West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in West Des Moines, IA, is 1.53%, slightly below the Iowa state median of 1.54% but significantly higher than the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $281,000, the typical annual property tax bill in West Des Moines reaches $4,332, well above the national median of $2,690. Property taxes here are calculated based on the assessed value, which is often lower than the market value due to exemptions like those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding West Des Moines' property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of West Des Moines or another part of the city, a thorough grasp of the local property tax system benefits both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.53%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,299
$3,990
Ownwell’s West Des Moines Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in West Des Moines with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in West Des Moines to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
Property taxes in West Des Moines, Iowa, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in West Des Moines is 1.53%, significantly higher than both the Iowa state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within West Des Moines set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, West Des Moines estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares West Des Moines' effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 50061 has the highest median property tax rate of 1.60%, while 50265 has the lowest median tax rate of 1.53%. Understanding how these cities compare with West Des Moines provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Polk County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average West Des Moines Tax Rate
1.53%
Average Polk County Tax Rate
1.69%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50061 | 1.43% | 1.51% | 1.60% | 1.63% | 1.66% |
| 50265 | 1.43% | 1.49% | 1.53% | 1.56% | 1.60% |
| 50266 | 1.45% | 1.50% | 1.54% | 1.58% | 1.63% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
In West Des Moines, Iowa, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Polk County Assessor for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value 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. In West Des Moines, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in West Des Moines helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest median tax bill is $5,594 in the 50061 zip code, while the lowest is $4,162 in the 50265 zip code.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$2,050
$223,775
$445,500
Average West Des Moines Assessed Value
$281,000
Average Polk County Assessed Value
$231,500
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50061 | $173,418 | $197,890 | $396,670 | $510,750 | $640,760 |
| 50265 | $154,500 | $212,225 | $272,600 | $343,175 | $482,170 |
| 50266 | $119,300 | $196,800 | $311,000 | $417,500 | $574,240 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
In West Des Moines, located in Polk County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor's office. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual property tax bill. For homeowners in West Des Moines, the median home price stands at $281,000, and property tax bills can vary significantly. At the 25th percentile, homeowners can expect a tax bill of approximately $3,244, while those at the 75th percentile might see bills around $5,664. For the top 10% of properties, tax bills can be as high as $8,154. The highest median tax bill in the area is $5,594 in the 50061 zip code, whereas the lowest median tax bill is $4,162 in the 50265 zip code. Comparing these figures to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, it is evident that property taxes in West Des Moines can significantly impact homeowners' annual expenses and budgeting.
Average West Des Moines Tax Bill
$4,332
Average Polk County Tax Bill
$3,904
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50061 | $2,621 | $3,051 | $5,594 | $7,668 | $8,613 |
| 50265 | $2,310 | $3,230 | $4,162 | $5,262 | $7,536 |
| 50266 | $1,884 | $3,434 | $4,954 | $6,700 | $9,285 |
Source: Ownwell