Benton County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Benton County, Iowa
Median Benton County effective property tax rate: 1.41%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Benton County home value: $184,100
Median annual Benton County tax bill: $2,612, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Benton County calculated?
Property taxes in Benton 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.
What makes Benton County property taxes worth reviewing? The county’s median tax rate of 1.41% and median tax bill of $2,612 both sit above the national medians, which can make a meaningful difference for homeowners. How does Benton County compare with Iowa? The county’s effective rate is lower than the state median tax rate of 1.55%, but the tax bill is still a key cost to monitor. Whether you live in Benton County or elsewhere in Iowa, understanding assessed value, exemptions, and appeal opportunities can help reduce your property tax burden.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Benton County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.41%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,596
$2,409
How Does the Benton County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Benton County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Benton County's median effective tax rate of 1.41% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the assessor 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. Benton County's median property tax rate is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%, and the county's median property tax bill of $2,612 is higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Benton County.
Property Tax Rates Across Benton County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Benton County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Benton 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 Benton County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Benton County's median effective rate stands at 1.41%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Benton County, the highest rate is found in Urbana at 1.81%, while Fairfax has the lowest at 1.06%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Benton County Tax Rate
1.41%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Iowa Tax Rate
1.55%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Benton County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkins | 1.06% | 1.27% | 1.38% | 1.41% | 1.45% |
| Belle Plaine | 1.23% | 1.44% | 1.65% | 1.85% | 1.85% |
| Blairstown | 1.04% | 1.13% | 1.31% | 1.41% | 1.41% |
| Brandon | 0.74% | 1.07% | 1.23% | 1.31% | 1.34% |
| Center Point | 1.29% | 1.37% | 1.41% | 1.48% | 1.80% |
| Dysart | 1.04% | 1.08% | 1.14% | 1.26% | 1.45% |
| Elberon | 0.95% | 1.00% | 1.08% | 1.20% | 1.30% |
| Fairfax | 0.96% | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.10% | 1.29% |
| Garrison | 1.11% | 1.25% | 1.43% | 1.86% | 1.87% |
| Keystone | 0.97% | 1.05% | 1.10% | 1.19% | 1.34% |
| La Porte City | 1.05% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.26% | 1.46% |
| Luzerne | 1.01% | 1.09% | 1.26% | 1.45% | 1.47% |
| Marengo | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.24% | 1.28% | 1.35% |
| Mount Auburn | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.28% | 1.32% | 1.49% |
| Newhall | 1.05% | 1.15% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
| Norway | 1.04% | 1.12% | 1.39% | 1.48% | 1.56% |
| Palo | 1.18% | 1.24% | 1.27% | 1.29% | 1.31% |
| Shellsburg | 1.20% | 1.27% | 1.49% | 1.64% | 1.73% |
| Urbana | 1.65% | 1.75% | 1.81% | 1.89% | 1.90% |
| Van Horne | 1.04% | 1.17% | 1.37% | 1.44% | 1.50% |
| Vinton | 1.23% | 1.32% | 1.63% | 1.75% | 1.84% |
| Walford | 1.42% | 1.47% | 1.51% | 1.52% | 1.57% |
| Walker | 1.16% | 1.24% | 1.34% | 1.55% | 1.64% |
| Watkins | 0.96% | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.36% |
| Cedar Rapids | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Benton County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Benton 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 Benton 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 Benton 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 Benton County.
For example, the median tax bill in Benton County is $2,612, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Palo has the highest median home price at $398,200.
