Johnston, Polk County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median JOHNSTON, IA effective property tax rate: 1.55%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but slightly higher than the Iowa state median of 1.54%.
Median JOHNSTON, IA home value: $343,600
Median annual JOHNSTON, IA tax bill: $5,370, $2,970 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Polk County calculated?
Property taxes in JOHNSTON, 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 JOHNSTON’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in JOHNSTON, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Johnston, Polk County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.55%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,326
$4,942
Property Tax Rates Across Johnston, Polk County, Iowa
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can significantly differ within a state. Each year, counties estimate their required budget to provide services and divide that by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.
Johnston in Polk County, Iowa, stands out with its effective property tax rate. Compared to other cities in Iowa, Johnston's rate is at the state's median of 1.55%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the county's budgetary needs and the value of taxable properties. The property tax rate in Johnston is consistent across the board, with the highest and lowest rates both at 1.55%, making it unique in its uniformity.
Despite the higher rate compared to the national average, Johnston residents benefit from the services funded by these taxes. This balance of taxation and service provision is crucial for maintaining community standards and supporting local infrastructure and amenities.
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 Johnston Tax Rate
1.55%
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 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 Johnston, Polk County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50131 | 1.48% | 1.51% | 1.55% | 1.61% | 1.64% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Johnston, Polk County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Johnston, 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 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 Johnston. For example, the median home price in Johnston is $343,600, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 50131 has the highest median home price at $343,600.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Johnston, Polk County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$2,050
$223,775
$445,500
Median Johnston Market Value
$343,600
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 Johnston, Polk County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50131 | $183,700 | $249,400 | $343,600 | $447,225 | $597,100 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Johnston, Polk County, Iowa
In Johnston, located in Polk County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate. The median home price in this area is $343,600, and property taxes typically reflect a significant financial commitment for homeowners. The tax bill is influenced by various factors, including local government budgets and school funding requirements. Homeowners in Johnston experience a median property tax bill of $5,370, which is higher than the national median of $2,400. This can place a considerable burden on property owners, especially those with homes in the higher value brackets, where tax bills can soar to $9,424.
Navigating these costs can be challenging, but Ownwell offers valuable assistance by helping homeowners appeal their property tax assessments. By ensuring that your property is fairly assessed, Ownwell can potentially lower your tax bill, providing significant savings. With expert guidance, homeowners can better manage their property tax expenses and alleviate the financial strain associated with high property tax rates.
Median Johnston Tax Bill
$5,370
Median Polk County Tax Bill
$3,904
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Johnston, Polk County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50131 | $3,146 | $4,002 | $5,370 | $7,046 | $9,424 |
Source: Ownwell