Pottawattamie County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Median Pottawattamie County effective property tax rate: 1.73%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Pottawattamie County home value: $167,100
Median annual Pottawattamie County tax bill: $2,838, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Pottawattamie County calculated?
Property taxes in Pottawattamie 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.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Pottawattamie County or another part of Pottawattamie County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Pottawattamie County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.73%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,891
$2,683
How Does the Pottawattamie County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Pottawattamie County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Pottawattamie County's median effective tax rate of 1.73% 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. Pottawattamie County's median tax rate is higher than the Iowa median tax rate of 1.55%, and the county's median tax bill of $2,838 is $438 higher than the state median.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Pottawattamie County.
Property Tax Rates Across Pottawattamie County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Pottawattamie County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Pottawattamie County's median effective rate stands at 1.73%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Pottawattamie County, the highest rate is found in Council Bluffs at 1.84%, while Shelby has the lowest at 1.17%.
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 Pottawattamie County Tax Rate
1.73%
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 Pottawattamie County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avoca | 1.15% | 1.39% | 1.55% | 1.64% | 1.64% |
| Carson | 1.17% | 1.29% | 1.54% | 1.68% | 1.68% |
| Carter Lake | 1.42% | 1.49% | 1.57% | 1.62% | 1.62% |
| Council Bluffs | 1.20% | 1.66% | 1.84% | 1.99% | 2.00% |
| Crescent | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.35% | 1.52% | 1.57% |
| Elliott | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.17% | 1.34% | 1.45% |
| Griswold | 1.08% | 1.14% | 1.20% | 1.25% | 1.37% |
| Hancock | 1.07% | 1.16% | 1.30% | 1.51% | 1.51% |
| Henderson | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.48% |
| Honey Creek | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.20% | 1.25% | 1.33% |
| Lewis | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.26% | 1.44% | 1.52% |
| Macedonia | 1.16% | 1.25% | 1.44% | 1.58% | 1.58% |
| Mc Clelland | 1.21% | 1.24% | 1.28% | 1.43% | 1.47% |
| Minden | 1.14% | 1.24% | 1.60% | 1.71% | 1.77% |
| Missouri Valley | 1.07% | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.34% |
| Neola | 1.16% | 1.23% | 1.49% | 1.66% | 1.74% |
| Oakland | 1.21% | 1.34% | 1.46% | 1.57% | 1.57% |
| Shelby | 1.08% | 1.12% | 1.17% | 1.40% | 1.49% |
| Silver City | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.23% | 1.30% | 1.45% |
| Treynor | 1.21% | 1.25% | 1.48% | 1.55% | 1.60% |
| Underwood | 1.20% | 1.24% | 1.32% | 1.61% | 1.69% |
| Walnut | 1.15% | 1.35% | 1.55% | 1.74% | 1.74% |
| Glenwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Red Oak | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pottawattamie County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie 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 Pottawattamie County.
For example, the median tax bill in Pottawattamie County is $2,838, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Silver City has the highest median home price at $288,000.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$108,350
$198,175
$288,000
Median Pottawattamie County Market Value
$167,100
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pottawattamie County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avoca | $22,280 | $85,400 | $147,100 | $211,900 | $303,440 |
| Carson | $24,830 | $115,625 | $175,750 | $243,375 | $325,870 |
| Carter Lake | $38,150 | $118,400 | $153,650 | $210,400 | $366,790 |
| Council Bluffs | $69,600 | $114,300 | $163,500 | $253,000 | $371,400 |
| Crescent | $13,740 | $145,250 | $236,100 | $343,350 | $435,840 |
| Elliott | $95,280 | $156,100 | $183,200 | $224,900 | $238,920 |
| Griswold | $89,300 | $139,925 | $192,550 | $258,325 | $400,700 |
| Hancock | $10,650 | $57,175 | $128,600 | $192,750 | $267,350 |
| Henderson | $111,470 | $138,500 | $234,950 | $323,375 | $344,780 |
| Honey Creek | $100,500 | $190,000 | $270,400 | $372,725 | $478,450 |
| Lewis | $107,460 | $130,000 | $176,800 | $229,600 | $255,040 |
| Macedonia | $5,200 | $36,000 | $113,400 | $199,700 | $303,600 |
| Mc Clelland | $51,280 | $154,625 | $240,700 | $357,750 | $483,120 |
| Minden | $85,190 | $138,175 | $184,850 | $249,350 | $328,310 |
| Missouri Valley | $78,060 | $145,350 | $235,550 | $329,450 | $438,240 |
| Neola | $81,490 | $131,650 | $193,050 | $263,525 | $366,350 |
| Oakland | $27,950 | $101,450 | $150,750 | $203,600 | $287,600 |
| Shelby | $135,200 | $173,550 | $224,400 | $265,950 | $376,620 |
| Silver City | $152,000 | $225,800 | $288,000 | $380,800 | $485,000 |
| Treynor | $131,420 | $187,300 | $243,500 | $338,650 | $468,600 |
| Underwood | $124,350 | $182,675 | $266,100 | $351,125 | $449,920 |
| Walnut | $10,200 | $61,525 | $108,350 | $163,475 | $210,000 |
| Glenwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Red Oak | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Pottawattamie County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Pottawattamie County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rates that apply to that value. For a home with a median market value of $167,100, the bill homeowners receive can vary widely depending on where the property is located and how it is assessed.
The typical tax bill in the county falls between $2,024 at the 25th percentile and $3,988 at the 75th percentile, with the 90th percentile reaching $5,662. That range shows how property taxes can differ from one homeowner to another even within the same county. Underwood has the highest median tax bill at $3,588, while Walnut has the lowest at $1,592. For homeowners, these differences can have a meaningful impact on annual housing costs and overall affordability.
Median Pottawattamie County Tax Bill
$2,838
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Pottawattamie County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avoca | $302 | $1,310 | $2,138 | $3,046 | $4,330 |
| Carson | $385 | $1,626 | $2,515 | $3,479 | $4,731 |
| Carter Lake | $740 | $1,802 | $2,332 | $3,196 | $5,654 |
| Council Bluffs | $1,348 | $2,136 | $2,918 | $4,078 | $5,802 |
| Crescent | $149 | $1,926 | $3,158 | $4,558 | $6,038 |
| Elliott | $1,077 | $1,920 | $2,064 | $2,790 | $3,309 |
| Griswold | $1,080 | $1,796 | $2,414 | $3,048 | $4,575 |
| Hancock | $153 | $714 | $1,678 | $2,559 | $3,334 |
| Henderson | $1,265 | $1,609 | $3,308 | $3,929 | $4,393 |
| Honey Creek | $1,300 | $2,282 | $3,314 | $4,530 | $5,779 |
| Lewis | $1,372 | $1,626 | $2,460 | $2,868 | $3,592 |
| Macedonia | $84 | $463 | $1,636 | $2,681 | $3,849 |
| Mc Clelland | $736 | $2,242 | $3,231 | $4,578 | $6,081 |
| Minden | $1,390 | $2,153 | $2,818 | $3,576 | $4,629 |
| Missouri Valley | $805 | $1,650 | $2,792 | $3,870 | $5,261 |
| Neola | $1,204 | $1,948 | $2,737 | $3,600 | $4,880 |
| Oakland | $620 | $1,514 | $2,158 | $2,886 | $3,854 |
| Shelby | $1,889 | $2,358 | $2,588 | $3,230 | $4,585 |
| Silver City | $1,819 | $2,640 | $3,542 | $4,733 | $5,926 |
| Treynor | $1,873 | $2,688 | $3,512 | $4,652 | $6,182 |
| Underwood | $1,707 | $2,535 | $3,588 | $5,046 | $6,098 |
| Walnut | $259 | $975 | $1,592 | $2,323 | $3,088 |
| Glenwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Red Oak | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Pottawattamie Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.pottco.org |