West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in West Des Moines, Iowa
Median West Des Moines, Iowa effective property tax rate: 1.63%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the Iowa state median of 1.55%.
Median West Des Moines, Iowa home value: $236,930
Median annual West Des Moines, Iowa tax bill: $3,806, $1,406 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Dallas calculated?
Property taxes in West Des Moines, Iowa 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 West Des Moines's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in West Des Moines, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.63%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,862
$3,584
How Does the West Des Moines Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this West Des Moines property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies West Des Moines's median effective tax rate of 1.63% — based on actual property records in Dallas County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies West Des Moines's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Your bill may vary by ZIP code within West Des Moines: rates range from 3812.00% in 50266 to 3812.00% in 50266, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across West Des Moines.
About West Des Moines Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in West Des Moines, Dallas, Iowa
West Des Moines's median effective property tax rate of 1.63% is higher than the Iowa state median of 1.55% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Dallas County base levy combined with local school district levies and special assessment districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across West Des Moines. Homeowners in the 50266 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.63%, while those in the lowest ZIP also pay 1.63%. This spread — 0 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Dallas County. Understanding which part of West Des Moines you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
West Des Moines homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the April 30, 2026 deadline each year.
If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.
Property Tax Rates Across West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa
As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.
Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.
While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.
Below, you can compare West Des Moines's effective property tax rate to other cities in Iowa and the median property tax rates in Iowa and the U.S.
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 West Des Moines Tax Rate
1.63%
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 Dallas County Tax Rate
1.62%
Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate
1.55%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50266 | 1.52% | 1.59% | 1.63% | 1.65% | 1.68% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in West Des Moines, Iowa, 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 Dallas County appraisal district 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 Dallas 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 West Des Moines.
For example, the median home price in West Des Moines is $236,930, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 50266 has the highest median home price at $236,930.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$117,375
$362,623
$607,870
Median West Des Moines Market Value
$236,930
Median Dallas County Market Value
$255,490
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50266 | $78,770 | $145,580 | $236,930 | $374,260 | $501,970 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa
Property tax bills in West Des Moines are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the property’s market value. Local taxing authorities use that assessment to determine how much a homeowner owes each year. For a home with a median market value of $236,930, the tax bill can vary depending on the exact assessment and the taxing districts that apply.
What factors are considered? The main drivers are the home’s assessed value, the tax rate set by local governments, and any exemptions or adjustments that may apply. In Dallas County, bills can differ widely from one property to another, with the 25th percentile tax bill at $2,372, the 75th percentile at $6,034, and the 90th percentile at $8,119. The median tax bill in ZIP code 50266 is $3,812.
For homeowners, this means property taxes can be a major ongoing housing cost, and changes in assessed value can have a direct impact on yearly bills.
Median West Des Moines Tax Bill
$3,806
Median Dallas County Tax Bill
$3,628
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across West Des Moines, Dallas County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50266 | $1,718 | $2,372 | $3,812 | $6,034 | $8,120 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | April 30 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Dallas Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |