Lee County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Lee County, Iowa
Median Lee County effective property tax rate: 1.65%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Lee County home value: $100,180
Median annual Lee County tax bill: $1,695, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lee County calculated?
Property taxes in Lee 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 do property taxes vary in Lee County? They vary because the assessed value, local tax rates, and available exemptions all affect the final bill.
How does Lee County compare with the rest of Iowa? Lee County’s effective property tax rate of 1.65% is higher than the state median of 1.55%, while the median annual tax bill is $1,695.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Lee County or another part of the county, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Lee County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.65%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,653
$1,534
How Does the Lee County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Lee County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Lee County's median effective tax rate of 1.65% 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 that apply to your property. Lee County's median tax rate is higher than Iowa's 1.55% and above the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The county's median tax bill is $1,695, compared with 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 Lee County.
Property Tax Rates Across Lee County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Lee County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Lee 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 Lee County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Lee County's median effective rate stands at 1.65%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Lee County, the highest rate is found in KEOKUK at 2.15%, while FARMINGTON has the lowest at 1.15%.
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 Lee County Tax Rate
1.65%
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 Lee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | 0.88% | 1.11% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.37% |
| Denmark | 0.98% | 1.12% | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| Donnellson | 1.10% | 1.18% | 1.27% | 1.49% | 1.66% |
| Farmington | 0.96% | 1.07% | 1.15% | 1.26% | 1.38% |
| Fort Madison | 1.18% | 1.36% | 1.74% | 1.98% | 1.98% |
| Hillsboro | 1.07% | 1.13% | 1.22% | 1.34% | 1.44% |
| Houghton | 1.20% | 1.32% | 1.40% | 1.47% | 1.47% |
| Keokuk | 1.30% | 1.62% | 2.15% | 2.44% | 2.44% |
| Montrose | 1.05% | 1.16% | 1.24% | 1.54% | 1.69% |
| Saint Paul | 1.07% | 1.13% | 1.18% | 1.24% | 1.24% |
| Salem | 1.10% | 1.21% | 1.29% | 1.44% | 1.59% |
| West Point | 1.11% | 1.20% | 1.32% | 1.55% | 1.69% |
| Wever | 1.06% | 1.16% | 1.23% | 1.29% | 1.32% |
| Pilot Grove | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee County.
For example, the median tax bill in Lee County is $1,695, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Salem has the highest median home price at $212,670.
Median Lee County Market Value
$100,180
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | $14,480 | $54,760 | $115,700 | $199,160 | $287,290 |
| Denmark | $27,970 | $57,010 | $96,090 | $148,085 | $185,804 |
| Donnellson | $46,370 | $96,950 | $157,200 | $229,025 | $312,178 |
| Farmington | $13,380 | $70,980 | $139,810 | $217,320 | $324,674 |
| Fort Madison | $30,970 | $57,210 | $93,530 | $147,050 | $239,156 |
| Hillsboro | $87,220 | $130,390 | $201,190 | $256,345 | $340,444 |
| Houghton | $20,540 | $68,135 | $107,975 | $172,290 | $222,365 |
| Keokuk | $22,280 | $42,730 | $78,195 | $133,280 | $226,329 |
| Montrose | $30,240 | $63,852 | $129,350 | $184,680 | $268,455 |
| Saint Paul | $30,625 | $77,180 | $144,390 | $191,415 | $251,570 |
| Salem | $91,325 | $151,465 | $212,670 | $317,710 | $404,835 |
| West Point | $64,039 | $116,662 | $177,395 | $257,318 | $357,079 |
| Wever | $20,873 | $74,442 | $158,630 | $258,018 | $360,206 |
| Pilot Grove | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Lee County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price alone. Local taxing authorities apply the tax rate to that assessed value, and the final bill can also reflect exemptions, credits, and other local factors that change from one homeowner to another. Because the tax bill is tied to assessment, two homes with similar market values may still owe different amounts if their assessed values differ.
For homeowners, this means a property tax bill can rise when a home’s assessed value increases or when local tax rates change. In Lee County, the median home price is $100,180, while the tax bill range shows how widely costs can vary: the 25th percentile is $964, the 75th percentile is $2,634, and the 90th percentile is $3,868. The highest median tax bill is $2,872 in Salem, compared with $1,098 in Denmark.
Median Lee County Tax Bill
$1,695
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | $180 | $590 | $1,324 | $2,356 | $3,475 |
| Denmark | $294 | $666 | $1,098 | $1,701 | $2,288 |
| Donnellson | $591 | $1,256 | $2,082 | $2,918 | $3,900 |
| Farmington | $253 | $920 | $1,732 | $2,624 | $3,679 |
| Fort Madison | $524 | $964 | $1,586 | $2,414 | $3,492 |
| Hillsboro | $965 | $1,556 | $2,443 | $3,250 | $4,294 |
| Houghton | $404 | $1,006 | $1,438 | $2,386 | $3,073 |
| Keokuk | $462 | $870 | $1,588 | $2,588 | $4,011 |
| Montrose | $395 | $934 | $1,688 | $2,450 | $3,520 |
| Saint Paul | $365 | $826 | $1,665 | $2,216 | $3,036 |
| Salem | $1,276 | $2,002 | $2,872 | $3,983 | $5,323 |
| West Point | $776 | $1,572 | $2,388 | $3,392 | $4,650 |
| Wever | $364 | $1,149 | $2,051 | $3,388 | $4,506 |
| Pilot Grove | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Lee Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |