Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median Carter Lake, IA effective property tax rate: 1.52%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%.
Median Carter Lake, IA home value: $158,250
Median annual Carter Lake, IA tax bill: $2,342, $58 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Pottawattamie calculated?
Property taxes in Carter Lake, 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 Carter Lake’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Carter Lake, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.52%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,405
$2,232
Property Tax Rates Across Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the core of the annual process.
Carter Lake in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, has an effective property tax rate of 1.52%. This rate is notably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. When comparing Carter Lake's property tax rate to other cities in Iowa, it stands out as the highest in the state. This is significant because it directly impacts the property tax bills that residents receive. The median property tax bill in Carter Lake is higher than the national median of $2400, reflecting the elevated rate. Understanding these differences can help property owners make informed decisions about appealing their property taxes and seeking exemptions where applicable.
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 Carter Lake Tax Rate
1.52%
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 Pottawattamie County Tax Rate
1.73%
Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
51510 | 1.27% | 1.39% | 1.52% | 1.62% | 1.75% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Carter Lake, 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 Pottawattamie 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.
In Pottawattamie 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 Carter Lake.
For example, the median home price in Carter Lake is $158,250, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 51510 has the highest median home price at $158,250.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell

$114,500
$204,725
$294,950
Median Carter Lake Market Value
$158,250
Median Pottawattamie County Market Value
$173,400
Median Iowa Market Value
$167,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
51510 | $106,650 | $127,950 | $158,250 | $229,675 | $382,400 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
In Carter Lake, located in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to arrive at the annual property tax bill. Homeowners in Carter Lake experience a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $1,870 and the 75th percentile reaching $3,228. The highest median tax bill in the area is $2,342, which is below the national median tax bill of $2,400. These figures indicate that while some homeowners may pay less than the national average, others could face higher bills, impacting their financial planning.
Ownwell assists homeowners by offering property tax appeal and exemption services, potentially reducing their annual tax burden. By analyzing the assessed value and comparing it with market trends, Ownwell identifies opportunities for savings and works to ensure homeowners are not overpaying on their property taxes. This service can provide significant financial relief for homeowners in Carter Lake.
Median Carter Lake Tax Bill
$2,342
Median Pottawattamie County Tax Bill
$2,932
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
51510 | $1,502 | $1,870 | $2,342 | $3,228 | $5,929 |
Source: Ownwell