West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median West Des Moines, IA effective property tax rate: 1.53%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%.
Median West Des Moines, IA home value: $281,000
Median annual West Des Moines, IA tax bill: $4,332, $1,932 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Polk County calculated?
Property taxes in West Des Moines, IA 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 West Des Moines’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in West Des Moines, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.53%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,299
$3,990
Property Tax Rates Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. Below, you can compare West Des Moines’ effective property tax rate to other cities in Iowa and the median property tax rates in Iowa and the U.S.
In Polk County, the median property tax rate stands at 1.53%, which is above the national median of 1.02%. West Des Moines shares this rate, suggesting a stable tax environment for homeowners. The highest median tax rate in the area is slightly higher at 1.60% in the zip code 50061. Comparing these figures to the national scene, the property tax bill in West Des Moines is likely higher than the national median of $2,400, emphasizing the importance of exploring tax appeal opportunities.
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 West Des Moines Tax Rate
1.53%
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 Polk County Tax Rate
1.69%
Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
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
When examining property taxes in West Des Moines, IA, 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 Polk County appraisal district 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 Polk 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 West Des Moines. For example, the median home price in West Des Moines is $281,000, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 50061 has the highest median home price at $396,670.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$2,050
$223,775
$445,500
Median West Des Moines Market Value
$281,000
Median Polk County Market Value
$231,500
Median Iowa Market Value
$167,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
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
Median West Des Moines Tax Bill
$4,332
Median Polk County Tax Bill
$3,904
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
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