Howard County, Iowa Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Howard County is 1.43%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 0.99% but slightly lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%. With the median home value in Howard County being $120,780, the typical annual property tax bill is $1,672, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Howard County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Howard County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Cresco or another part of Howard County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Howard County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.43%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,727
$1,603
Ownwell’s Howard County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Howard County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies the median tax rate in Howard County to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand your potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to more localized information. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by the county for property tax calculations, taking into account any exemptions you may have.
Property Tax Rates Across Howard County, Iowa
Property taxes in Howard County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Howard County is 1.43%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Howard County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Howard County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Howard County's effective property tax rate with other areas and the national median. For comparison, the city of Cresco has one of the higher property tax rates in Iowa at 1.63%, while the city of New Hampton boasts one of the lowest at 1.00%. Analyzing how Howard County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Howard County Tax Rate
1.43%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Howard County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | 1.04% | 1.09% | 1.21% | 1.39% | 1.68% |
| Calmar | 1.03% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.19% | 1.50% |
| Chester | 0.98% | 1.08% | 1.28% | 1.57% | 1.70% |
| Cresco | 1.08% | 1.28% | 1.63% | 1.77% | 1.82% |
| Elma | 1.02% | 1.14% | 1.53% | 1.78% | 1.96% |
| Lawler | 0.84% | 1.03% | 1.13% | 1.25% | 1.37% |
| Lime Springs | 0.94% | 1.05% | 1.14% | 1.25% | 1.41% |
| New Hampton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Protivin | 1.07% | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.36% | 1.39% |
| Riceville | 0.91% | 1.00% | 1.18% | 1.38% | 1.48% |
| Waucoma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Howard County, Iowa
In Howard County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Howard County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in Howard County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in Howard County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively. In Howard County, the city with the highest median tax bill is Waucoma at $2,626, while New Hampton has the lowest at $860.
Average Howard County Assessed Value
$120,780
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Howard County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | $46,410 | $95,110 | $130,640 | $233,920 | $419,256 |
| Calmar | $46,020 | $85,620 | $135,710 | $197,830 | $243,934 |
| Chester | $24,490 | $43,980 | $84,570 | $153,560 | $232,320 |
| Cresco | $50,700 | $80,020 | $126,035 | $190,358 | $288,545 |
| Elma | $33,040 | $60,880 | $100,190 | $181,560 | $295,610 |
| Lawler | $74,410 | $114,125 | $189,470 | $226,318 | $276,510 |
| Lime Springs | $44,046 | $74,550 | $128,110 | $199,550 | $280,598 |
| New Hampton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Protivin | $28,210 | $49,938 | $78,735 | $125,612 | $150,872 |
| Riceville | $57,183 | $88,568 | $147,595 | $227,970 | $308,821 |
| Waucoma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Howard County, Iowa
In Howard County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of its market value. The local tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to determine the annual property tax bill. For instance, with a median home price of $120,780, homeowners can expect varying tax bills depending on specific factors such as property location and local levies. In Howard County, the tax bill at the 25th percentile is $1,057, while at the 75th percentile, it climbs to $2,500. At the 90th percentile, homeowners might see a tax bill as high as $3,754. The highest median tax bill in the county is in Waucoma, standing at $2,626, while New Hampton has the lowest median tax bill at $860. These variations significantly impact homeowners, influencing their overall cost of living and financial planning. Understanding these factors can help homeowners better anticipate their annual property tax expenses.
Average Howard County Tax Bill
$1,672
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Howard County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | $673 | $1,076 | $1,584 | $3,056 | $5,080 |
| Calmar | $487 | $1,054 | $1,676 | $2,139 | $2,759 |
| Chester | $324 | $562 | $1,114 | $1,804 | $2,644 |
| Cresco | $766 | $1,260 | $1,874 | $2,754 | $4,130 |
| Elma | $527 | $952 | $1,436 | $2,246 | $3,524 |
| Lawler | $707 | $1,252 | $2,056 | $2,398 | $3,448 |
| Lime Springs | $463 | $878 | $1,430 | $2,296 | $3,094 |
| New Hampton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Protivin | $302 | $612 | $990 | $1,508 | $1,916 |
| Riceville | $688 | $1,042 | $1,688 | $2,453 | $3,504 |
| Waucoma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell