In Iowa, we expect to receive quality public services at a reasonable cost.
However, in too many school districts, cities, and counties there is a gap between the amount of property taxes extracted from citizens and the growth of the community. For example, one Iowa school district is collecting 90 percent more in property taxes than it did 10 years ago while the number of students has remained the same.
What is going on? Why is this happening? It happens for different reasons in each locality across the state, but the heart of the problem is a failure to talk with local elected officials.
So, if you are upset about your property taxes:
- Select your community above
- Take a look at the growth gap between property taxes and enrollment/population.
- Use our built-in email form to easily start a conversation with the people who determine your property tax bill.
Here are a few comments sent through ITR Local:
- "I'm buying less for myself so I can pay the government more."
- "Property taxes are making it hard to afford our house."
- "Just because my house is worth more doesn't mean I have more money to pay the taxes!"
Where are property taxes the highest?
The map below shows estimated property taxes based on the consolidated property tax rates for the 100 largest cities in Iowa. Click here for the data table.
Property tax estimates above are for homes with assessed values of $153,900 (the median home value in the state), $250,000, and $350,000. Hover over a city and an estimated total property tax bill will be provided for the three assessed values.
Many voices are louder than one.
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About this page:
This page includes information for all school districts and counties in Iowa.
Only cities with a population over 2,500 and member requested cities are posted. If your city isn't listed, email us and we will add it to this page.
Visit our FAQ page for more information about these charts and how to determine if your community's property tax increases are reasonable.
Property taxes are complicated and confusing. A significant amount of confusion comes from the fact that your most recent tax bill was determined over a year ago. By the time you get your bill, it is too late to do anything except feel frustrated, get angry, and complain.
It doesn't have to be this way. Learn the six best times to take action on our how property taxes work webpage.
Messages sent through the webform will be sent to publicly posted email addresses. Some schools, cities, and counties do not post elected officials' email addresses. We have added notes above the webform for those localities.
Sources:
Data included on this website was gathered from the public websites listed below.
Enrollment: Iowa Dept. of Education
Population: United States Census Bureau
Inflation: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
Property Taxes Levied: Iowa Dept. of Management
Calculations by Iowans for Tax Relief
Email us if you see any data entry errors or have any questions.