Buchanan County, Iowa Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Buchanan County, Iowa
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Buchanan County effective property tax rate: 1.39%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Buchanan County home value: $154,105
Median annual Buchanan County tax bill: $2,162, $238 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Buchanan County calculated?

Property taxes in Buchanan County 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Independence or another part of Buchanan County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Buchanan County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.39%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$2,142

$1,988

Ownwell’s Buchanan County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Buchanan County with just two data points.

By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Buchanan County’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a more precise calculation for your property tax obligations.

This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Buchanan County.

For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Buchanan County, Iowa

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. Buchanan County's effective property tax rate stands at 1.39%, which is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Within the county, Independence has the highest median tax rate at 1.61%, while Oelwein has the lowest at 1.13%. These figures highlight the variation in property tax rates within a single county, influenced by local budget needs and property values. Comparing Buchanan County's rate to the national median, property owners here face relatively higher taxes, underscoring the importance of understanding local property tax dynamics.

Property Tax Rates Across Buchanan County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

1.13%

1.37%

1.61%

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 Buchanan County Tax Rate

1.39%

Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate

1.54%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Buchanan County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Aurora	1.09%	1.15%	1.30%	1.46%	1.55%
Brandon	1.07%	1.14%	1.27%	1.45%	1.53%
Coggon	1.05%	1.13%	1.23%	1.36%	1.45%
Dunkerton	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Fairbank	1.11%	1.19%	1.30%	1.38%	1.45%
Hazleton	1.07%	1.16%	1.30%	1.43%	1.54%
Independence	1.11%	1.20%	1.61%	1.72%	1.79%
Jesup	1.16%	1.30%	1.60%	1.66%	1.70%
Lamont	0.96%	1.07%	1.25%	1.42%	1.51%
La Porte City	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Masonville	0.95%	1.08%	1.17%	1.24%	1.33%
Oelwein	1.04%	1.09%	1.13%	1.17%	1.22%
Quasqueton	1.18%	1.29%	1.39%	1.46%	1.53%
Rowley	1.04%	1.11%	1.19%	1.32%	1.40%
Ryan	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Stanley	1.07%	1.15%	1.31%	1.52%	1.76%
Walker	1.05%	1.11%	1.17%	1.28%	1.41%
Winthrop	1.08%	1.16%	1.28%	1.37%	1.44%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buchanan County, Iowa

When examining property taxes in Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County Assessor 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. Assessment notices: In Buchanan 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 Buchanan County. For example, the median tax bill in Buchanan County is $1,274, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Masonville has the highest median home price at $240,980.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buchanan County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$72,350

$156,665

$240,980

Median Buchanan County Market Value

$154,105

Median Iowa Market Value

$167,100

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buchanan County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Aurora	$30,526	$55,208	$125,790	$190,948	$284,471
Brandon	$38,475	$70,662	$120,895	$230,292	$336,382
Coggon	$69,492	$130,180	$202,380	$288,770	$343,894
Dunkerton	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Fairbank	$61,002	$108,270	$157,120	$226,485	$312,646
Hazleton	$39,462	$69,150	$109,810	$196,840	$291,546
Independence	$64,038	$106,830	$159,860	$234,000	$329,264
Jesup	$77,660	$129,035	$183,360	$262,135	$361,200
Lamont	$27,076	$39,510	$72,350	$150,300	$253,984
La Porte City	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Masonville	$124,260	$181,580	$240,980	$335,875	$479,864
Oelwein	$118,786	$137,435	$199,520	$255,930	$324,034
Quasqueton	$31,528	$67,060	$99,000	$145,760	$210,882
Rowley	$56,717	$93,320	$156,750	$228,252	$326,079
Ryan	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Stanley	$27,274	$38,050	$75,140	$184,860	$255,534
Walker	$94,416	$140,505	$199,590	$274,468	$366,343
Winthrop	$65,834	$105,440	$163,520	$238,790	$324,706

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Buchanan County, Iowa

In Buchanan County, IA, property tax bills are determined by assessing the property's value and applying the local tax rate. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the market value, which can fluctuate based on real estate trends. Homeowners can expect a median property tax bill of $1,274, which is significantly lower than the national median of $2,400. However, tax bills can vary widely within the county. For instance, Jesup has the highest median tax bill at $2,794, while Lamont has the lowest at $916. These figures illustrate the variability in property taxes depending on location within the county. Factors such as property improvements, neighborhood developments, and changes in local government budgets can influence the assessed value and, consequently, the tax bill. For homeowners, understanding these factors is crucial as they directly impact annual financial obligations. High property taxes can deter potential buyers, while lower taxes may enhance property attractiveness, affecting overall market dynamics in Buchanan County.

Property Tax Bills Across Buchanan County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$916

$1,855

$2,794

Median Buchanan County Tax Bill

$2,162

Median Iowa Tax Bill

$2,508

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Buchanan County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Aurora	$410	$792	$1,620	$2,648	$3,374
Brandon	$505	$948	$1,604	$2,834	$4,374
Coggon	$748	$1,516	$2,510	$3,872	$4,414
Dunkerton	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Fairbank	$735	$1,334	$2,074	$2,850	$3,730
Hazleton	$504	$912	$1,496	$2,384	$3,462
Independence	$859	$1,590	$2,396	$3,458	$4,701
Jesup	$1,018	$1,926	$2,794	$3,936	$5,163
Lamont	$299	$492	$916	$1,774	$3,068
La Porte City	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Masonville	$1,294	$1,978	$2,740	$4,026	$5,714
Oelwein	$1,302	$1,554	$2,182	$2,888	$3,801
Quasqueton	$386	$894	$1,376	$2,019	$3,014
Rowley	$678	$1,138	$1,932	$2,678	$3,928
Ryan	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Stanley	$270	$531	$1,040	$2,401	$3,034
Walker	$963	$1,608	$2,298	$3,302	$4,300
Winthrop	$843	$1,301	$2,048	$3,102	$3,953

Source: Ownwell