Lancaster County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lancaster County is 1.51%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than Nebraska's state median of 1.75%. With the median home value in Lancaster County at $238,100, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,561, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lancaster County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions such as primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Lancaster 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 Lincoln or another part of Lancaster County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lancaster County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.51%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,595
Ownwell’s Lancaster Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Lancaster with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Lancaster 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 Lancaster County, Nebraska
Property taxes in Lancaster County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lancaster County is 1.51%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lancaster County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Lancaster 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 Lancaster County's effective property tax rate with other regions and the national median. For comparison, the city of Hickman has one of the higher property tax rates in the area at 1.80%, while the city of Rural boasts one of the lowest at 0.45%. Analyzing how Lancaster County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Lancaster County Tax Rate
1.51%
Average Nebraska Tax Rate
1.75%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lancaster County, Nebraska
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | 0.91% | 1.11% | 1.19% | 1.26% | 1.35% |
| Ashland | 1.19% | 1.19% | 1.19% | 1.19% | 1.19% |
| Bennet | 0.78% | 1.23% | 1.56% | 1.74% | 1.85% |
| Ceresco | 1.00% | 1.11% | 1.18% | 1.30% | 1.33% |
| Crete | 1.08% | 1.18% | 1.24% | 1.31% | 1.40% |
| Davey | 1.05% | 1.18% | 1.31% | 1.42% | 1.53% |
| Denton | 1.04% | 1.18% | 1.29% | 1.41% | 1.77% |
| Eagle | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% |
| Firth | 1.10% | 1.19% | 1.29% | 1.47% | 1.62% |
| Garland | 0.78% | 0.96% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.13% |
| Greenwood | 1.01% | 1.05% | 1.14% | 1.23% | 1.30% |
| Hallam | 1.12% | 1.28% | 1.64% | 1.77% | 1.87% |
| Hickman | 1.01% | 1.28% | 1.80% | 1.92% | 1.99% |
| Kramer | 1.32% | 1.32% | 1.32% | 1.32% | 1.32% |
| Lincoln | 1.29% | 1.43% | 1.52% | 1.59% | 1.67% |
| Malcolm | 0.96% | 1.05% | 1.22% | 1.43% | 1.53% |
| Martell | 1.01% | 1.15% | 1.22% | 1.32% | 1.44% |
| Panama | 1.20% | 1.47% | 1.61% | 1.71% | 1.83% |
| Pleasant Dale | 0.74% | 0.96% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.13% |
| Raymond | 0.96% | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.33% | 1.42% |
| Roca | 1.01% | 1.15% | 1.27% | 1.56% | 1.74% |
| Rural | 0.11% | 0.16% | 0.45% | 1.12% | 1.14% |
| Sprague | 1.15% | 1.29% | 1.47% | 1.63% | 1.71% |
| Valparaiso | 1.05% | 1.16% | 1.21% | 1.30% | 1.35% |
| Walton | 0.98% | 1.13% | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.39% |
| Waverly | 0.96% | 1.44% | 1.55% | 1.62% | 1.69% |
| Wilber | 0.22% | 0.44% | 0.81% | 0.97% | 1.07% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lancaster County, Nebraska
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes in Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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. The median home price in Lancaster is $238,100, with tax bills varying significantly across the county. Walton has the highest median tax bill at $6,499, while Rural has the lowest at $557. 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 Lancaster will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lancaster County, Nebraska
Source: Ownwell
$116,300
$330,750
$545,200
Average Lancaster County Assessed Value
$238,100
Average Nebraska Assessed Value
$182,439
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lancaster County, Nebraska
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | $235,000 | $295,700 | $381,300 | $407,400 | $623,200 |
| Ashland | $418,600 | $418,600 | $418,600 | $418,600 | $418,600 |
| Bennet | $71,500 | $168,650 | $267,400 | $384,600 | $523,060 |
| Ceresco | $271,320 | $343,075 | $457,850 | $531,075 | $641,970 |
| Crete | $153,420 | $310,200 | $438,700 | $534,500 | $652,080 |
| Davey | $133,320 | $195,450 | $315,000 | $410,850 | $537,500 |
| Denton | $159,770 | $281,750 | $441,450 | $552,225 | $672,010 |
| Eagle | $442,500 | $442,500 | $442,500 | $442,500 | $442,500 |
| Firth | $133,680 | $185,800 | $314,800 | $458,500 | $550,080 |
| Garland | $228,250 | $401,725 | $545,200 | $637,775 | $719,630 |
| Greenwood | $296,640 | $332,475 | $361,150 | $398,800 | $446,300 |
| Hallam | $24,000 | $42,000 | $240,400 | $306,500 | $371,120 |
| Hickman | $68,000 | $185,400 | $284,800 | $368,900 | $488,860 |
| Kramer | $116,300 | $116,300 | $116,300 | $116,300 | $116,300 |
| Lincoln | $139,900 | $184,300 | $237,600 | $324,000 | $440,600 |
| Malcolm | $165,100 | $215,875 | $320,500 | $444,725 | $544,300 |
| Martell | $144,200 | $225,900 | $372,550 | $446,250 | $544,050 |
| Panama | $123,110 | $157,850 | $220,850 | $271,975 | $340,410 |
| Pleasant Dale | $399,240 | $416,700 | $427,200 | $431,500 | $437,800 |
| Raymond | $131,530 | $248,325 | $389,550 | $488,525 | $591,170 |
| Roca | $114,020 | $290,125 | $454,950 | $656,475 | $815,560 |
| Rural | $78,580 | $122,200 | $140,700 | $144,600 | $236,880 |
| Sprague | $104,680 | $138,575 | $177,000 | $223,575 | $254,780 |
| Valparaiso | $274,460 | $313,300 | $381,200 | $424,900 | $460,220 |
| Walton | $183,050 | $350,250 | $530,400 | $826,350 | $1,282,650 |
| Waverly | $168,400 | $211,150 | $274,100 | $334,850 | $388,300 |
| Wilber | $163,320 | $230,400 | $342,200 | $375,100 | $394,840 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lancaster County, Nebraska
In Lancaster County, NE, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor's office. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local property tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. For homeowners, several factors influence the final tax bill, including the market value of their property and any applicable exemptions or deductions. Homeowners in Lancaster County experience a range of tax bills. The 25th percentile tax bill is $2,627, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches $5,011. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill is $6,773. Comparatively, the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, making Lancaster County's tax rates noteworthy. For example, in Walton, homeowners face the highest median tax bill at $6,499, whereas in more rural areas, the lowest median tax bill is just $557. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for homeowners as property taxes significantly impact their annual expenses.
Average Lancaster County Tax Bill
$3,561
Average Nebraska Tax Bill
$3,071
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lancaster County, Nebraska
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | $2,198 | $3,221 | $4,158 | $5,092 | $7,051 |
| Ashland | $4,990 | $4,990 | $4,990 | $4,990 | $4,990 |
| Bennet | $795 | $2,501 | $4,169 | $5,393 | $6,776 |
| Ceresco | $2,598 | $3,921 | $5,137 | $6,645 | $8,398 |
| Crete | $1,431 | $3,726 | $5,398 | $6,532 | $7,950 |
| Davey | $1,557 | $2,528 | $3,913 | $5,320 | $6,863 |
| Denton | $1,846 | $3,675 | $5,580 | $7,121 | $8,663 |
| Eagle | $5,090 | $5,090 | $5,090 | $5,090 | $5,090 |
| Firth | $1,676 | $2,631 | $4,277 | $5,626 | $6,591 |
| Garland | $2,079 | $3,282 | $4,736 | $6,179 | $7,364 |
| Greenwood | $3,209 | $3,536 | $4,025 | $4,504 | $5,476 |
| Hallam | $856 | $2,944 | $4,283 | $5,313 | $5,908 |
| Hickman | $1,038 | $3,001 | $4,829 | $6,203 | $7,272 |
| Kramer | $1,531 | $1,531 | $1,531 | $1,531 | $1,531 |
| Lincoln | $1,844 | $2,687 | $3,563 | $4,961 | $6,753 |
| Malcolm | $1,861 | $2,916 | $3,902 | $5,105 | $6,144 |
| Martell | $1,461 | $2,914 | $4,420 | $5,417 | $6,613 |
| Panama | $1,718 | $2,622 | $3,368 | $4,351 | $4,985 |
| Pleasant Dale | $3,002 | $4,015 | $4,716 | $4,870 | $4,900 |
| Raymond | $1,304 | $2,854 | $4,647 | $5,919 | $7,077 |
| Roca | $1,150 | $3,434 | $5,828 | $8,292 | $10,100 |
| Rural | $158 | $224 | $557 | $1,336 | $1,375 |
| Sprague | $1,154 | $1,981 | $2,582 | $3,410 | $3,900 |
| Valparaiso | $3,256 | $3,887 | $4,721 | $5,477 | $5,864 |
| Walton | $2,025 | $4,440 | $6,499 | $10,580 | $15,453 |
| Waverly | $1,416 | $3,160 | $4,053 | $5,144 | $5,895 |
| Wilber | $731 | $1,698 | $3,309 | $3,587 | $3,754 |
Source: Ownwell