | $69,460 | $139,810 | $218,700 | $324,426 |
| Fort Madison | $30,700 | $56,725 | $92,560 | $146,430 | $237,940 |
| Hillsboro | $87,220 | $130,390 | $201,190 | $263,575 | $340,444 |
| Houghton | $20,540 | $68,135 | $106,980 | $172,290 | $222,365 |
| Keokuk | $22,908 | $42,830 | $78,150 | $132,732 | $224,282 |
| Montrose | $29,586 | $63,810 | $127,440 | $183,970 | $265,554 |
| Pilot Grove | $58,033 | $78,160 | $103,730 | $172,378 | $201,620 |
| Saint Paul | $42,872 | $78,820 | $134,050 | $190,560 | $249,112 |
| Salem | $91,325 | $151,465 | $212,670 | $317,710 | $385,960 |
| West Point | $64,254 | $116,210 | $175,020 | $251,220 | $352,920 |
| Wever | $20,831 | $74,328 | $156,745 | $257,792 | $358,818 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, Iowa
In Lee County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors. The median home price in Lee County is $99,640. Property taxes are then applied to this assessed value, taking into account the local tax rate and any applicable exemptions. The national median property tax rate is 0.99%, but rates can vary significantly by region. Homeowners in Lee County typically see a range in their tax bills. At the 25th percentile, the tax bill is around $926, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to approximately $2,468. For those at the 90th percentile, the tax bill can reach up to $3,607. These variations are influenced by factors such as property location, improvements, and market conditions. For instance, the highest median tax bill in the county is found in Salem at $2,511, whereas Pilot Grove has the lowest at $1,138. Understanding these factors can help homeowners anticipate their annual property tax obligations and manage their finances more effectively.
Average Lee County Tax Bill
$1,604
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | $150 | $530 | $1,222 | $2,174 | $3,352 |
| Denmark | $306 | $650 | $1,206 | $1,761 | $2,137 |
| Donnellson | $548 | $1,153 | $1,854 | $2,654 | $3,504 |
| Farmington | $248 | $830 | $1,628 | $2,480 | $3,396 |
| Fort Madison | $507 | $950 | $1,512 | $2,290 | $3,301 |
| Hillsboro | $905 | $1,508 | $2,404 | $2,964 | $3,944 |
| Houghton | $314 | $930 | $1,346 | $2,174 | $2,752 |
| Keokuk | $442 | $838 | $1,504 | $2,446 | $3,802 |
| Montrose | $397 | $892 | $1,630 | $2,300 | $3,292 |
| Pilot Grove | $567 | $845 | $1,138 | $1,990 | $2,206 |
| Saint Paul | $436 | $792 | $1,498 | $2,021 | $2,672 |
| Salem | $793 | $1,610 | $2,511 | $3,381 | $4,754 |
| West Point | $692 | $1,338 | $2,105 | $2,970 | $4,119 |
| Wever | $325 | $1,082 | $2,017 | $3,178 | $4,271 |
Source: Ownwell