Polk County Property Tax Rate
Iowa
Polk County, Iowa has an effective property tax rate of 1.68%, which is 83% higher than the national average of 0.92%. On a home valued at $262,100, homeowners pay approximately $4,396 per year in property taxes. Polk County ranks #2 out of 99 counties in Iowa for property tax rates.
$4,396
Per year
$262,100
2024 estimate
5.26%
Median income: $83,576
#2
of 99 counties in IA
Tax Breakdown
With Mortgage
$4,503
median annual tax
Without Mortgage
$4,130
median annual tax
Homeowners with a mortgage in Polk County pay on average $373 more per year than those without. This difference often reflects how property tax escrow accounts in mortgaged homes capture the full tax obligation.
How Polk County Compares
Top Counties in Iowa
Historical Property Tax Trends
| Year | Median Tax | Median Home Value | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $3,696 | $190,400 | 1.94% |
| 2021 | $3,891 | $201,300 | 1.93% |
| 2022 | $4,208 | $232,000 | 1.81% |
| 2023 | $4,364 | $248,400 | 1.76% |
| 2024 | $4,396 | $262,100 | 1.68% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Iowa Property Tax Exemptions
Available to Polk County homeowners
General Homestead
Up to $4,850 of assessed value or actual levy credit
Primary residence owners as of July 1
Disabled Veteran
100% exemption from property taxes
Veterans with 100% permanent service-connected disability
Property Tax Credit (Over 65/Disabled)
Credit based on income; may cover up to 100% of taxes
Homeowners age 65+ or totally disabled with income under $25,328
Property Tax Calculator
Estimate your annual property tax in Polk County
Estimated Annual Property Tax
$5,040
$420/month · Rate: 1.68%
Nearby Counties
Quick Facts
Think your property tax is too high?
Homeowners save an average of $1,148/year by appealing their assessment.
Learn How to Appeal →Cities in Polk County
Explore property tax data for 4 cities in Polk County, Iowa.
| City | Annual Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $3,445 | 1.88% |
| Ankeny | $5,475 | 1.76% |
| West Des Moines | $4,586 | 1.60% |
| Urbandale | $5,543 | 1.74% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rates are calculated by dividing median real estate taxes paid by median home value. Actual property tax rates may vary based on local taxing jurisdictions, exemptions, and assessment practices. This information is for general reference only and should not be used as a substitute for professional tax advice.