Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median Dow City, IA effective property tax rate: 0.94%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%.
Median Dow City, IA home value: $184,665
Median annual Dow City, IA tax bill: $1,728, $672 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Shelby calculated?
Property taxes in Dow City, 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 Dow City’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Dow City, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.94%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,736
$1,611
Property Tax Rates Across Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa
Local government entities determine property tax rates, which can differ significantly across regions. This variation is primarily due to each county's annual budget requirements for public services, which are divided by the total assessed value of all taxable properties in the area. This calculation establishes the property tax rate. Although the process involves votes and legislative measures, this is the fundamental method used each year.
In Dow City, located in Shelby County, the effective property tax rate can be compared to other cities in Iowa and the national average. With a median property tax rate of 0.94%, Shelby County is slightly below the national median of 1.02%. This means that homeowners in Dow City may pay less in property taxes compared to the average U.S. homeowner. However, it's important to consider that while the tax rate might be lower, other factors such as assessed property values and available exemptions can influence the actual tax bill. Understanding these dynamics can help property owners in Dow City make informed decisions about their property tax obligations.
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 Dow City Tax Rate
0.94%
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 Shelby County Tax Rate
1.30%
Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
51528 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Dow City, 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Dow City. For example, the median home price in Dow City is $184,665, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 51433 has the highest median home price at $184,665.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell

$83,426
$146,370
$209,314
Median Dow City Market Value
$184,665
Median Shelby County Market Value
$144,278
Median Iowa Market Value
$167,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
51528 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa
In Dow City, located in Shelby County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors who evaluate various factors such as the property's size, location, and condition. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. With a median home price of $184,665, homeowners in Dow City face a significant financial responsibility. The tax bill for the 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles is consistently $1,728, which is below the national median property tax bill of $2,400. This suggests a relatively moderate tax burden compared to the national landscape.
Homeowners in Dow City can benefit from Ownwell's expertise in property tax appeals and exemptions. By analyzing individual property assessments and identifying potential inaccuracies or opportunities for exemptions, Ownwell can help homeowners reduce their tax bills, ensuring they only pay their fair share. This service not only eases the financial burden but also provides peace of mind, knowing that their property taxes are being managed efficiently.
Median Dow City Tax Bill
$1,728
Median Shelby County Tax Bill
$2,060
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Dow City, Shelby County, Iowa
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
51528 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell