Union County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median Union County effective property tax rate: 1.84%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%. Median Union County home value: $97,050. Median annual Union County tax bill: $1,746, $654 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Union County calculated?
Property taxes in Union 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 Creston or another part of Union County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Union County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.84%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,786
$1,657
Property Tax Rates Across Union County, Iowa
Local government entities determine property tax rates, which can differ significantly across regions. This variation is due to each county's process of estimating its annual budget for essential services and dividing it by the total value of all taxable properties within its boundaries. This method establishes the property tax rate. Although various votes and regulations play a role in the finalization of tax rates and budgets, this is the core process conducted every year.
In Union County, Iowa, the effective property tax rate is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. For instance, Creston, a city within Union County, features one of the highest median property tax rates in the area. Conversely, Diagonal offers a lower rate, showcasing the diversity within the county itself. This difference emphasizes the importance of understanding local tax structures, as they can significantly impact property expenses. Comparing Union County's tax rate with both the state and national figures provides valuable insight into the local tax landscape.
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 Union County Tax Rate
1.84%
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 Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
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
When examining property taxes in Union 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 Union 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.
Assessment notices:
In Union 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 Union County.
For example, the median tax bill in Union County is $2,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Diagonal has the highest median home price at $173,220.
Median Union County Market Value
$97,050
Median Iowa Market Value
$167,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
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
Median Union County Tax Bill
$1,746
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
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