Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa Property Taxes

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

Median Council Bluffs, IA effective property tax rate: 1.84%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%. Median Council Bluffs, IA home value: $168,900. Median annual Council Bluffs, IA tax bill: $3,022, $622 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Pottawattamie County calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.84%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$3,108

$2,884

Ownwell’s Council Bluffs Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Council Bluffs with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Council Bluffs’ 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 Pottawattamie County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Local government entities determine tax rates, and these can differ significantly across a state. The process involves each county estimating its required budget for services and dividing this by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. Although there are votes and laws involved, this is essentially the annual process. In Council Bluffs, located in Pottawattamie County, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.84%. This rate is slightly higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Within the area, the highest median tax rate is 1.90% in the 51501 zip code, while the lowest is 1.76% in the 51503 zip code. Comparing these figures to the national median property tax bill of $2400, Council Bluffs residents may experience a higher tax burden. Understanding these rates can help property owners make informed decisions about property tax appeals and exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

1.17%

1.53%

1.90%

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 Council Bluffs Tax Rate

1.84%

Median Effective Pottawattamie County Tax Rate

1.73%

Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate

1.54%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
51501	1.59%	1.74%	1.90%	2.07%	2.25%
51503	1.02%	1.25%	1.76%	1.96%	2.13%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

When examining property taxes in Council Bluffs, IA, 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's Office 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 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 Council Bluffs. For example, the median home price in Council Bluffs is $168,900, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 51503 has the highest median home price at $231,900.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$114,500

$204,725

$294,950

Median Council Bluffs Market Value

$168,900

Median Pottawattamie County Market Value

$173,400

Median Iowa Market Value

$167,100

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
51501	$81,700	$107,600	$136,600	$172,600	$225,500
51503	$106,260	$156,800	$231,900	$331,000	$440,140

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

In Council Bluffs, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors. The tax rate is applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual tax bill. Factors such as property location, home size, and improvements can influence the assessed value. Homeowners in Council Bluffs face a median property tax bill of $2,942, which is slightly above the national median of $2,400. Within the city, tax bills can range significantly, with the 25th percentile at $2,242 and the 75th percentile reaching $4,118. The highest median tax bill in the area is $3,542 in the 51503 zip code. These tax bills can place a considerable financial burden on homeowners. Ownwell can help alleviate this burden by offering property tax appeal services. By evaluating the assessed value of your property and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell can assist in reducing your tax bill, ensuring you only pay your fair share.

Property Tax Bills Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Source: Ownwell

$1,860

$2,828

$3,796

Median Council Bluffs Tax Bill

$3,022

Median Pottawattamie County Tax Bill

$2,932

Median Iowa Tax Bill

$2,508

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
51501	$1,536	$2,026	$2,594	$3,334	$4,104
51503	$1,920	$2,611	$3,542	$5,064	$6,640

Source: Ownwell