O'brien County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in O'brien County, Iowa
Median O'Brien County effective property tax rate: 1.37%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median O'Brien County home value: $121,725
Median annual O'Brien County tax bill: $1,578, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in O'Brien County calculated?
Property taxes in O'Brien 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 across O'Brien County? Because assessed values, exemptions, and local tax rates all affect the final bill. Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings.
Whether you live in O'Brien County or another part of Iowa, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
O'brien County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.37%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,668
$1,548
How Does the O'Brien County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this O'Brien County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies O'Brien County's median effective tax rate of 1.37% 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. O'Brien County's median property tax bill is $1,578, 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 O'Brien County.
Property Tax Rates Across O'brien County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across O'Brien County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across O'Brien 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 O'Brien County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
O'Brien County's median effective rate stands at 1.37%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within O'Brien County, the highest rate is found in Sheldon at 1.53%, while Granville 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 O'brien County Tax Rate
1.37%
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 O'brien County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer | 0.92% | 0.99% | 1.12% | 1.31% | 1.33% |
| Calumet | 1.01% | 1.16% | 1.31% | 1.39% | 1.39% |
| Granville | 0.90% | 0.93% | 1.01% | 1.14% | 1.41% |
| Hartley | 0.94% | 1.13% | 1.38% | 1.54% | 1.55% |
| Hospers | 0.90% | 1.03% | 1.11% | 1.23% | 1.34% |
| Paullina | 0.94% | 1.06% | 1.27% | 1.43% | 1.44% |
| Peterson | 0.94% | 0.95% | 1.04% | 1.39% | 1.42% |
| Primghar | 0.88% | 1.02% | 1.32% | 1.49% | 1.49% |
| Sanborn | 0.97% | 1.14% | 1.28% | 1.39% | 1.39% |
| Sheldon | 1.20% | 1.44% | 1.53% | 1.61% | 1.61% |
| Sutherland | 0.87% | 0.97% | 1.14% | 1.33% | 1.34% |
| Ashton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cleghorn | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Larrabee | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Marcus | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Melvin | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Moneta | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across O'brien County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in O'Brien 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 O'Brien 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 O'Brien 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 O'Brien County.
For example, the median tax bill in O'Brien County is $1,578, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. HOSPERS has the highest median home price at $234,260.
Median O'brien County Market Value
$121,725
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across O'brien County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer | $30,869 | $49,512 | $97,155 | $177,192 | $280,512 |
| Calumet | $8,227 | $34,208 | $64,185 | $99,472 | $133,852 |
| Granville | $87,578 | $112,715 | $175,050 | $260,640 | $342,736 |
| Hartley | $27,846 | $58,600 | $102,710 | $170,640 | $268,414 |
| Hospers | $86,576 | $173,818 | $234,260 | $322,418 | $419,798 |
| Paullina | $37,820 | $67,550 | $112,360 | $173,630 | $253,430 |
| Peterson | $63,644 | $78,878 | $104,855 | $144,410 | $211,963 |
| Primghar | $26,523 | $56,522 | $106,350 | $187,740 | $291,929 |
| Sanborn | $55,282 | $85,395 | $132,160 | $217,880 | $307,378 |
| Sheldon | $55,102 | $93,910 | $147,635 | $228,925 | $340,870 |
| Sutherland | $24,843 | $46,498 | $87,290 | $139,945 | $231,996 |
| Ashton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cleghorn | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Larrabee | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Marcus | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Melvin | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Moneta | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across O'brien County, Iowa
Property tax bills in O'Brien County are based on a home’s assessed value, not its market price alone. Local taxing authorities apply their tax rates to that assessed value to determine the annual bill, so two homes with similar market values can still owe different amounts if their assessments or taxing districts differ. Factors such as location, local levies, and the property’s assessed amount all influence what a homeowner pays.
With a median home price of $121,725, bills in the county vary widely. The 25th percentile tax bill is $914, while the 75th percentile is $2,570 and the 90th percentile reaches $3,917. That range shows how much property taxes can affect household budgets, especially for owners whose assessments rise faster than expected. Compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400, many homeowners in O'Brien County fall near or above that level, making it important to understand how the bill is calculated.
Median O'brien County Tax Bill
$1,578
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across O'brien County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer | $304 | $541 | $1,092 | $2,117 | $3,192 |
| Calumet | $91 | $380 | $804 | $1,212 | $1,668 |
| Granville | $891 | $1,232 | $1,770 | $2,688 | $3,480 |
| Hartley | $388 | $792 | $1,366 | $2,144 | $3,306 |
| Hospers | $872 | $1,908 | $2,647 | $3,540 | $4,506 |
| Paullina | $448 | $806 | $1,374 | $2,098 | $2,986 |
| Peterson | $625 | $842 | $1,289 | $1,527 | $2,021 |
| Primghar | $261 | $698 | $1,301 | $2,180 | $3,231 |
| Sanborn | $700 | $1,040 | $1,626 | $2,530 | $3,606 |
| Sheldon | $800 | $1,372 | $2,146 | $3,368 | $4,986 |
| Sutherland | $297 | $530 | $994 | $1,566 | $2,368 |
| Ashton | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cleghorn | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Larrabee | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Marcus | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Melvin | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Moneta | 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 | |
|---|---|
| O'Brien Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |