Douglas County, Kansas Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Douglas County is 1.47%, which is notably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Kansas state median of 1.43%. With a median home value of $271,900, the typical annual property tax bill in Douglas County reaches $4,065, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes here are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which usually falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Douglas 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 Lawrence or another part of Douglas County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Douglas County, Kansas Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.47%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,997
$3,709
Ownwell’s Douglas County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Douglas County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Douglas 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 Douglas County, Kansas
Property taxes in Douglas County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Douglas County is 1.47%, which is higher than both the Kansas state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Douglas County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Douglas 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 Douglas County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Kansas and the national median. For comparison, the city of Eudora has one of the higher property tax rates in Kansas at 1.77%, while the city of Tecumseh boasts one of the lowest at 1.32%. Analyzing how Douglas County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Douglas County Tax Rate
1.47%
Average Kansas Tax Rate
1.43%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Douglas County, Kansas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin City | 1.35% | 1.38% | 1.65% | 1.68% | 1.69% |
| Berryton | 1.32% | 1.34% | 1.39% | 1.52% | 1.82% |
| Edgerton | 1.34% | 1.35% | 1.37% | 1.40% | 1.57% |
| Eudora | 1.58% | 1.74% | 1.77% | 1.78% | 1.78% |
| Lawrence | 1.39% | 1.46% | 1.47% | 1.48% | 1.49% |
| Lecompton | 1.31% | 1.35% | 1.38% | 1.48% | 1.51% |
| Overbrook | 1.38% | 1.43% | 1.51% | 1.78% | 2.08% |
| Tecumseh | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wellsville | 1.33% | 1.36% | 1.37% | 1.43% | 1.59% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Douglas County, Kansas
In Douglas 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 Douglas 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 Douglas 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. 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 Douglas County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively. In Douglas County, Wellsville has the highest median tax bill at $5,220, while Lecompton has the lowest at $3,337. This variation highlights the importance of understanding your specific property valuation to manage your taxes efficiently.
Average Douglas County Assessed Value
$271,900
Average Kansas Assessed Value
$156,260
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Douglas County, Kansas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin City | $159,562 | $198,300 | $267,600 | $366,300 | $492,144 |
| Berryton | $135,768 | $212,310 | $282,360 | $406,940 | $523,804 |
| Edgerton | $187,000 | $254,240 | $324,720 | $430,000 | $576,320 |
| Eudora | $160,924 | $206,965 | $262,700 | $330,650 | $439,196 |
| Lawrence | $166,000 | $210,900 | $274,100 | $369,500 | $497,100 |
| Lecompton | $98,492 | $160,142 | $234,165 | $355,025 | $505,168 |
| Overbrook | $145,300 | $193,792 | $244,490 | $342,250 | $448,885 |
| Tecumseh | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wellsville | $207,488 | $269,500 | $364,710 | $442,240 | $627,380 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Douglas County, Kansas
In Douglas County, KS, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of its market value. The county uses this assessed value to determine the tax bill, applying the local tax rate to it. Various factors, such as the home's location, size, and condition, influence its market value, which in turn affects the assessed value. Homeowners in Douglas County face varying tax bills. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $3,097, while those in the 75th percentile pay approximately $5,459. The 90th percentile tax bill reaches up to $7,289. Interestingly, Wellsville has the highest median tax bill at $5,220, whereas Lecompton has the lowest at $3,337. These property taxes significantly impact homeowners, as they must budget for these annual expenses. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, the rates in Douglas County can vary widely, reflecting the diverse property values and local tax policies within the area.
Average Douglas County Tax Bill
$4,065
Average Kansas Tax Bill
$2,595
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Douglas County, Kansas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin City | $2,523 | $3,187 | $4,231 | $5,580 | $7,325 |
| Berryton | $2,093 | $3,193 | $3,972 | $5,557 | $7,649 |
| Edgerton | $2,973 | $3,529 | $4,489 | $6,040 | $7,880 |
| Eudora | $2,786 | $3,607 | $4,574 | $5,713 | $7,326 |
| Lawrence | $2,391 | $3,070 | $4,011 | $5,411 | $7,268 |
| Lecompton | $1,359 | $2,289 | $3,337 | $5,032 | $7,114 |
| Overbrook | $2,203 | $2,970 | $4,084 | $5,463 | $7,369 |
| Tecumseh | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wellsville | $2,857 | $3,879 | $5,220 | $6,251 | $8,983 |
Source: Ownwell