Howard County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Howard County, Iowa
Median Howard County effective property tax rate: 1.52%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Howard County home value: $121,480
Median annual Howard County tax bill: $1,788, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Howard County calculated?
Property taxes in Howard 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.
Why are Howard County property taxes important to understand?
Understanding Howard County’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Howard County or another part of the county, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors. Howard County’s median tax rate is 1.52%, which is slightly lower than the Iowa median tax rate of 1.55%, while the median tax bill is $1,788.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Howard County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.52%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,846
$1,713
How Does the Howard County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Howard County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Howard County's median effective tax rate of 1.52% 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 or improvement districts that apply to your property. Howard County's median tax rate is higher than the Iowa state median tax rate of 1.55%, while the county's median property tax bill of $1,788 is $612 lower than the state median bill and below 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 Howard County.
Property Tax Rates Across Howard County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Howard County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Howard 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 Howard County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Howard County's median effective rate stands at 1.52%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Howard County, the highest rate is found in Cresco at 1.65%, while Lawler has the lowest at 1.22%.
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 Howard County Tax Rate
1.52%
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 Howard County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | 1.11% | 1.22% | 1.32% | 1.48% | 1.80% |
| Calmar | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.23% | 1.25% | 1.70% |
| Chester | 1.07% | 1.15% | 1.34% | 1.65% | 1.65% |
| Cresco | 1.17% | 1.34% | 1.65% | 1.82% | 1.82% |
| Elma | 1.12% | 1.23% | 1.63% | 1.89% | 2.12% |
| Lawler | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.37% |
| Lime Springs | 1.05% | 1.18% | 1.32% | 1.51% | 1.59% |
| Protivin | 1.05% | 1.19% | 1.31% | 1.40% | 1.41% |
| Riceville | 0.99% | 1.08% | 1.26% | 1.55% | 1.61% |
| New Hampton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Waucoma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Howard County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard County.
For example, the median tax bill in Howard County is $1,788, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Lawler has the highest median home price at $189,410.
Median Howard County Market Value
$121,480
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Howard County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | $46,410 | $96,670 | $130,640 | $233,920 | $419,256 |
| Calmar | $46,020 | $85,620 | $135,710 | $197,830 | $243,934 |
| Chester | $22,872 | $42,780 | $84,850 | $153,700 | $232,640 |
| Cresco | $50,893 | $80,722 | $127,015 | $192,455 | $292,653 |
| Elma | $32,824 | $61,030 | $100,630 | $184,860 | $292,058 |
| Lawler | $74,410 | $114,125 | $189,410 | $226,318 | $282,880 |
| Lime Springs | $42,628 | $74,640 | $127,950 | $203,010 | $288,344 |
| Protivin | $29,247 | $54,740 | $80,250 | $125,612 | $150,872 |
| Riceville | $56,520 | $89,835 | $148,680 | $229,020 | $312,400 |
| New Hampton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Waucoma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Howard County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Howard County, Iowa are based on a home’s assessed value, not its market value alone. Local taxing authorities apply the county’s tax rates to that assessed value to determine the annual bill, so two homes with similar market prices can still owe different amounts if their assessments or tax rates differ. Factors such as property characteristics, location, and any applicable exemptions can influence the final amount.
With a median home price of $121,480, the typical property tax bill in Howard County reflects a range of outcomes across homeowners. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,132, while the 75th percentile reaches $2,698 and the 90th percentile climbs to $4,053. That spread shows how property taxes can vary widely even within the same county. The highest median tax bill is $2,344 in Lawler, while the lowest median tax bill is $1,029 in Protivin. For homeowners, these differences can affect monthly housing costs and long-term affordability.
Median Howard County Tax Bill
$1,788
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Howard County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista | $736 | $1,164 | $1,728 | $3,216 | $5,504 |
| Calmar | $503 | $1,131 | $1,828 | $2,464 | $2,920 |
| Chester | $365 | $593 | $1,262 | $1,956 | $2,835 |
| Cresco | $810 | $1,314 | $1,944 | $2,888 | $4,355 |
| Elma | $577 | $1,022 | $1,554 | $2,446 | $3,804 |
| Lawler | $1,292 | $1,557 | $2,344 | $2,959 | $3,981 |
| Lime Springs | $539 | $1,063 | $1,714 | $2,629 | $3,552 |
| Protivin | $301 | $664 | $1,029 | $1,582 | $2,067 |
| Riceville | $768 | $1,130 | $1,891 | $2,750 | $3,996 |
| New Hampton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Waucoma | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Howard Tax Assessor | |
| Website | howard.iowaassessors.com |