Palo Alto County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Palo Alto County is 1.26%, which is higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%. With the median home value in Palo Alto County at $111,265, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $1,364, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Palo Alto County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, often lower than the actual market value due to exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Palo Alto 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 Emmetsburg or another part of Palo Alto County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Palo Alto County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.26%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,402
Ownwell’s Palo Alto County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Palo Alto County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County, Iowa
Property taxes in Palo Alto County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Palo Alto County is 1.26%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Palo Alto County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Iowa and the national median. For comparison, the city of Emmetsburg has one of the higher property tax rates in Iowa at 1.39%, while the city of Whittemore boasts one of the lowest at 0.86%. Analyzing how Palo Alto County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Palo Alto County Tax Rate
1.26%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Palo Alto County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayrshire | 0.59% | 0.82% | 1.02% | 1.25% | 1.56% |
| Curlew | 0.69% | 0.81% | 1.01% | 1.20% | 1.33% |
| Cylinder | 0.72% | 0.81% | 0.95% | 1.15% | 1.35% |
| Emmetsburg | 0.91% | 1.21% | 1.39% | 1.54% | 1.70% |
| Fenton | 0.72% | 0.80% | 0.88% | 1.24% | 1.40% |
| Graettinger | 0.91% | 1.12% | 1.35% | 1.54% | 1.61% |
| Havelock | 0.86% | 0.95% | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.12% |
| Laurens | 0.69% | 0.81% | 0.97% | 1.25% | 1.60% |
| Mallard | 0.68% | 0.83% | 1.00% | 1.18% | 1.30% |
| Ringsted | 0.72% | 0.84% | 0.88% | 0.91% | 0.95% |
| Rolfe | 0.74% | 0.79% | 0.92% | 1.00% | 1.11% |
| Ruthven | 0.78% | 0.96% | 1.20% | 1.60% | 1.76% |
| Terril | 0.68% | 0.88% | 0.99% | 1.09% | 1.31% |
| West Bend | 0.82% | 1.03% | 1.14% | 1.22% | 1.32% |
| Whittemore | 0.66% | 0.80% | 0.86% | 0.99% | 1.10% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Palo Alto County, Iowa
In Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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. In Palo Alto County, Havelock has the highest median tax bill at $2,384, while Ayrshire has the lowest at $496. Being aware of these valuation processes will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Average Palo Alto County Assessed Value
$111,265
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Palo Alto County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayrshire | $8,308 | $19,445 | $40,450 | $157,415 | $306,292 |
| Curlew | $12,066 | $31,230 | $111,370 | $191,330 | $247,406 |
| Cylinder | $17,315 | $47,392 | $136,375 | $197,850 | $287,440 |
| Emmetsburg | $43,340 | $72,435 | $120,250 | $203,870 | $334,000 |
| Fenton | $68,684 | $108,025 | $146,460 | $238,000 | $370,300 |
| Graettinger | $32,265 | $49,390 | $83,225 | $142,985 | $224,540 |
| Havelock | $135,824 | $164,135 | $211,320 | $213,615 | $214,992 |
| Laurens | $32,360 | $79,385 | $144,510 | $177,155 | $245,108 |
| Mallard | $25,055 | $40,678 | $87,310 | $154,638 | $242,168 |
| Ringsted | $113,280 | $118,165 | $139,175 | $215,498 | $258,345 |
| Rolfe | $92,500 | $99,210 | $158,300 | $262,570 | $322,240 |
| Ruthven | $28,074 | $51,095 | $98,220 | $191,238 | $329,250 |
| Terril | $116,492 | $147,448 | $173,770 | $263,335 | $288,778 |
| West Bend | $37,214 | $82,880 | $147,960 | $240,070 | $325,526 |
| Whittemore | $94,573 | $109,015 | $170,495 | $283,705 | $365,427 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Palo Alto County, Iowa
In Palo Alto County, IA, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a property by the local tax rate. The assessed value is based on the market value of the home, which in Palo Alto County has a median home price of $111,265. This assessed value can vary depending on factors like property size, location, and improvements made to the home. Homeowners in Palo Alto County experience a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile paying around $766 and the 75th percentile paying up to $2,338. The 90th percentile sees tax bills as high as $3,644. For context, the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, and local rates can significantly impact homeowners. In Palo Alto County, the highest median tax bill is found in Havelock at $2,384, while Ayrshire has the lowest median tax bill at $496. These varying tax bills can affect homeowners' financial planning and overall cost of living.
Average Palo Alto County Tax Bill
$1,364
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Palo Alto County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayrshire | $80 | $188 | $496 | $1,682 | $2,930 |
| Curlew | $144 | $294 | $1,203 | $1,911 | $2,385 |
| Cylinder | $138 | $565 | $1,242 | $1,838 | $2,844 |
| Emmetsburg | $597 | $982 | $1,650 | $2,750 | $4,422 |
| Fenton | $669 | $1,071 | $1,467 | $2,224 | $3,342 |
| Graettinger | $385 | $652 | $1,103 | $1,778 | $2,431 |
| Havelock | $1,221 | $1,657 | $2,384 | $2,391 | $2,395 |
| Laurens | $286 | $934 | $1,142 | $1,748 | $2,123 |
| Mallard | $221 | $422 | $794 | $1,588 | $2,474 |
| Ringsted | $854 | $1,042 | $1,170 | $1,930 | $2,451 |
| Rolfe | $750 | $843 | $1,762 | $2,612 | $3,350 |
| Ruthven | $377 | $670 | $1,220 | $2,104 | $3,444 |
| Terril | $1,077 | $1,288 | $1,588 | $1,998 | $2,435 |
| West Bend | $329 | $852 | $1,668 | $2,689 | $3,739 |
| Whittemore | $690 | $1,013 | $1,501 | $2,542 | $3,241 |
Source: Ownwell