Winneshiek County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median Winneshiek County effective property tax rate: 1.33%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Winneshiek County home value: $200,930
Median annual Winneshiek County tax bill: $2,768, $368 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Winneshiek County calculated?
Property taxes in Winneshiek 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 Decorah or another part of Winneshiek County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Winneshiek County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.33%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,672
$2,480
Property Tax Rates Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws are involved in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.
In Winneshiek County, Iowa, the effective property tax rate is a reflection of this process. With a median property tax rate of 1.33%, it exceeds the national median of 1.02%. This indicates a higher burden on property owners compared to many other regions in the U.S. Interestingly, within Iowa, the city of Ossian has the highest median tax rate at 1.49%, while Waukon has the lowest at 1.02%. Such variations highlight the importance of understanding local tax policies and their impact on property owners. Comparing these figures to the national median tax bill of $2400 can provide further insights into how property taxes in Winneshiek County align with broader trends.
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 Winneshiek County Tax Rate
1.33%
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 Winneshiek County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calmar | 1.09% | 1.16% | 1.49% | 1.59% | 1.66% |
| Castalia | 1.13% | 1.22% | 1.32% | 1.46% | 1.53% |
| Cresco | 0.99% | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.28% | 1.43% |
| Decorah | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.37% | 1.73% | 1.79% |
| Dorchester | 0.85% | 1.11% | 1.16% | 1.37% | 1.46% |
| Fort Atkinson | 0.97% | 1.03% | 1.20% | 1.56% | 1.71% |
| Ossian | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.49% | 1.58% | 1.65% |
| Postville | 1.03% | 1.15% | 1.25% | 1.29% | 1.45% |
| Ridgeway | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.43% | 1.54% |
| Spillville | 1.28% | 1.35% | 1.40% | 1.48% | 1.49% |
| Waucoma | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.15% |
| Waukon | 0.94% | 0.99% | 1.02% | 1.09% | 1.15% |
| Festina | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County.
For example, the median tax bill in Winneshiek County is $2,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Decorah has the highest median home price at $223,260.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$113,790
$168,525
$223,260
Median Winneshiek County Market Value
$200,930
Median Iowa Market Value
$167,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calmar | $81,738 | $124,750 | $175,910 | $248,360 | $329,778 |
| Castalia | $42,148 | $83,530 | $129,130 | $219,260 | $274,498 |
| Cresco | $80,780 | $124,485 | $198,530 | $296,230 | $414,243 |
| Decorah | $94,152 | $159,040 | $223,260 | $312,840 | $424,828 |
| Dorchester | $81,708 | $140,652 | $194,515 | $269,770 | $374,702 |
| Fort Atkinson | $54,916 | $106,252 | $165,725 | $243,180 | $341,539 |
| Ossian | $84,400 | $118,440 | $167,490 | $259,755 | $349,550 |
| Postville | $36,471 | $75,260 | $137,060 | $179,615 | $251,245 |
| Ridgeway | $68,617 | $119,778 | $177,555 | $263,360 | $373,547 |
| Spillville | $46,200 | $77,140 | $113,790 | $168,115 | $217,280 |
| Waucoma | $56,658 | $129,275 | $169,810 | $208,775 | $354,276 |
| Waukon | $75,760 | $112,965 | $174,950 | $300,112 | $371,295 |
| Festina | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
Median Winneshiek County Tax Bill
$2,768
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calmar | $1,168 | $1,754 | $2,440 | $3,274 | $4,354 |
| Castalia | $540 | $1,118 | $1,744 | $2,744 | $3,518 |
| Cresco | $869 | $1,406 | $2,291 | $3,526 | $5,264 |
| Decorah | $1,156 | $2,112 | $3,194 | $4,382 | $5,876 |
| Dorchester | $654 | $1,496 | $2,147 | $3,086 | $3,634 |
| Fort Atkinson | $814 | $1,425 | $2,110 | $3,063 | $4,078 |
| Ossian | $1,182 | $1,678 | $2,358 | $3,460 | $4,715 |
| Postville | $444 | $851 | $1,606 | $2,241 | $3,216 |
| Ridgeway | $989 | $1,594 | $2,291 | $3,363 | $4,666 |
| Spillville | $741 | $1,160 | $1,601 | $2,290 | $3,059 |
| Waucoma | $841 | $1,482 | $1,762 | $2,319 | $3,630 |
| Waukon | $820 | $1,291 | $1,784 | $3,091 | $3,507 |
| Festina | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell