Altoona, Polk County, Iowa Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Altoona, IA effective property tax rate: 1.64%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%.
Median Altoona, IA home value: $267,100
Median annual Altoona, IA tax bill: $4,290, $1,890 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Polk County calculated?

Property taxes in Altoona, IA 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 Altoona’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Altoona, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Altoona, Polk County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.64%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,380

$4,065

Ownwell’s Altoona Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Altoona with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Altoona’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Polk County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is because each year, counties estimate their budget requirements for providing services and divide that amount by the total assessed value of all taxable properties within their jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. Although votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.

In Altoona, located in Polk County, Iowa, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.64%. This rate is notably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. When comparing Altoona to other cities within Iowa, the tax rate remains consistent, with Polk County having both the highest and lowest median tax rates at 1.64%. This consistency indicates a stable tax environment within the county. However, when contrasted with the national median property tax bill of $2,400, property owners in Altoona may find their tax obligations comparatively higher. Understanding these rates can help property owners make informed decisions about their investments and potential savings through appeals or exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

1.33%

1.70%

2.06%

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 Altoona Tax Rate

1.64%

Median Effective Polk County Tax Rate

1.69%

Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate

1.54%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
50009	1.35%	1.56%	1.64%	1.68%	1.73%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

When examining property taxes in Altoona, 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 Polk 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.

In Polk County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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 Altoona.

For example, the median home price in Altoona is $267,100, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 50009 has the highest median home price at $267,100.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$2,050

$223,775

$445,500

Median Altoona Market Value

$267,100

Median Polk County Market Value

$231,500

Median Iowa Market Value

$167,100

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
50009	$61,800	$196,605	$267,100	$332,925	$408,800

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

In Altoona, located in Polk County, Iowa, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by county assessors. The tax rate applied to this assessed value is crucial in determining the final tax bill. With a median home price of $267,100, Altoona's property taxes can be significant. Homeowners often find themselves paying between $3,318 and $6,442 annually, depending on their property's assessed value and applicable tax rate. The median property tax bill in Altoona stands at $4,290, which is considerably higher than the national median of $2,400. These taxes fund essential services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services, impacting homeowners' financial planning. Ownwell can assist homeowners in Altoona by identifying potential savings through property tax appeals and exemptions. Our expertise helps ensure that homeowners are not overpaying, potentially reducing their annual tax bill and easing their financial burden. Through a comprehensive review process, Ownwell ensures a fair assessment, ultimately aiming to lower property tax expenses for homeowners.

Property Tax Bills Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$28

$3,264

$6,500

Median Altoona Tax Bill

$4,290

Median Polk County Tax Bill

$3,904

Median Iowa Tax Bill

$2,508

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
50009	$2,352	$3,318	$4,290	$5,338	$6,442

Source: Ownwell