Story County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Story County, Iowa
Median Story County effective property tax rate: 1.42%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Story County home value: $220,900
Median annual Story County tax bill: $3,111, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Story County calculated?
Property taxes in Story 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.
Why are property taxes in Story County higher than the national median? The county’s effective property tax rate is 1.42%, which is above the national median of 1.02%.
How much is the typical annual tax bill in Story County? The median annual property tax bill is $3,111, which is higher than the national median of $2,400.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Story County or another part of the county, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Story County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.42%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,137
$2,911
How Does the Story County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Story County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and the calculator applies Story County's median effective tax rate of 1.42% 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. The median property tax bill is $3,111, which is $711 lower than the state median tax bill.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Story County's median effective tax rate is higher than the state median tax rate of 1.55% and above the national median property tax rate of 1.02%.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Story County.
Property Tax Rates Across Story County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Story County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Story 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 Story County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Story County's median effective rate stands at 1.42%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Story County, the highest rate is found in Slater at 1.70%, while State Center has the lowest at 1.12%.
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 Ă· 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 Story County Tax Rate
1.42%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Story County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | 1.26% | 1.35% | 1.42% | 1.42% | 1.42% |
| Cambridge | 1.16% | 1.32% | 1.53% | 1.62% | 1.68% |
| Collins | 1.18% | 1.26% | 1.57% | 1.79% | 1.79% |
| Colo | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.59% | 1.69% | 1.77% |
| Gilbert | 1.21% | 1.50% | 1.61% | 1.65% | 1.69% |
| Huxley | 1.35% | 1.64% | 1.68% | 1.73% | 1.73% |
| Kelley | 1.27% | 1.32% | 1.39% | 1.52% | 1.59% |
| Maxwell | 1.17% | 1.23% | 1.53% | 1.64% | 1.69% |
| Mc Callsburg | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.24% | 1.33% | 1.33% |
| Nevada | 1.07% | 1.34% | 1.51% | 1.58% | 1.62% |
| Roland | 1.11% | 1.51% | 1.62% | 1.71% | 1.71% |
| Sheldahl | 1.30% | 1.38% | 1.48% | 1.55% | 1.55% |
| Slater | 1.48% | 1.64% | 1.70% | 1.79% | 1.79% |
| State Center | 0.99% | 1.03% | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.37% |
| Story City | 1.09% | 1.24% | 1.35% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| Zearing | 1.08% | 1.14% | 1.48% | 1.65% | 1.65% |
| Hubbard | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| New Providence | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Polk City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Radcliffe | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Saint Anthony | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Story County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Story 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 Story 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 Story 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. The median tax bill in Story County is $3,111, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range widely, with the 25th percentile at $1,962 and the 75th percentile at $4,615. Huxley has the highest median home price at $280,400.
Median Story County Market Value
$220,900
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Story County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $95,200 | $135,800 | $223,800 | $341,150 | $466,000 |
| Cambridge | $94,220 | $147,200 | $206,700 | $320,200 | $509,060 |
| Collins | $74,170 | $109,450 | $164,800 | $238,500 | $322,470 |
| Colo | $98,280 | $135,800 | $186,300 | $274,000 | $386,000 |
| Gilbert | $160,360 | $207,400 | $278,800 | $377,200 | $473,960 |
| Huxley | $90,000 | $198,950 | $280,400 | $396,150 | $490,580 |
| Kelley | $125,550 | $176,900 | $247,050 | $394,875 | $516,700 |
| Maxwell | $89,160 | $137,000 | $195,100 | $328,250 | $420,860 |
| Mc Callsburg | $60,760 | $108,400 | $169,700 | $260,100 | $327,110 |
| Nevada | $104,770 | $150,300 | $197,200 | $284,050 | $411,900 |
| Roland | $111,850 | $152,700 | $202,850 | $261,750 | $364,600 |
| Sheldahl | $64,550 | $105,375 | $153,400 | $228,975 | $322,050 |
| Slater | $136,080 | $182,600 | $224,700 | $304,100 | $403,820 |
| State Center | $157,400 | $191,850 | $265,100 | $313,100 | $388,640 |
| Story City | $103,160 | $163,250 | $221,300 | $324,850 | $439,480 |
| Zearing | $61,920 | $113,400 | $164,500 | $240,200 | $328,300 |
| Hubbard | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| New Providence | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Polk City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Radcliffe | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Saint Anthony | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Story County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Story County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price alone. Local taxing authorities apply the county’s tax rates to that assessed value to determine the final bill, so two homes with similar market values can still owe different amounts depending on their assessments and location.
With a median home price of $220,900, homeowners in Story County can see a wide range in tax bills. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,962, while the 75th percentile is $4,615 and the 90th percentile reaches $6,324. That spread shows how much property taxes can vary from one homeowner to another.
The median tax bill is $2,140 in McCallsburg and $4,532 in Huxley, showing that where a home is located can have a major impact on what the owner pays. For homeowners, this means property taxes can significantly affect monthly housing costs and long-term affordability.
Median Story County Tax Bill
$3,111
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Story County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | $1,334 | $1,844 | $3,070 | $4,678 | $6,416 |
| Cambridge | $1,316 | $2,270 | $3,048 | $4,370 | $6,624 |
| Collins | $1,177 | $1,698 | $2,509 | $3,282 | $4,425 |
| Colo | $1,406 | $2,026 | $2,856 | $3,697 | $4,832 |
| Gilbert | $2,235 | $3,097 | $4,112 | $5,303 | $6,947 |
| Huxley | $1,351 | $3,153 | $4,532 | $6,322 | $8,038 |
| Kelley | $1,663 | $2,498 | $3,445 | $5,188 | $6,755 |
| Maxwell | $1,334 | $2,044 | $2,882 | $4,251 | $5,650 |
| Mc Callsburg | $705 | $1,315 | $2,140 | $3,093 | $3,733 |
| Nevada | $1,458 | $2,194 | $2,890 | $3,924 | $5,189 |
| Roland | $1,732 | $2,373 | $3,182 | $4,026 | $5,333 |
| Sheldahl | $950 | $1,371 | $2,259 | $3,150 | $4,134 |
| Slater | $2,183 | $3,019 | $3,752 | $4,923 | $6,636 |
| State Center | $1,778 | $2,208 | $2,918 | $3,405 | $4,260 |
| Story City | $1,424 | $2,183 | $2,955 | $4,004 | $5,437 |
| Zearing | $899 | $1,608 | $2,333 | $3,167 | $3,868 |
| Hubbard | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| New Providence | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Polk City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Radcliffe | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Saint Anthony | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Story Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |