Palo Alto County, IA property tax
Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates · updated 2026-09-20
The median effective property tax rate in Palo Alto County is 1.23%, below the Iowa median of 1.43% and above the national median of 0.98%. The median homeowner pays $1,471 a year on a home worth $119,300.
- Effective rate
- 1.23%
- Median annual bill
- $1,471
- Median home value
- $119,300
- Rank in Iowa
- 74of 99
Estimated annual bill by home value
| Home value | Estimated bill | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $2,460 | $205 |
| $300,000 | $3,690 | $308 |
| $400,000 | $4,920 | $410 |
| $500,000 | $6,150 | $513 |
| $750,000 | $9,225 | $769 |
| $1,000,000 | $12,300 | $1,025 |
Palo Alto County compared with Iowa and the US
| Area | Effective rate | Median bill | Median home value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto County | 1.23% | $1,471 | $119,300 |
| Iowa median | 1.43% | $2,795 | $195,900 |
| United States median | 0.98% | $2,969 | n/a |
Rates and medians: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 5-year estimates, tables B25103 and B25077. Effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median owner-occupied home value.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Palo Alto County, IA?
The median effective property tax rate in Palo Alto County is 1.23% of home value, below the Iowa median of 1.43% and above the national median of 0.98%. The median homeowner pays $1,471 a year on a median home value of $119,300 (Census ACS 2023 5-year).
How much is property tax on a $400,000 house in Palo Alto County?
About $4,920 per year at the county's median effective rate of 1.23%, before exemptions. The exact bill depends on the city, school district and special districts that serve the parcel, so treat this as a planning estimate.
How does Palo Alto County compare with the rest of Iowa?
Palo Alto County ranks 74 of 99 Iowa counties by effective rate. The Iowa median is 1.43% and the median bill is $2,795.