Clayton County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Clayton County, Iowa
Median Clayton County effective property tax rate: 1.28%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Clayton County home value: $135,359
Median annual Clayton County tax bill: $1,812, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Clayton County calculated?
Property taxes in Clayton 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 Clayton County or another part of Clayton County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Clayton County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.28%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,733
$1,608
How Does the Clayton County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Clayton County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and the calculator applies Clayton County's median effective tax rate of 1.28% 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. The 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. Clayton County's median tax rate is lower than Iowa's 1.55% state median tax rate, and the county's median property tax bill of $1,812 is $588 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 Clayton County.
Property Tax Rates Across Clayton County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Clayton County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Clayton 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 Clayton County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Clayton County's median effective rate stands at 1.28%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Clayton County, the highest rate is found in Elkader at 1.64%, while North Buena Vista has the lowest at 1.01%.
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 Clayton County Tax Rate
1.28%
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 Clayton County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 1.04% | 1.12% | 1.24% | 1.33% | 1.45% |
| Clayton | 1.01% | 1.11% | 1.19% | 1.19% | 1.19% |
| Colesburg | 0.92% | 1.03% | 1.10% | 1.23% | 1.33% |
| Edgewood | 1.08% | 1.19% | 1.30% | 1.52% | 1.72% |
| Elgin | 0.92% | 1.08% | 1.16% | 1.27% | 1.44% |
| Elkader | 1.08% | 1.17% | 1.64% | 2.08% | 2.27% |
| Elkport | 1.04% | 1.13% | 1.20% | 1.30% | 1.36% |
| Farmersburg | 1.04% | 1.13% | 1.29% | 1.49% | 1.61% |
| Garber | 1.03% | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.35% | 1.41% |
| Garnavillo | 1.04% | 1.10% | 1.20% | 1.46% | 1.60% |
| Greeley | 1.09% | 1.16% | 1.26% | 1.46% | 1.65% |
| Guttenberg | 1.03% | 1.10% | 1.32% | 1.57% | 1.65% |
| Holy Cross | 0.85% | 1.00% | 1.07% | 1.16% | 1.30% |
| Luana | 1.01% | 1.09% | 1.20% | 1.34% | 1.37% |
| Marquette | 1.00% | 1.13% | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.28% |
| Mc Gregor | 1.02% | 1.09% | 1.29% | 1.64% | 1.64% |
| Monona | 1.08% | 1.25% | 1.49% | 1.62% | 1.67% |
| North Buena Vista | 0.85% | 0.96% | 1.01% | 1.01% | 1.02% |
| Postville | 1.07% | 1.16% | 1.40% | 1.56% | 1.70% |
| Saint Olaf | 1.03% | 1.13% | 1.26% | 1.55% | 1.88% |
| Sherrill | 1.00% | 1.03% | 1.09% | 1.14% | 1.36% |
| Strawberry Point | 0.96% | 1.07% | 1.38% | 1.57% | 1.67% |
| Volga | 1.06% | 1.21% | 1.55% | 1.87% | 1.87% |
| Clermont | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Littleport | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wadena | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Clayton County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton County.
For example, the median tax bill in Clayton County is $1,812, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Postville at $2,208 and North Buena Vista at $543.
