Des Moines, Iowa Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Des Moines, IA is 1.85%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Iowa state median of 1.54%. With the median home value in Des Moines at $176,000, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,138, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Des Moines are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Des Moines' property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Des Moines or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Des Moines, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.85%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,256
Ownwell’s Des Moines Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Des Moines with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Des Moines to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by Polk County for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Des Moines, Iowa
Property taxes in Des Moines, Iowa, are essential in funding critical local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Des Moines is 1.85%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Des Moines set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Des Moines estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Des Moines' effective property tax rate to other areas in Polk County and the national median. For comparison, the 50309 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 2.06%, while the 50313 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.72%. Understanding how these areas compare with Des Moines provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Polk County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Des Moines Tax Rate
1.85%
Average Polk County Tax Rate
1.69%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Des Moines, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50309 | 0.17% | 0.59% | 2.06% | 2.12% | 2.25% |
| 50310 | 1.75% | 1.83% | 1.88% | 1.94% | 1.99% |
| 50311 | 1.69% | 1.84% | 1.90% | 1.95% | 2.03% |
| 50312 | 1.73% | 1.86% | 1.91% | 1.98% | 2.07% |
| 50313 | 1.21% | 1.31% | 1.72% | 1.86% | 1.96% |
| 50314 | 1.33% | 1.53% | 1.73% | 1.80% | 1.93% |
| 50315 | 1.69% | 1.75% | 1.83% | 1.90% | 1.97% |
| 50316 | 1.54% | 1.65% | 1.79% | 1.87% | 1.96% |
| 50317 | 1.32% | 1.68% | 1.81% | 1.90% | 1.98% |
| 50320 | 1.55% | 1.79% | 1.85% | 1.94% | 2.01% |
| 50321 | 1.68% | 1.72% | 1.78% | 1.90% | 2.03% |
| 50322 | 1.83% | 1.87% | 1.93% | 1.98% | 2.04% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Des Moines, Iowa
In Des Moines, Iowa, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Polk County Assessor for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value 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. In Des Moines, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Des Moines helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. Notably, zip code 50321 has the highest median tax bill at $5,376, while zip code 50314 has the lowest at $1,480.
Average Des Moines Assessed Value
$176,000
Average Polk County Assessed Value
$231,500
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Des Moines, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50309 | $16,800 | $89,300 | $196,100 | $303,900 | $445,560 |
| 50310 | $134,400 | $168,800 | $206,700 | $248,700 | $291,400 |
| 50311 | $113,910 | $159,025 | $203,400 | $253,475 | $308,590 |
| 50312 | $130,680 | $172,725 | $251,850 | $417,750 | $631,670 |
| 50313 | $86,300 | $116,000 | $150,400 | $197,000 | $298,820 |
| 50314 | $12,200 | $65,800 | $96,800 | $144,600 | $203,500 |
| 50315 | $101,400 | $132,600 | $168,000 | $200,100 | $232,400 |
| 50316 | $67,100 | $98,475 | $129,400 | $161,200 | $190,800 |
| 50317 | $78,600 | $112,325 | $155,850 | $196,400 | $246,800 |
| 50320 | $86,100 | $156,100 | $232,300 | $286,100 | $332,200 |
| 50321 | $173,580 | $239,900 | $305,600 | $402,050 | $525,560 |
| 50322 | $143,510 | $169,175 | $194,650 | $223,250 | $262,680 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Des Moines, Iowa
In Des Moines, Polk County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local tax assessor. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local property tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Various factors influence the assessed value, including the home's market value, location, and any improvements or renovations made to the property. For homeowners in Des Moines, the median home price stands at $176,000. Property tax bills can vary significantly within the city. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $2,172, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches approximately $4,166. The 90th percentile tax bill can soar to $5,492, highlighting the range of property tax burdens in different neighborhoods. The highest median tax bill in the city is found in the 50321 zip code, amounting to $5,376, while the lowest median tax bill is in the 50314 zip code, at $1,480. These variations can significantly impact homeowners' financial planning and budgeting.
Average Des Moines Tax Bill
$3,138
Average Polk County Tax Bill
$3,904
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Des Moines, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50309 | $198 | $506 | $2,732 | $4,876 | $7,267 |
| 50310 | $2,430 | $3,107 | $3,840 | $4,644 | $5,464 |
| 50311 | $1,972 | $2,930 | $3,832 | $4,768 | $5,782 |
| 50312 | $2,507 | $3,326 | $4,772 | $7,812 | $11,709 |
| 50313 | $1,389 | $1,954 | $2,502 | $3,186 | $4,138 |
| 50314 | $172 | $986 | $1,480 | $2,222 | $3,362 |
| 50315 | $1,772 | $2,362 | $3,024 | $3,634 | $4,219 |
| 50316 | $1,045 | $1,620 | $2,216 | $2,824 | $3,422 |
| 50317 | $1,252 | $1,864 | $2,670 | $3,498 | $4,274 |
| 50320 | $1,044 | $2,466 | $4,056 | $5,118 | $5,984 |
| 50321 | $3,078 | $4,210 | $5,376 | $6,950 | $9,366 |
| 50322 | $2,832 | $3,286 | $3,737 | $4,269 | $5,067 |
Source: Ownwell