Emmet County, Iowa Property Taxes

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

Median Emmet County effective property tax rate: 1.51%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Emmet County home value: $98,400
Median annual Emmet County tax bill: $1,436, $964 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Emmet County calculated?

Property taxes in Emmet 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 Estherville or another part of Emmet County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Emmet County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.51%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,486

$1,379

Ownwell’s Emmet County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Emmet County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Emmet 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 Emmet County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Emmet County, Iowa

Local government entities are responsible for setting property tax rates, and these can vary significantly within a state. The process involves each county estimating its budget to fund essential services and dividing this by the total assessed value of all taxable properties within the county. This calculation determines the property tax rate for that year. While votes and legislation play roles in setting these rates and budgets, this is the basic annual procedure.

In Emmet County, the effective property tax rate is a key figure for comparison, whether you're looking at other counties in Iowa or the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Emmet County's rate is notably higher than the national median, reflecting the unique budgetary needs and property values within the county. For instance, Estherville, within Emmet County, has one of the highest median tax rates in the area, while Armstrong offers a contrasting lower rate. This variability highlights the importance of understanding local tax dynamics when evaluating property investments or considering appeals.

Property Tax Rates Across Emmet County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

0.98%

1.31%

1.63%

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 Emmet County Tax Rate

1.51%

Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate

1.54%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Emmet County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Armstrong	0.81%	0.90%	0.98%	1.14%	1.35%
Dolliver	0.83%	0.95%	1.14%	1.27%	1.44%
Estherville	1.11%	1.39%	1.63%	1.77%	1.88%
Graettinger	1.01%	1.06%	1.17%	1.30%	1.46%
Gruver	0.92%	0.98%	1.10%	1.22%	1.25%
Ringsted	0.83%	1.07%	1.47%	1.82%	2.06%
Terril	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wallingford	1.00%	1.11%	1.20%	1.39%	1.49%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Emmet County, Iowa

When examining property taxes in Emmet 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 Emmet County Assessor's Office 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 Emmet 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 Emmet County.

For example, the median tax bill in Emmet County is $1,320, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Graettinger has the highest median home price at $180,300.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Emmet County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$48,100

$114,200

$180,300

Median Emmet County Market Value

$98,400

Median Iowa Market Value

$167,100

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Emmet County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Armstrong	$36,720	$65,775	$112,650	$179,400	$276,910
Dolliver	$14,480	$53,500	$99,750	$167,175	$288,470
Estherville	$38,080	$64,100	$100,500	$150,500	$224,420
Graettinger	$68,390	$131,550	$180,300	$264,000	$335,320
Gruver	$27,900	$48,700	$74,600	$104,100	$118,020
Ringsted	$12,070	$26,675	$48,100	$102,900	$208,730
Terril	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wallingford	$22,050	$45,425	$86,500	$154,625	$235,500

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Emmet County, Iowa

In Emmet County, Iowa, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the annual property tax bill. The median home price in the county is $98,400, and property tax bills can vary significantly based on this value. For example, the 25th percentile tax bill is $836, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches $2,173, and the 90th percentile tax bill can go up to $3,154. Homeowners in Graettinger face the highest median tax bill at $2,160, whereas those in Ringsted enjoy the lowest median tax bill at $749. Compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Emmet County residents generally pay lower taxes, although some may still experience higher bills depending on their property's assessed value. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their tax liabilities and plan their finances accordingly.

Property Tax Bills Across Emmet County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$749

$1,455

$2,160

Median Emmet County Tax Bill

$1,436

Median Iowa Tax Bill

$2,508

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Emmet County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Armstrong	$336	$638	$1,088	$1,827	$2,846
Dolliver	$160	$493	$1,148	$1,737	$2,893
Estherville	$621	$1,036	$1,600	$2,336	$3,324
Graettinger	$985	$1,315	$2,160	$2,952	$3,528
Gruver	$384	$565	$808	$1,111	$1,285
Ringsted	$156	$375	$749	$1,431	$2,102
Terril	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wallingford	$307	$566	$1,090	$1,830	$2,741

Source: Ownwell