Median Clayton County Market Value
$135,359
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Clayton County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $66,497 | $118,288 | $121,742 | $196,552 | $279,479 |
| Clayton | $67,825 | $96,919 | $152,828 | $241,893 | $292,985 |
| Colesburg | $43,793 | $96,621 | $153,147 | $218,275 | $275,495 |
| Edgewood | $34,319 | $82,197 | $147,146 | $219,428 | $291,521 |
| Elgin | $35,602 | $94,993 | $139,558 | $195,432 | $275,882 |
| Elkader | $48,986 | $85,373 | $127,440 | $188,145 | $287,368 |
| Elkport | $28,987 | $70,564 | $119,940 | $191,421 | $254,669 |
| Farmersburg | $39,077 | $70,572 | $113,070 | $180,707 | $274,238 |
| Garber | $34,534 | $66,726 | $125,392 | $179,277 | $262,383 |
| Garnavillo | $23,622 | $75,661 | $114,124 | $178,951 | $255,315 |
| Greeley | $37,804 | $65,710 | $123,831 | $223,842 | $288,652 |
| Guttenberg | $57,611 | $102,191 | $161,489 | $256,661 | $384,339 |
| Holy Cross | $50,802 | $94,429 | $160,234 | $253,182 | $400,862 |
| Luana | $56,466 | $94,380 | $149,456 | $242,404 | $336,921 |
| Marquette | $40,976 | $71,499 | $113,493 | $174,570 | $256,384 |
| Mc Gregor | $37,034 | $84,736 | $145,214 | $232,384 | $300,772 |
| Monona | $60,926 | $89,322 | $130,577 | $185,760 | $273,591 |
| North Buena Vista | $12,674 | $25,240 | $67,187 | $111,930 | $180,772 |
| Postville | $75,411 | $118,683 | $182,592 | $263,716 | $338,771 |
| Saint Olaf | $44,080 | $92,430 | $148,830 | $199,673 | $289,696 |
| Sherrill | $82,858 | $102,670 | $121,892 | $251,234 | $400,629 |
| Strawberry Point | $48,593 | $87,884 | $130,275 | $191,966 | $283,262 |
| Volga | $17,198 | $44,116 | $81,238 | $151,244 | $247,939 |
| Clermont | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Littleport | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wadena | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Clayton County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Clayton County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price alone. Local taxing authorities apply the county’s tax rates to that assessed value to determine the final bill, so two homes with similar market values can still owe different amounts if their assessments or taxing jurisdictions differ.
Several factors shape what homeowners pay, including the home’s assessed value, local levy rates, and any exemptions that may reduce taxable value. With a median home price of $135,359, the county’s property tax burden can vary widely. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,112, while the 75th percentile reaches $2,716 and the 90th percentile climbs to $3,940.
That range shows how property taxes can affect household budgets in Clayton County. Homeowners in places with higher median tax bills, such as Postville at $2,208, may feel a greater annual impact than those in North Buena Vista, where the median tax bill is $543.
Median Clayton County Tax Bill
$1,812
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Clayton County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $798 | $1,354 | $1,560 | $2,040 | $3,471 |
| Clayton | $621 | $1,040 | $1,814 | $2,622 | $3,382 |
| Colesburg | $395 | $970 | $1,647 | $2,410 | $3,241 |
| Edgewood | $440 | $1,154 | $1,878 | $2,862 | $3,786 |
| Elgin | $471 | $922 | $1,552 | $2,301 | $3,034 |
| Elkader | $716 | $1,342 | $2,036 | $3,088 | $4,178 |
| Elkport | $343 | $820 | $1,442 | $2,262 | $2,954 |
| Farmersburg | $544 | $956 | $1,455 | $2,162 | $3,376 |
| Garber | $439 | $847 | $1,557 | $2,104 | $3,067 |
| Garnavillo | $264 | $862 | $1,448 | $2,266 | $3,269 |
| Greeley | $474 | $835 | $1,894 | $2,939 | $4,303 |
| Guttenberg | $739 | $1,359 | $2,134 | $3,331 | $4,682 |
| Holy Cross | $634 | $1,044 | $1,742 | $2,530 | $4,028 |
| Luana | $569 | $1,100 | $1,778 | $2,841 | $4,001 |
| Marquette | $426 | $800 | $1,358 | $2,057 | $3,103 |
| Mc Gregor | $504 | $1,094 | $1,848 | $2,785 | $4,162 |
| Monona | $817 | $1,260 | $1,868 | $2,592 | $3,615 |
| North Buena Vista | $127 | $256 | $543 | $1,106 | $1,836 |
| Postville | $966 | $1,603 | $2,208 | $3,436 | $5,088 |
| Saint Olaf | $608 | $1,300 | $1,903 | $2,610 | $3,205 |
| Sherrill | $538 | $1,128 | $1,360 | $2,800 | $4,623 |
| Strawberry Point | $593 | $1,164 | $1,752 | $2,466 | $3,450 |
| Volga | $264 | $646 | $1,215 | $2,044 | $3,376 |
| Clermont | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Littleport | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wadena | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Clayton Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |