Cherokee County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median Cherokee County effective property tax rate: 1.11%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Cherokee County home value: $121,460
Median annual Cherokee County tax bill: $1,348, $1,052 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Cherokee County calculated?
Property taxes in Cherokee 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 Cherokee or another part of Cherokee County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Cherokee County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.11%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,348
$1,251
Property Tax Rates Across Cherokee County, Iowa
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can significantly differ across a state. This variation arises because each county annually calculates its budgetary needs for public services and divides this by the total assessed value of taxable property within its borders. This process establishes the property tax rate. Although votes and regulations play a role in shaping tax rates and budgets, this is essentially the yearly procedure.
Cherokee County's effective property tax rate stands at 1.11%, slightly above the national median of 1.02%. Within Iowa, Cherokee County's rate is higher than some areas, such as Peterson, where the rate is 0.81%, but lower than others like the city of Cherokee itself, which has a rate of 1.27%. This comparison underscores the diversity in property tax rates within the state and highlights the importance of understanding local tax obligations. For property owners in Cherokee County, these rates translate into a median tax bill that is reflective of the county's budgetary requirements and the value of local services provided. Understanding these nuances can empower property owners to make informed decisions and potentially explore opportunities for tax appeals or exemptions.
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 Cherokee County Tax Rate
1.11%
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 Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Cherokee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Aurelia | 0.72% | 0.83% | 0.94% | 1.02% | 1.10% |
| Cherokee | 0.82% | 1.00% | 1.27% | 1.38% | 1.48% |
| Cleghorn | 0.82% | 0.90% | 1.03% | 1.15% | 1.27% |
| Galva | 0.78% | 0.83% | 0.98% | 1.06% | 1.12% |
| Granville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Holstein | 0.69% | 0.79% | 0.89% | 1.01% | 1.12% |
| Larrabee | 0.78% | 0.84% | 0.94% | 1.10% | 1.24% |
| Marcus | 0.84% | 0.94% | 1.04% | 1.17% | 1.24% |
| Meriden | 0.81% | 0.88% | 1.09% | 1.21% | 1.36% |
| Paullina | 0.78% | 0.85% | 0.98% | 1.22% | 1.36% |
| Peterson | 0.67% | 0.74% | 0.81% | 0.84% | 0.97% |
| Pierson | 0.74% | 0.79% | 0.88% | 1.13% | 1.27% |
| Quimby | 0.75% | 0.83% | 1.06% | 1.19% | 1.35% |
| Remsen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sutherland | 0.73% | 0.76% | 0.87% | 1.00% | 1.11% |
| Washta | 0.72% | 0.84% | 0.99% | 1.20% | 1.29% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cherokee County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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 Cherokee County.
For example, the median tax bill in Cherokee County is $1,210, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Galva has the highest median home price at $243,465.
Median Cherokee County Market Value
$121,460
Median Iowa Market Value
$167,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cherokee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Aurelia | $51,484 | $87,860 | $140,170 | $199,720 | $276,384 |
| Cherokee | $37,280 | $69,910 | $115,130 | $184,285 | $293,158 |
| Cleghorn | $45,360 | $84,785 | $139,860 | $222,840 | $300,982 |
| Galva | $150,740 | $185,108 | $243,465 | $300,975 | $472,575 |
| Granville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Holstein | $101,484 | $139,870 | $218,050 | $285,520 | $334,338 |
| Larrabee | $16,219 | $30,942 | $69,960 | $174,705 | $301,331 |
| Marcus | $48,315 | $88,732 | $148,115 | $223,365 | $317,705 |
| Meriden | $37,670 | $75,970 | $131,260 | $200,870 | $277,820 |
| Paullina | $68,875 | $121,385 | $160,645 | $184,242 | $220,225 |
| Peterson | $107,766 | $146,630 | $220,470 | $274,570 | $438,552 |
| Pierson | $97,290 | $140,050 | $197,900 | $288,010 | $330,700 |
| Quimby | $8,444 | $36,970 | $81,690 | $144,860 | $227,806 |
| Remsen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sutherland | $124,020 | $144,510 | $164,150 | $202,150 | $344,458 |
| Washta | $9,716 | $29,415 | $64,470 | $135,600 | $237,182 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Cherokee County, Iowa
In Cherokee County, IA, property tax bills are determined by assessing the value of a property and applying the local tax rate. The median home price in the county is $121,460, which serves as a baseline for calculating tax obligations. Tax bills can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile at $788 and the 75th percentile reaching $2,050, indicating a wide range in property values and tax burdens. The 90th percentile tax bill is $2,968, highlighting the upper end of the spectrum for homeowners with higher-valued properties.
Factors influencing property tax bills include the assessed value of the property, which is determined by local assessors, and the specific tax rate set by local government entities. Homeowners in Cherokee County experience a range of tax bills, from as low as $664 in Washta to as high as $2,358 in Galva. These variations can impact household budgets, with some homeowners paying significantly more than the national median property tax bill of $2,400, while others pay less. Understanding these factors can help homeowners anticipate their financial responsibilities and plan accordingly.
Median Cherokee County Tax Bill
$1,348
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Cherokee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Aurelia | $460 | $811 | $1,302 | $1,816 | $2,390 |
| Cherokee | $472 | $870 | $1,396 | $2,145 | $3,076 |
| Cleghorn | $494 | $892 | $1,472 | $2,255 | $2,922 |
| Galva | $1,326 | $1,985 | $2,358 | $2,870 | $4,302 |
| Granville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Holstein | $894 | $1,096 | $1,812 | $2,416 | $3,298 |
| Larrabee | $165 | $322 | $760 | $1,672 | $2,884 |
| Marcus | $503 | $879 | $1,474 | $2,303 | $3,314 |
| Meriden | $399 | $849 | $1,399 | $1,993 | $2,600 |
| Paullina | $773 | $1,128 | $1,611 | $1,824 | $1,962 |
| Peterson | $953 | $1,080 | $1,680 | $2,228 | $3,609 |
| Pierson | $992 | $1,264 | $1,752 | $2,456 | $2,978 |
| Quimby | $106 | $422 | $894 | $1,472 | $2,251 |
| Remsen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sutherland | $947 | $1,208 | $1,550 | $1,964 | $2,848 |
| Washta | $110 | $291 | $664 | $1,375 | $2,146 |
Source: Ownwell