Median Benton County Market Value
$184,100
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Benton County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkins | $154,510 | $226,425 | $301,700 | $362,400 | $446,330 |
| Belle Plaine | $31,000 | $60,850 | $97,200 | $150,450 | $224,000 |
| Blairstown | $57,160 | $114,650 | $171,350 | $237,600 | $356,430 |
| Brandon | $124,170 | $165,775 | $191,250 | $327,625 | $427,540 |
| Center Point | $134,740 | $213,500 | $297,700 | $394,300 | $510,580 |
| Dysart | $144,290 | $186,825 | $265,500 | $391,075 | $538,280 |
| Elberon | $107,120 | $164,075 | $224,300 | $260,850 | $334,510 |
| Fairfax | $156,080 | $210,650 | $320,750 | $395,650 | $581,970 |
| Garrison | $25,950 | $45,000 | $87,600 | $250,125 | $401,750 |
| Keystone | $88,320 | $116,500 | $174,300 | $274,100 | $413,480 |
| La Porte City | $178,900 | $222,600 | $282,250 | $393,625 | $533,650 |
| Luzerne | $37,620 | $77,800 | $154,700 | $297,100 | $478,720 |
| Marengo | $231,500 | $286,100 | $310,100 | $369,350 | $395,800 |
| Mount Auburn | $23,660 | $62,150 | $131,200 | $234,350 | $354,880 |
| Newhall | $91,260 | $137,300 | $181,250 | $256,400 | $394,060 |
| Norway | $93,200 | $127,100 | $180,300 | $293,400 | $442,500 |
| Palo | $202,260 | $326,550 | $398,200 | $479,700 | $584,550 |
| Shellsburg | $90,000 | $143,300 | $222,900 | $328,100 | $462,400 |
| Urbana | $81,790 | $135,425 | $199,100 | $268,225 | $340,460 |
| Van Horne | $90,050 | $132,400 | $191,400 | $278,350 | $466,990 |
| Vinton | $64,880 | $105,350 | $161,600 | $261,100 | $404,220 |
| Walford | $151,600 | $229,025 | $278,150 | $315,650 | $354,550 |
| Walker | $92,000 | $205,900 | $289,800 | $409,725 | $578,580 |
| Watkins | $77,480 | $164,600 | $273,200 | $411,900 | $561,020 |
| Cedar Rapids | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Benton County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Benton County, Iowa are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate applied to that value. When a property’s assessed value rises, the tax bill can increase as well, even if the homeowner’s mortgage payment stays the same. Local taxing authorities use these assessments to fund services such as schools, roads, and other public needs.
Homeowners in Benton County see a wide range of tax bills depending on where they live and how their property is valued. The median home price is $184,100, and the median tax bill can vary significantly across the county. The lowest median tax bill is $1,420 in Garrison, while the highest median tax bill is $5,202 in Palo.
For comparison, the national median property tax rate is 1.02% and the national median property tax bill is $2,400. In Benton County, property taxes can be lower or much higher than that benchmark, making it important for homeowners to understand how their assessment affects what they owe.
Median Benton County Tax Bill
$2,612
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Benton County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkins | $1,927 | $2,858 | $3,988 | $4,842 | $5,720 |
| Belle Plaine | $475 | $964 | $1,582 | $2,414 | $3,432 |
| Blairstown | $738 | $1,432 | $2,192 | $2,951 | $4,347 |
| Brandon | $1,097 | $1,748 | $2,169 | $3,746 | $5,323 |
| Center Point | $1,870 | $3,060 | $4,298 | $5,768 | $7,494 |
| Dysart | $1,684 | $2,088 | $3,013 | $4,584 | $7,358 |
| Elberon | $1,416 | $1,768 | $2,170 | $2,886 | $4,064 |
| Fairfax | $1,512 | $2,257 | $3,432 | $3,976 | $6,039 |
| Garrison | $309 | $734 | $1,420 | $3,072 | $5,748 |
| Keystone | $930 | $1,252 | $1,874 | $3,015 | $4,960 |
| La Porte City | $1,952 | $2,482 | $3,313 | $4,778 | $6,944 |
| Luzerne | $430 | $1,090 | $1,914 | $3,509 | $6,182 |
| Marengo | $2,912 | $3,173 | $3,632 | $3,971 | $4,572 |
| Mount Auburn | $301 | $792 | $1,544 | $2,898 | $5,025 |
| Newhall | $1,081 | $1,652 | $2,202 | $3,054 | $4,632 |
| Norway | $1,251 | $1,744 | $2,432 | $3,596 | $5,272 |
| Palo | $2,753 | $4,164 | $5,202 | $6,346 | $7,627 |
| Shellsburg | $1,300 | $2,171 | $3,172 | $4,600 | $6,315 |
| Urbana | $1,427 | $2,417 | $3,491 | $4,864 | $6,258 |
| Van Horne | $1,186 | $1,727 | $2,508 | $3,380 | $5,218 |
| Vinton | $1,040 | $1,682 | $2,578 | $3,766 | $5,564 |
| Walford | $2,100 | $3,312 | $4,191 | $4,786 | $5,385 |
| Walker | $1,484 | $2,578 | $3,624 | $5,656 | $9,300 |
| Watkins | $634 | $1,613 | $2,950 | $4,524 | $7,160 |
| Cedar Rapids | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Benton Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |