Union County, Iowa Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Union County is 1.84%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Iowa state median of 1.54%. With the median home value in Union County at $97,050, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $1,746. Property taxes in Union County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Union County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Creston or another part of Union County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Union County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.84%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,786
$1,657
Ownwell’s Union County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Union County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Union County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Union County, Iowa
Property taxes in Union County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Union County is 1.84%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Union County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Union County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Union County's effective property tax rate with other areas and the national median. For comparison, the city of Creston has one of the higher property tax rates in the region at 1.89%, while the city of Diagonal boasts one of the lowest at 1.51%. Analyzing how Union County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Union County Tax Rate
1.84%
Average Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Union County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afton | 1.36% | 1.52% | 1.66% | 1.95% | 2.13% |
| Arispe | 1.28% | 1.38% | 1.67% | 1.70% | 1.72% |
| Creston | 1.47% | 1.63% | 1.89% | 2.06% | 2.20% |
| Cromwell | 1.51% | 1.62% | 1.76% | 1.99% | 2.15% |
| Diagonal | 1.05% | 1.35% | 1.51% | 1.58% | 1.63% |
| Ellston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kent | 1.14% | 1.46% | 1.57% | 1.73% | 2.00% |
| Lenox | 1.50% | 1.61% | 1.74% | 1.85% | 1.91% |
| Lorimor | 1.32% | 1.54% | 1.75% | 2.13% | 2.26% |
| Murray | 1.38% | 1.50% | 1.53% | 1.56% | 1.59% |
| Shannon City | 1.15% | 1.47% | 1.54% | 1.67% | 2.00% |
| Thayer | 1.20% | 1.45% | 1.57% | 1.76% | 2.04% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Union County, Iowa
In Union County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Union County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in Union County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. For instance, Diagonal has the highest median tax bill at $2,704, while Arispe has the lowest at $614. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in Union County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Average Union County Assessed Value
$97,050
Average Iowa Assessed Value
$167,100
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Union County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afton | $33,698 | $59,565 | $102,615 | $156,708 | $250,462 |
| Arispe | $6,588 | $26,465 | $41,350 | $63,060 | $86,718 |
| Creston | $27,502 | $56,772 | $101,140 | $165,488 | $263,265 |
| Cromwell | $31,306 | $46,810 | $70,270 | $120,170 | $188,232 |
| Diagonal | $87,284 | $107,260 | $173,220 | $240,820 | $326,860 |
| Ellston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kent | $12,735 | $30,168 | $97,335 | $158,995 | $232,390 |
| Lenox | $5,708 | $9,440 | $52,960 | $103,380 | $149,368 |
| Lorimor | $22,330 | $37,605 | $64,780 | $128,255 | $197,760 |
| Murray | $81,068 | $107,600 | $149,345 | $192,110 | $285,686 |
| Shannon City | $9,080 | $26,420 | $66,560 | $129,690 | $193,910 |
| Thayer | $14,758 | $32,028 | $90,535 | $161,100 | $242,910 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Union County, Iowa
In Union County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors. The assessed value is then multiplied by the county's property tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as local government budgets, school funding, and public services contribute to the overall tax rate. Homeowners in Union County experience a range of property tax bills. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is $968, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches $2,903. At the 90th percentile, homeowners can expect to pay up to $4,371. These variations are influenced by differences in property values and local tax rates. Comparatively, Union County's property tax rate can be higher or lower than the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. For example, Diagonal has the highest median tax bill at $2,704, while Arispe has the lowest at $614. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their tax obligations and plan accordingly.
Average Union County Tax Bill
$1,746
Average Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Union County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afton | $600 | $1,002 | $1,688 | $2,702 | $3,822 |
| Arispe | $106 | $442 | $614 | $896 | $1,059 |
| Creston | $530 | $1,052 | $1,869 | $3,074 | $4,666 |
| Cromwell | $626 | $943 | $1,274 | $2,074 | $3,338 |
| Diagonal | $1,070 | $1,366 | $2,704 | $3,518 | $5,252 |
| Ellston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kent | $191 | $448 | $1,457 | $2,538 | $3,632 |
| Lenox | $96 | $159 | $758 | $1,824 | $2,433 |
| Lorimor | $402 | $714 | $1,192 | $2,196 | $3,154 |
| Murray | $1,315 | $1,550 | $2,345 | $2,881 | $4,110 |
| Shannon City | $100 | $413 | $1,006 | $2,035 | $3,067 |
| Thayer | $171 | $612 | $1,376 | $2,316 | $3,596 |
Source: Ownwell