Jefferson County, Iowa Property Taxes

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Jefferson County?

Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Jefferson 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 Jefferson County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.

Jefferson County's median effective rate stands at 0.02%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Jefferson County, the highest rate is found in Fairfield at 0.02%, while Lockridge has the lowest at 0.02%.

These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.

Property tax bills in Jefferson County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price. Local taxing authorities apply the county’s tax rate to that assessed value, which means the final bill depends on both how much the property is valued for tax purposes and the levies set by local governments. If a home’s assessed value rises, the property tax bill can increase even if the owner has not made any changes to the property.

Several factors can affect the amount homeowners pay, including the home’s characteristics, the assessment process, and any local tax rates in effect. With a median home price of $133,700, the tax burden can vary widely from one property to another. In Jefferson County, the 25th percentile tax bill is $12, the 75th percentile tax bill is $31, and the 90th percentile tax bill is $46. For homeowners, this means property taxes are tied directly to valuation and local taxation, making annual bills an important part of the cost of owning a home.