Osceola County, Iowa Property Taxes

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

Median Osceola County effective property tax rate: 1.21%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.

Median Osceola County home value: $99,340

Median annual Osceola County tax bill: $1,157, $1,243 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Osceola County calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Osceola County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.21%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,202

$1,115

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

Property Tax Rates Across Osceola County, Iowa

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each year, counties estimate their required budget to provide essential services and divide that by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is the basic annual process. In Osceola County, the effective property tax rate is notably different from other counties in Iowa and the national median. With a median tax rate of 1.21%, Osceola County's rate is above the national median of 1.02%, reflecting the local government's budgetary needs and property values. Sibley, within Osceola County, has the highest median tax rate at 1.34%, while May City has the lowest at 0.92%. These variations highlight the diverse economic landscapes and service requirements within the county. Understanding these differences can help property owners anticipate their tax obligations and consider potential appeals or exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across Osceola County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

0.92%

1.13%

1.34%

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 Osceola County Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate

1.54%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Osceola County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Allendorf	0.70%	0.76%	1.02%	1.22%	1.65%
Ashton	0.75%	0.89%	1.13%	1.33%	1.48%
Harris	0.72%	0.80%	1.06%	1.34%	1.49%
Hartley	0.86%	0.91%	0.99%	1.15%	1.32%
Little Rock	0.70%	0.87%	0.96%	1.03%	1.18%
May City	0.61%	0.75%	0.92%	1.13%	1.24%
Melvin	0.76%	0.88%	1.05%	1.24%	1.49%
Ocheyedan	0.73%	0.87%	1.05%	1.29%	1.45%
Sanborn	0.24%	0.77%	0.92%	1.00%	1.12%
Sibley	0.84%	1.06%	1.34%	1.48%	1.60%
Lake Park	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Sheldon	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Osceola County, Iowa

When examining property taxes in Osceola 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 Osceola 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: 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 Osceola County. For example, the median tax bill in Osceola County is $1,692, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Hartley has the highest median home price at $157,940.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Osceola County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$16,340

$87,140

$157,940

Median Osceola County Market Value

$99,340

Median Iowa Market Value

$167,100

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Osceola County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Allendorf	$1,260	$4,620	$16,340	$63,495	$73,504
Ashton	$38,910	$64,535	$95,660	$141,230	$187,630
Harris	$19,494	$51,538	$93,655	$158,565	$255,663
Hartley	$75,682	$104,920	$157,940	$212,700	$318,716
Little Rock	$63,656	$81,315	$112,690	$200,470	$331,362
May City	$16,476	$26,615	$42,265	$58,620	$68,325
Melvin	$14,720	$43,380	$77,690	$129,628	$204,460
Ocheyedan	$20,046	$50,790	$96,820	$154,600	$233,708
Sanborn	$81,282	$101,310	$130,010	$170,360	$235,216
Sibley	$40,338	$64,342	$107,155	$180,470	$261,167
Lake Park	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Sheldon	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Osceola County, Iowa

In Osceola County, IA, property tax bills are determined by assessing the value of a home and applying the local tax rate. The median home price in the county is $99,340, which serves as a basis for calculating property taxes. Homeowners in Osceola County can expect a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $662 and the 75th percentile reaching $1,858. For those in the 90th percentile, tax bills can climb to $2,818. In Hartley, the city with the highest median tax bill, homeowners pay $1,692, while in Allendorf, the lowest median tax bill is $280. These figures are influenced by local government budgets and the services they provide, such as education and public safety. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and a median tax bill of $2,400, Osceola County offers a relatively affordable tax environment. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their financial responsibilities and plan accordingly.

Property Tax Bills Across Osceola County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$280

$986

$1,692

Median Osceola County Tax Bill

$1,157

Median Iowa Tax Bill

$2,508

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Osceola County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Allendorf	$15	$44	$280	$545	$1,277
Ashton	$410	$698	$1,028	$1,494	$1,999
Harris	$208	$539	$962	$1,623	$2,372
Hartley	$658	$982	$1,692	$2,104	$3,227
Little Rock	$498	$862	$1,246	$1,913	$3,179
May City	$102	$186	$366	$570	$716
Melvin	$174	$386	$775	$1,281	$2,166
Ocheyedan	$247	$514	$1,002	$1,579	$2,283
Sanborn	$398	$692	$978	$1,448	$2,328
Sibley	$464	$804	$1,327	$2,198	$3,269
Lake Park	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Sheldon	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell