Howard County, Iowa Property Taxes

Local government entities determine tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. This is because each county annually estimates its required budget to provide essential services and divides this figure by the total value of all taxable property in its jurisdiction. The result of this calculation is the property tax rate. Although there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the process in a nutshell.

Below, you can compare Howard County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median property tax rate. Howard County has a median property tax rate of 1.43%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Iowa, Cresco has the highest median property tax rate at 1.63%, while Lawler has the lowest at 1.13%. Understanding these differences can help property owners make informed decisions about their investments and potential savings through property tax appeals.

In Howard County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor. The assessment reflects the market value of the property, and the tax rate is applied to this value to calculate the tax bill. In Howard County, the median home price is $120,780, influencing the property tax bills that homeowners receive. The median property tax bill in the county ranges from $990 in Protivin to $2,056 in Lawler. Comparatively, the national median property tax bill stands at $2,400.

Homeowners in Howard County experience a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile paying around $1,057, while those in the 75th percentile face bills closer to $2,500. At the 90th percentile, tax bills can reach up to $3,754. These variations demonstrate how the assessed value and specific location within the county impact the financial burden on homeowners. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners as they navigate their financial responsibilities.