Adams County, Iowa Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Adams County, Iowa

Median Adams County effective property tax rate: 1.47%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Adams County home value: $110,100
Median annual Adams County tax bill: $1,639, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Adams County calculated?

Property taxes in Adams County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Adams County or another part of Adams County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Adams County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.47%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,618

$1,502

How Does the Adams County Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Adams County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Adams County's median effective tax rate of 1.47% to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the appraisal district assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.

Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Adams County's median tax rate is higher than the Iowa median tax rate of 1.55% and the county's median tax bill is $1,639, which is $761 lower than the state median tax bill of $2,400.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Adams County.

Property Tax Rates Across Adams County, Iowa

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Adams County?

Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Adams County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.

Below, compare Adams County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.

Adams County's median effective rate stands at 1.47%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Adams County, the highest rate is found in Corning at 1.61%, while Creston has the lowest at 1.28%.

These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.

Property Tax Rates Across Adams County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

1.28%

1.45%

1.61%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Adams County Tax Rate

1.47%

Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate

1.55%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Adams County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Carbon	0.92%	1.40%	1.48%	1.48%	1.50%
Corning	1.12%	1.24%	1.61%	1.86%	1.93%
Creston	1.09%	1.20%	1.28%	1.45%	1.65%
Kent	1.25%	1.30%	1.36%	1.54%	1.67%
Lenox	1.22%	1.27%	1.36%	1.53%	1.64%
Nodaway	1.08%	1.23%	1.44%	1.61%	1.62%
Prescott	1.14%	1.23%	1.37%	1.64%	1.67%
Bridgewater	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cumberland	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Massena	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Villisca	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Adams County, Iowa

When examining property taxes in Adams County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Adams County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In Adams County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Adams County.

For example, the median tax bill in Adams County is $1,639, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Kent has the highest median home price at $205,000.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Adams County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$14,700

$109,850

$205,000

Median Adams County Market Value

$110,100

Median Iowa Market Value

$169,700

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Adams County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Carbon	$2,420	$4,725	$14,700	$36,075	$76,720
Corning	$25,280	$57,350	$104,700	$174,750	$279,300
Creston	$66,560	$117,100	$193,200	$266,050	$362,920
Kent	$122,180	$156,400	$205,000	$288,400	$398,480
Lenox	$85,690	$127,650	$189,500	$279,950	$400,780
Nodaway	$10,040	$28,800	$84,600	$187,950	$303,940
Prescott	$12,980	$50,000	$107,300	$198,200	$314,980
Bridgewater	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cumberland	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Massena	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Villisca	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Adams County, Iowa

Property tax bills in Adams County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rates applied to that value. Local governments use the market value of the property to determine its assessment, then calculate the bill by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable tax rate. The result can vary widely depending on where a homeowner lives within the county and how local taxing districts are set.

With a median home price of $110,100, many homeowners see bills that reflect both property value and local levy differences. In Adams County, the 25th percentile tax bill is $808, while the 75th percentile is $2,730 and the 90th percentile reaches $3,969. That spread shows how much location and assessment can affect what a homeowner pays each year.

For homeowners, a higher assessed value or a higher local rate can mean a larger tax bill, even if the home itself has not changed much.

Property Tax Bills Across Adams County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$195

$1,565

$2,934

Median Adams County Tax Bill

$1,639

Median Iowa Tax Bill

$2,542

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Adams County, Iowa

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Carbon	$36	$66	$195	$360	$711
Corning	$360	$874	$1,640	$2,604	$3,727
Creston	$868	$1,463	$2,586	$3,560	$4,624
Kent	$1,920	$2,368	$2,934	$3,758	$5,275
Lenox	$1,264	$1,747	$2,677	$3,731	$5,636
Nodaway	$116	$335	$946	$2,362	$3,564
Prescott	$186	$696	$1,452	$2,610	$3,976
Bridgewater	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Cumberland	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Massena	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Villisca	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	April 30

Links
Adams Tax Assessor
Website	adams.iowaassessors.com

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Adams County, Iowa

How are property taxes calculated in Adams County, Iowa?

Property taxes in Adams County, Iowa are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Adams County, Iowa?

To appeal your property taxes in Adams County, Iowa, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Adams County, Iowa?

Common property tax exemptions in Adams County, Iowa include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Adams County, Iowa?

Property tax deadlines in Adams County, Iowa vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Adams County, Iowa?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Adams County, Iowa. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.