Homeowners in Polk County, Iowa paid a median $4,396 a year in property tax on a median home worth $262,100, an effective rate of about 1.68% (Census 2020–2024).
1.39%Iowa statewide · US 0.94%
How Polk County compares
Effective rate (median tax ÷ median value)
Median tax paid per year
Tax on a home here
At the local 1.68% effective rate
| Home value | Estimated yearly tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $2,516 | $210 |
| $250,000 | $4,193 | $349 |
| $350,000 | $5,870 | $489 |
| $500,000 | $8,386 | $699 |
Cities and towns in Polk County
| Place | Median tax | Median value | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $3,496 | $194,700 | 1.80% |
| Ankeny | $5,569 | $331,000 | 1.68% |
| West Des Moines | $4,711 | $309,000 | 1.52% |
| Urbandale | $5,563 | $335,500 | 1.66% |
| Johnston | $6,577 | $369,100 | 1.78% |
| Altoona | $4,392 | $274,600 | 1.60% |
| Clive | $5,944 | $401,100 | 1.48% |
| Grimes | $5,377 | $304,700 | 1.76% |
| Pleasant Hill | $4,807 | $295,100 | 1.63% |
| Bondurant | $5,089 | $318,800 | 1.60% |
| Polk City | $6,696 | $414,800 | 1.61% |
| Windsor Heights | $4,732 | $267,900 | 1.77% |
| Saylorville | $4,121 | $314,300 | 1.31% |
| Mitchellville | $3,168 | $206,600 | 1.53% |
| Elkhart | $3,747 | $253,900 | 1.48% |
| Runnells | $3,657 | $231,600 | 1.58% |
| Alleman | $5,625 | $299,200 | 1.88% |
Buying a home in Polk County? 2026 loan limits
Related
- Iowa property tax by countyall counties ranked
- Linn County, IA1.66% effective
- Montgomery County, IA1.65% effective
- Decatur County, IA1.61% effective
- Clarke County, IA1.60% effective
- Wapello County, IA1.58% effective
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
- 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 Polk County, Iowa?
Homeowners in Polk County, Iowa paid a median $4,396 a year in property tax on a median home worth $262,100, an effective rate of about 1.68% (Census 2020–2024).
How much is property tax on a $300,000 home in Polk County?
About $5,032 a year ($419 a month) at the 1.68% median effective rate. Your bill depends on assessed value and exemptions.
Is Polk County property tax high?
It ranks #98 lowest of 99 Iowa counties. The state median effective rate is 1.39% and the US rate is 0.94%.
Where do I pay property tax in Polk County?
Bills are issued and collected by the Polk County treasurer or tax collector, based on values set by the county assessor.