Cerro Gordo County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Median Cerro Gordo County effective property tax rate: 1.36%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Cerro Gordo County home value: $159,845
Median annual Cerro Gordo County tax bill: $2,106, $294 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Cerro Gordo County calculated?
Property taxes in Cerro Gordo 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 Mason City or another part of Cerro Gordo County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Cerro Gordo County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.36%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,174
$2,017
How Does the Cerro Gordo County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Cerro Gordo County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Cerro Gordo County's median effective tax rate of 1.36% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure used 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. Cerro Gordo County's median tax rate is higher than Iowa's 1.55% state median tax rate, while the county's median tax bill of $2,106 is $294 lower than the state median bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Cerro Gordo County.
Property Tax Rates Across Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Cerro Gordo County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Cerro Gordo County's median effective rate stands at 1.36%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Cerro Gordo County, the highest rate is found in Dougherty at 1.52%, while Nora Springs has the lowest at 0.90%.
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 ÷ 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 Cerro Gordo County Tax Rate
1.36%
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 Iowa Tax Rate
1.55%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | 1.01% | 1.14% | 1.27% | 1.32% | 1.32% |
| Dougherty | 0.96% | 1.08% | 1.52% | 2.06% | 2.09% |
| Fertile | 0.93% | 0.97% | 1.01% | 1.06% | 1.23% |
| Hanlontown | 0.86% | 0.93% | 0.98% | 1.05% | 1.08% |
| Mason City | 1.14% | 1.35% | 1.46% | 1.56% | 1.56% |
| Meservey | 0.81% | 1.02% | 1.22% | 1.48% | 1.51% |
| Nora Springs | 0.82% | 0.86% | 0.90% | 0.94% | 1.12% |
| Plymouth | 0.88% | 0.98% | 1.22% | 1.36% | 1.36% |
| Rock Falls | 0.92% | 0.97% | 1.03% | 1.09% | 1.09% |
| Rockford | 0.88% | 0.93% | 0.99% | 1.09% | 1.16% |
| Rockwell | 0.98% | 1.06% | 1.40% | 1.50% | 1.58% |
| Sheffield | 0.97% | 1.01% | 1.05% | 1.15% | 1.21% |
| Swaledale | 0.95% | 1.02% | 1.24% | 1.56% | 1.71% |
| Thornton | 0.96% | 1.05% | 1.24% | 1.44% | 1.44% |
| Ventura | 0.95% | 1.02% | 1.18% | 1.28% | 1.30% |
| Klemme | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Manly | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo County, assessment notices are sent in April 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 Cerro Gordo County.
For example, the median tax bill in Cerro Gordo County is $2,106, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, from $538 in Meservey to $3,308 in Clear Lake. Hanlontown has the highest median home price at $352,630.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$48,130
$200,380
$352,630
Median Cerro Gordo County Market Value
$159,845
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | $136,410 | $188,075 | $277,420 | $444,595 | $815,656 |
| Dougherty | $21,174 | $37,290 | $74,500 | $192,055 | $349,472 |
| Fertile | $73,360 | $123,990 | $199,980 | $309,270 | $347,500 |
| Hanlontown | $216,194 | $286,780 | $352,630 | $385,430 | $453,886 |
| Mason City | $53,511 | $82,775 | $126,065 | $199,375 | $311,861 |
| Meservey | $20,408 | $32,820 | $48,130 | $72,330 | $203,660 |
| Nora Springs | $112,020 | $169,302 | $235,190 | $318,330 | $406,811 |
| Plymouth | $54,260 | $85,730 | $130,680 | $200,980 | $287,550 |
| Rock Falls | $73,055 | $98,685 | $157,470 | $208,438 | $292,664 |
| Rockford | $119,760 | $173,460 | $232,820 | $286,590 | $383,170 |
| Rockwell | $74,231 | $108,458 | $162,995 | $229,545 | $306,926 |
| Sheffield | $119,880 | $187,572 | $244,015 | $306,765 | $355,534 |
| Swaledale | $33,364 | $55,875 | $91,090 | $207,955 | $315,226 |
| Thornton | $46,988 | $71,350 | $109,330 | $176,820 | $255,950 |
| Ventura | $102,030 | $154,140 | $235,415 | $419,165 | $662,020 |
| Klemme | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Manly | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Cerro Gordo are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate applied to that value. When a property’s assessed market value rises, the tax bill can increase as well, even if the homeowner has not made major changes to the home. Local taxing authorities use this calculation to fund services such as schools, roads, and public safety.
The county’s median home price is $159,845, and tax bills vary widely across homeowners. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,318, while the 75th percentile reaches $3,428. At the high end, the 90th percentile tax bill is $5,580. That range shows how location, home value, and local levies can affect what a homeowner pays.
For comparison, the national median property tax rate is 1.02% and the national median property tax bill is $2,400. In Cerro Gordo, homeowners may see bills above or below that level depending on the assessed value of their property and the taxing districts that apply.
Median Cerro Gordo County Tax Bill
$2,106
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake | $1,626 | $2,258 | $3,308 | $5,428 | $9,785 |
| Dougherty | $398 | $715 | $1,102 | $2,072 | $3,642 |
| Fertile | $995 | $1,380 | $1,727 | $3,149 | $3,972 |
| Hanlontown | $2,046 | $2,752 | $3,304 | $3,930 | $4,262 |
| Mason City | $738 | $1,148 | $1,755 | $2,754 | $4,394 |
| Meservey | $233 | $377 | $538 | $914 | $2,099 |
| Nora Springs | $837 | $1,542 | $2,086 | $2,850 | $4,016 |
| Plymouth | $652 | $1,018 | $1,572 | $2,300 | $2,928 |
| Rock Falls | $693 | $1,090 | $1,531 | $2,144 | $2,900 |
| Rockford | $1,182 | $1,718 | $2,280 | $2,940 | $3,422 |
| Rockwell | $929 | $1,420 | $2,100 | $2,854 | $3,897 |
| Sheffield | $1,345 | $2,109 | $2,549 | $3,262 | $3,741 |
| Swaledale | $448 | $811 | $1,318 | $2,181 | $3,297 |
| Thornton | $527 | $852 | $1,333 | $2,122 | $2,951 |
| Ventura | $1,190 | $1,784 | $2,584 | $4,800 | $7,430 |
| Klemme | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Manly | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Cerro Gordo Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |