Mahaska County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Mahaska County is 1.54%, which aligns with the Iowa state median but is notably higher than the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $125,860 in Mahaska County, the typical annual property tax bill is approximately $1,886, falling below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Mahaska County are calculated based on the assessed value, which is often lower than the market value due to various exemptions, such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Mahaska County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you reside in Oskaloosa or another part of Mahaska County, gaining comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes can benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Mahaska County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.54%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,938
Ownwell’s Mahaska County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Mahaska County with just two data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Mahaska County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends at 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 Mahaska County, Iowa
Property taxes in Mahaska County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Mahaska County is 1.54%, which is higher than both the Iowa state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Mahaska County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Mahaska 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 Mahaska County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Iowa and the national median. For comparison, the city of Oskaloosa has one of the higher property tax rates in Iowa at 1.72%, while the city of Delta boasts one of the lowest at 0.96%. Analyzing how Mahaska County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Mahaska County Tax Rate
1.54%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Mahaska County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes City | 1.05% | 1.18% | 1.31% | 1.54% | 1.76% |
| Beacon | 0.87% | 0.95% | 1.04% | 1.20% | 1.38% |
| Bussey | 0.97% | 1.05% | 1.11% | 1.22% | 1.30% |
| Cedar | 0.89% | 0.98% | 1.05% | 1.19% | 1.33% |
| Delta | 0.96% | 0.96% | 0.96% | 0.96% | 0.96% |
| Eddyville | 0.93% | 1.06% | 1.29% | 1.41% | 1.71% |
| Fremont | 1.03% | 1.16% | 1.28% | 1.44% | 1.60% |
| Gibson | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% |
| Lacey | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% |
| Leighton | 0.95% | 1.05% | 1.19% | 1.37% | 1.56% |
| Lynnville | 0.99% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.37% | 1.55% |
| Montezuma | 0.83% | 0.91% | 1.05% | 1.09% | 1.18% |
| New Sharon | 1.02% | 1.14% | 1.41% | 1.60% | 1.79% |
| Oskaloosa | 1.09% | 1.36% | 1.72% | 1.93% | 2.11% |
| Ottumwa | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.14% | 1.31% | 1.49% |
| Pella | 0.97% | 1.04% | 1.13% | 1.24% | 1.38% |
| Rose Hill | 0.83% | 0.99% | 1.13% | 1.32% | 1.58% |
| Taintor | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.07% | 1.23% | 1.32% |
| Tracy | 0.90% | 0.95% | 1.06% | 1.22% | 1.33% |
| University Park | 1.01% | 1.06% | 1.18% | 1.34% | 1.42% |
| What Cheer | 0.82% | 0.99% | 1.11% | 1.26% | 1.33% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Mahaska County, Iowa
In Mahaska 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 Mahaska 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 Mahaska 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. For example, the highest median tax bill in the county is found in Pella at $2,825, while Lacey has the lowest median tax bill at $340. Being aware of these valuation processes in Mahaska County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Average Mahaska County Assessed Value
$125,860
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Mahaska County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes City | $9,996 | $32,630 | $70,950 | $123,790 | $190,672 |
| Beacon | $13,030 | $42,225 | $84,515 | $121,265 | $161,420 |
| Bussey | $74,228 | $103,990 | $161,900 | $200,455 | $302,282 |
| Cedar | $54,426 | $92,130 | $163,730 | $260,130 | $348,618 |
| Delta | $289,440 | $289,440 | $289,440 | $289,440 | $289,440 |
| Eddyville | $24,698 | $55,860 | $110,920 | $176,850 | $245,202 |
| Fremont | $35,658 | $69,240 | $103,710 | $156,480 | $228,840 |
| Gibson | $152,620 | $152,620 | $152,620 | $152,620 | $152,620 |
| Lacey | $29,530 | $29,530 | $29,530 | $29,530 | $29,530 |
| Leighton | $28,190 | $91,410 | $168,770 | $262,065 | $367,394 |
| Lynnville | $138,888 | $165,382 | $207,165 | $263,450 | $429,959 |
| Montezuma | $123,324 | $186,940 | $206,870 | $287,260 | $343,101 |
| New Sharon | $44,810 | $88,135 | $139,995 | $213,120 | $306,840 |
| Oskaloosa | $42,660 | $74,545 | $123,195 | $204,422 | $309,896 |
| Ottumwa | $90,706 | $91,300 | $113,010 | $139,315 | $148,180 |
| Pella | $107,055 | $163,010 | $236,950 | $362,650 | $486,595 |
| Rose Hill | $10,685 | $34,280 | $107,360 | $194,508 | $276,003 |
| Taintor | $6,050 | $10,990 | $45,450 | $53,870 | $116,980 |
| Tracy | $33,400 | $67,010 | $138,370 | $214,660 | $265,515 |
| University Park | $39,566 | $68,612 | $103,615 | $144,098 | $187,491 |
| What Cheer | $91,434 | $124,305 | $170,840 | $234,015 | $390,143 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Mahaska County, Iowa
In Mahaska County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the property, which is determined by the county assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. The median home price in Mahaska County is $125,860, and the local property tax rate is significantly influenced by this value. Several factors contribute to the final tax bill, including property location, improvements, and exemptions. Homeowners in Mahaska County can expect a wide range in their property tax bills. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill stands at $1,186, while the 75th percentile reaches $2,826. Notably, the 90th percentile tax bill is $4,016, indicating that higher-value properties or those in prime locations pay substantially more. Pella, a city within the county, has the highest median tax bill at $2,825, whereas Lacey has the lowest at $340. These variations impact homeowners by influencing their overall housing costs and potentially affecting their financial planning.
Average Mahaska County Tax Bill
$1,886
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Mahaska County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes City | $145 | $428 | $878 | $1,495 | $2,207 |
| Beacon | $118 | $450 | $875 | $1,240 | $1,539 |
| Bussey | $960 | $1,275 | $1,674 | $2,089 | $2,886 |
| Cedar | $566 | $985 | $1,924 | $2,826 | $3,628 |
| Delta | $2,788 | $2,788 | $2,788 | $2,788 | $2,788 |
| Eddyville | $322 | $774 | $1,463 | $2,052 | $2,771 |
| Fremont | $519 | $948 | $1,344 | $1,874 | $2,658 |
| Gibson | $1,946 | $1,946 | $1,946 | $1,946 | $1,946 |
| Lacey | $340 | $340 | $340 | $340 | $340 |
| Leighton | $355 | $1,362 | $2,044 | $2,898 | $3,812 |
| Lynnville | $1,805 | $2,108 | $2,305 | $2,868 | $4,914 |
| Montezuma | $1,293 | $1,701 | $2,308 | $2,898 | $3,674 |
| New Sharon | $665 | $1,244 | $1,938 | $2,662 | $3,699 |
| Oskaloosa | $784 | $1,326 | $2,016 | $3,048 | $4,277 |
| Ottumwa | $1,107 | $1,314 | $1,450 | $1,572 | $1,752 |
| Pella | $1,249 | $1,973 | $2,825 | $3,911 | $5,273 |
| Rose Hill | $114 | $406 | $1,209 | $2,228 | $2,830 |
| Taintor | $68 | $174 | $476 | $608 | $1,373 |
| Tracy | $412 | $808 | $1,530 | $2,166 | $2,555 |
| University Park | $572 | $868 | $1,264 | $1,632 | $2,008 |
| What Cheer | $791 | $1,262 | $2,077 | $2,474 | $3,307 |
Source: Ownwell