Monroe County, Iowa Property Taxes

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

Median Monroe County effective property tax rate: 1.39%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Monroe County home value: $86,560
Median annual Monroe County tax bill: $1,330, $1,070 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Monroe County calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Monroe 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

$1,203

$1,117

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

Property Tax Rates Across Monroe County, Iowa

Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, and these can vary significantly within a state. Each year, counties estimate their required budgets to provide essential services and divide that by the total assessed value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the essence of the annual process.

Monroe County's effective property tax rate is 1.39%, which is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Within Iowa, Monroe County's rate is notable, with Albia having the highest median tax rate at 1.61% and Avery the lowest at 1.13%. This variation highlights the differences in local governance and community needs. Comparing Monroe County's rate to the national median property tax rate provides insight into how local rates can differ based on regional budgetary requirements and property values. Understanding these differences is crucial for property owners seeking to manage their tax liabilities effectively.

Property Tax Rates Across Monroe 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 Monroe County Tax Rate

1.39%

Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate

1.54%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Monroe County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Albia	1.12%	1.24%	1.61%	1.82%	1.98%
Avery	0.93%	1.08%	1.13%	1.23%	1.24%
Blakesburg	1.08%	1.13%	1.23%	1.42%	1.61%
Bussey	1.12%	1.17%	1.30%	1.59%	1.65%
Columbia	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Eddyville	1.01%	1.14%	1.22%	1.32%	1.58%
Lovilia	1.09%	1.19%	1.31%	1.43%	1.63%
Melrose	1.00%	1.09%	1.22%	1.36%	1.61%
Moravia	1.11%	1.15%	1.23%	1.32%	1.53%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Monroe County, Iowa

When examining property taxes in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe County.

For example, the median tax bill in Monroe County is $1,640, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Moravia has the highest median home price at $138,680.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Monroe County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$10,340

$74,510

$138,680

Median Monroe County Market Value

$86,560

Median Iowa Market Value

$167,100

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Monroe County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Albia	$27,987	$59,360	$104,735	$168,962	$268,713
Avery	$3,790	$6,097	$10,340	$22,680	$28,677
Blakesburg	$19,880	$45,878	$93,540	$148,615	$230,215
Bussey	$70,570	$77,072	$116,975	$155,448	$257,047
Columbia	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Eddyville	$44,439	$62,838	$113,245	$179,360	$257,408
Lovilia	$12,440	$35,678	$74,055	$122,740	$191,820
Melrose	$2,494	$7,490	$22,750	$64,960	$156,912
Moravia	$19,800	$74,350	$138,680	$204,380	$266,970

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Monroe County, Iowa

In Monroe 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 this county is $86,560, which is significantly lower than the national median. Homeowners in Monroe County experience a range of property tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $606 and the 75th percentile reaching $2,286. At the 90th percentile, the tax bill can climb to $3,363. These figures illustrate the variation in tax burdens across different properties, reflecting factors such as property size, location, and market conditions. The highest median tax bill in the county is found in Albia at $1,640, while Avery has the lowest at $114. Compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Monroe County generally presents a more affordable tax situation for homeowners. This affordability can influence decisions on property purchases and investments, as lower tax bills can enhance overall housing affordability and attract new residents seeking cost-effective living options.

Property Tax Bills Across Monroe County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$114

$877

$1,640

Median Monroe County Tax Bill

$1,330

Median Iowa Tax Bill

$2,508

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Monroe County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Albia	$409	$954	$1,640	$2,570	$3,824
Avery	$46	$64	$114	$301	$400
Blakesburg	$318	$664	$1,147	$1,760	$2,678
Bussey	$870	$1,116	$1,445	$2,305	$3,063
Columbia	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Eddyville	$452	$944	$1,452	$2,306	$2,985
Lovilia	$162	$488	$991	$1,630	$2,387
Melrose	$59	$124	$322	$990	$1,967
Moravia	$391	$917	$1,596	$2,431	$3,156

Source: Ownwell