Buena Vista County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Buena Vista County is 1.46%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%. With the median home value in Buena Vista County at $152,730, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $2,124, slightly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Buena Vista County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Buena Vista 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 Storm Lake or another part of Buena Vista County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Buena Vista County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.46%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,230
Ownwell’s Buena Vista Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Buena Vista with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista County, Iowa
Property taxes in Buena Vista County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Buena Vista County is 1.46%, which is significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Buena Vista County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Buena Vista 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. For comparison, the city of Storm Lake has one of the higher property tax rates in Iowa at 1.61%, while the city of Aurelia boasts one of the lowest at 0.97%. Analyzing how Buena Vista County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Buena Vista County Tax Rate
1.46%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Buena Vista County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert City | 0.97% | 1.06% | 1.21% | 1.36% | 1.43% |
| Alta | 0.98% | 1.09% | 1.22% | 1.29% | 1.34% |
| Aurelia | 0.83% | 0.89% | 0.97% | 1.07% | 1.25% |
| Fonda | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.24% |
| Galva | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.12% |
| Lakeside | 1.33% | 1.37% | 1.41% | 1.51% | 1.55% |
| Laurens | 0.98% | 0.99% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Linn Grove | 0.83% | 0.93% | 1.04% | 1.17% | 1.41% |
| Marathon | 0.88% | 1.01% | 1.20% | 1.58% | 1.81% |
| Nemaha | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% |
| Newell | 1.09% | 1.19% | 1.39% | 1.53% | 1.61% |
| Peterson | 0.96% | 1.00% | 1.05% | 1.16% | 1.24% |
| Rembrandt | 0.94% | 1.05% | 1.29% | 1.48% | 1.60% |
| Schaller | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.19% |
| Sioux Rapids | 1.00% | 1.17% | 1.38% | 1.54% | 1.59% |
| Storm Lake | 1.25% | 1.52% | 1.61% | 1.70% | 1.75% |
| Truesdale | 0.68% | 1.03% | 1.23% | 1.46% | 1.53% |
| Webb | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.04% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buena Vista County, Iowa
In Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 instance, residents in Galva face the highest median tax bill of $3,704, while those in Truesdale enjoy the lowest at $409. Being aware of these valuation processes in Buena Vista County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buena Vista County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$34,295
$189,128
$343,960
Average Buena Vista County Assessed Value
$152,730
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buena Vista County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert City | $39,880 | $63,365 | $96,285 | $159,902 | $256,725 |
| Alta | $85,385 | $126,668 | $183,650 | $265,792 | $342,825 |
| Aurelia | $54,970 | $139,345 | $192,250 | $284,790 | $434,720 |
| Fonda | $129,444 | $136,560 | $190,060 | $203,210 | $231,620 |
| Galva | $330,224 | $335,375 | $343,960 | $374,430 | $392,712 |
| Lakeside | $104,270 | $136,700 | $180,010 | $282,460 | $411,890 |
| Laurens | $169,814 | $184,040 | $207,750 | $213,195 | $216,462 |
| Linn Grove | $12,005 | $60,412 | $106,795 | $181,825 | $282,608 |
| Marathon | $8,800 | $25,965 | $58,630 | $156,315 | $287,220 |
| Nemaha | $219,840 | $219,840 | $219,840 | $219,840 | $219,840 |
| Newell | $43,229 | $84,115 | $128,980 | $197,025 | $308,031 |
| Peterson | $115,958 | $150,660 | $213,130 | $295,580 | $369,116 |
| Rembrandt | $32,015 | $52,878 | $94,640 | $185,550 | $289,740 |
| Schaller | $260,380 | $272,125 | $291,700 | $358,685 | $398,876 |
| Sioux Rapids | $27,812 | $63,340 | $102,365 | $168,088 | $253,477 |
| Storm Lake | $84,510 | $118,400 | $164,280 | $244,110 | $361,658 |
| Truesdale | $10,158 | $18,648 | $34,295 | $46,790 | $67,823 |
| Webb | $290,501 | $293,022 | $297,225 | $301,428 | $303,949 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Buena Vista County, Iowa
In Buena Vista County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county assessor's office. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the tax bill. Several factors influence the assessed value, including the home's market value, location, and any improvements or renovations made to the property. Homeowners in Buena Vista County experience a range of property tax bills. For instance, at the 25th percentile, the tax bill is $1,355, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to $3,169, and at the 90th percentile, it reaches $4,690. These figures illustrate how property taxes can vary significantly within the county. For comparison, the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, making Buena Vista County's tax rates relatively competitive. Homeowners in cities like Galva and Truesdale see the highest and lowest median tax bills at $3,704 and $409, respectively, highlighting the variability within the county itself.
Average Buena Vista County Tax Bill
$2,124
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Buena Vista County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert City | $372 | $784 | $1,179 | $1,872 | $2,781 |
| Alta | $1,002 | $1,498 | $2,123 | $3,016 | $4,005 |
| Aurelia | $470 | $1,362 | $1,992 | $2,724 | $4,329 |
| Fonda | $1,414 | $1,486 | $2,140 | $2,158 | $2,835 |
| Galva | $3,458 | $3,550 | $3,704 | $4,035 | $4,234 |
| Lakeside | $1,412 | $1,884 | $2,556 | $4,046 | $6,131 |
| Laurens | $1,692 | $1,816 | $2,022 | $2,104 | $2,153 |
| Linn Grove | $182 | $592 | $1,136 | $1,922 | $3,019 |
| Marathon | $88 | $334 | $798 | $1,711 | $2,958 |
| Nemaha | $2,824 | $2,824 | $2,824 | $2,824 | $2,824 |
| Newell | $648 | $1,155 | $1,780 | $2,612 | $3,795 |
| Peterson | $1,056 | $1,666 | $2,108 | $3,034 | $3,915 |
| Rembrandt | $344 | $738 | $1,246 | $2,086 | $3,112 |
| Schaller | $3,084 | $3,092 | $3,106 | $3,688 | $4,037 |
| Sioux Rapids | $407 | $874 | $1,396 | $2,193 | $3,298 |
| Storm Lake | $1,286 | $1,835 | $2,518 | $3,653 | $5,421 |
| Truesdale | $75 | $240 | $409 | $606 | $807 |
| Webb | $3,012 | $3,028 | $3,053 | $3,078 | $3,094 |
Source: Ownwell