Homeowners in Elma, Iowa paid a median $1,214 a year in property tax on a median home worth $81,300, an effective rate of about 1.49% (Census 2020–2024).
1.25%Howard County overall
Elma vs county, state and US
Effective rate
Median tax paid per year
Tax on a home in Elma
At the local 1.49% effective rate
| Home value | Estimated yearly tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $2,240 | $187 |
| $250,000 | $3,733 | $311 |
| $350,000 | $5,226 | $436 |
| $500,000 | $7,466 | $622 |
Buying a home in Howard County? 2026 loan limits
Nearby and related
- Howard County property taxcounty overview
- Iowa property tax by countyranked
- Cresco, IA1.84% effective
- Protivin, IA1.04% effective
- Cost of living in Iowaprices & rents
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables B25103 (median real estate taxes paid), B25077 (median home value), B25003, B25088, B19013 and B01003. These are 2020–2024 medians reported by owner-occupants, not 2026 tax bills or official mill rates. The effective rate here is median tax ÷ median home value. Actual bills depend on assessed value, exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran) and local levies. Check with your county assessor or treasurer. Not tax advice.
Major Cities & Counties in Iowa
Largest by population (Census ACS 2020–2024). Property tax for each:
- Des Moines pop. 212,421
- Cedar Rapids pop. 137,264
- Davenport pop. 100,913
- Sioux City pop. 86,101
- Iowa City pop. 75,752
- Ankeny pop. 72,615
- West Des Moines pop. 71,083
- Ames pop. 67,669
- Waterloo pop. 67,008
- Council Bluffs pop. 62,586
- Polk County pop. 503,175
- Linn County pop. 230,004
- Scott County pop. 174,608
- Johnson County pop. 156,639
- Black Hawk County pop. 131,049
- Dallas County pop. 107,968
- Woodbury County pop. 106,247
- Story County pop. 100,466
- Dubuque County pop. 99,030
- Pottawattamie County pop. 93,424
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Elma, Iowa?
Homeowners in Elma, Iowa paid a median $1,214 a year in property tax on a median home worth $81,300, an effective rate of about 1.49% (Census 2020–2024).
How much is property tax on a $250,000 home in Elma?
About $3,733 a year at the 1.49% median effective rate. Exemptions such as homestead can lower it.
Is property tax in Elma higher than the rest of Iowa?
Elma ranks #408 lowest of 587 Iowa places we track. The statewide effective rate is 1.39%. Howard County overall is 1.25%.