Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois Property Taxes
Median Dakota, IL effective property tax rate: 3.48%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Illinois state median of 2.35%.
Median Dakota, IL home value: $78,687
Median annual Dakota, IL tax bill: $2,740, $340 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Stephenson calculated?
Property taxes in Dakota, IL are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Dakota’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Dakota, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
3.48%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,738
$2,541
Property Tax Rates Across Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. Each year, counties estimate their budgets needed for services and divide this by the total value of all taxable property in their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting rates and budgets, this is the core of the annual process.
In Dakota, located in Stephenson County, the effective property tax rate is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the county's financial needs and the total taxable property value. When comparing Dakota’s rate to other cities in Illinois, it stands out, as the state itself has a diverse range of rates. Illinois often sees higher tax rates due to its budgetary requirements, and Dakota exemplifies this trend.
For homeowners, understanding these rates is crucial for financial planning. Comparing Dakota’s rate to the national median provides insight into local government funding strategies and how they impact property owners. By staying informed, property owners can better navigate the complexities of property taxes and make informed decisions.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Dakota Tax Rate
3.48%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Stephenson County Tax Rate
3.21%
Median Effective Illinois Tax Rate
2.35%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
61018 | 2.74% | 3.37% | 3.48% | 3.49% | 3.69% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois
When examining property taxes in Dakota, Illinois, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Stephenson County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
In Stephenson County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Dakota. For example, the median home price in Dakota is $78,687, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 61018 has the highest median home price at $78,687.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois
Source: Ownwell

$51,878
$101,664
$151,449
Median Dakota Market Value
$78,687
Median Stephenson County Market Value
$60,276
Median Illinois Market Value
$194,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
61018 | $20,436 | $58,748 | $78,687 | $110,958 | $165,255 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois
Median Dakota Tax Bill
$2,740
Median Stephenson County Tax Bill
$1,883
Median Illinois Tax Bill
$4,715
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Dakota, Stephenson County, Illinois
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
61018 | $665 | $1,757 | $2,740 | $3,999 | $6,091 |
Source: Ownwell