Tama County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Tama County, Iowa
Median Tama County effective property tax rate: 1.59%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Tama County home value: $124,870
Median annual Tama County tax bill: $1,964, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Tama County calculated?
Property taxes in Tama 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 Tama County important to understand? Because knowing how your tax assessed value is set can help you identify savings opportunities and avoid paying more than you should. The county’s effective property tax rate is 1.59%, which is higher than the state median of 1.55% and above the national median. Even with a median tax bill below the national level, homeowners in Tama County can still benefit from reviewing exemptions and appeal options. Whether you live in Tama County or another part of the county, understanding local property tax rules can make a meaningful difference.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Tama County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.59%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,985
$1,842
How Does the Tama County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Tama County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Tama County's median effective tax rate of 1.59% 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. Tama County's median effective tax rate is higher than Iowa's 1.55% median and above the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The county's median property tax bill is $1,964, which is $436 lower than the state median bill and below the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Tama County.
Property Tax Rates Across Tama County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Tama County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Tama 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 Tama County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Tama County's median effective rate stands at 1.59%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Tama County, the highest rate is found in Tama at 1.80%, while La Porte City has the lowest at 1.13%.
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 Tama County Tax Rate
1.59%
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 Tama County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Plaine | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.30% | 1.35% | 1.64% |
| Buckingham | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.25% | 1.33% |
| Chelsea | 1.16% | 1.29% | 1.37% | 1.70% | 2.03% |
| Clutier | 1.14% | 1.21% | 1.36% | 1.61% | 1.65% |
| Dysart | 1.17% | 1.47% | 1.65% | 1.79% | 1.80% |
| Elberon | 1.14% | 1.28% | 1.36% | 1.53% | 1.53% |
| Garwin | 1.10% | 1.16% | 1.32% | 1.53% | 1.67% |
| Gilman | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.17% | 1.28% | 1.53% |
| Gladbrook | 1.08% | 1.16% | 1.36% | 1.49% | 1.59% |
| La Porte City | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.21% |
| Lincoln | 0.96% | 1.06% | 1.26% | 1.27% | 1.27% |
| Marshalltown | 1.09% | 1.17% | 1.59% | 1.98% | 1.99% |
| Montour | 1.17% | 1.28% | 1.44% | 1.85% | 1.90% |
| Reinbeck | 1.03% | 1.07% | 1.14% | 1.24% | 1.31% |
| Tama | 1.28% | 1.50% | 1.80% | 1.99% | 1.99% |
| Toledo | 1.27% | 1.47% | 1.77% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| Traer | 1.19% | 1.35% | 1.78% | 1.92% | 1.99% |
| Vining | 1.34% | 1.46% | 1.60% | 1.86% | 1.86% |
| Beaman | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Grundy Center | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tama County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Tama 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 Tama 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 Tama County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March.
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 Tama County.
For example, the median tax bill in Tama County is $1,964, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. La Porte City has the highest median home price at $274,910.
Median Tama County Market Value
$124,870
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tama County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Plaine | $16,398 | $61,080 | $112,180 | $148,610 | $198,610 |
| Buckingham | $70,080 | $135,320 | $263,920 | $340,720 | $475,410 |
| Chelsea | $3,730 | $16,372 | $75,590 | $172,278 | $275,952 |
| Clutier | $29,830 | $58,890 | $103,290 | $182,620 | $252,300 |
| Dysart | $73,760 | $111,760 | $157,060 | $218,020 | $301,020 |
| Elberon | $28,066 | $59,822 | $117,425 | $186,552 | $268,885 |
| Garwin | $39,212 | $71,810 | $113,310 | $199,050 | $279,974 |
| Gilman | $83,355 | $176,858 | $216,900 | $246,640 | $316,165 |
| Gladbrook | $54,152 | $83,168 | $127,435 | $193,788 | $270,741 |
| La Porte City | $186,750 | $224,825 | $274,910 | $323,085 | $402,320 |
| Lincoln | $15,804 | $40,320 | $63,900 | $102,690 | $145,372 |
| Marshalltown | $35,528 | $56,600 | $83,330 | $177,635 | $248,524 |
| Montour | $15,423 | $48,030 | $90,510 | $212,530 | $293,539 |
| Reinbeck | $64,700 | $136,130 | $189,310 | $235,040 | $336,570 |
| Tama | $34,322 | $62,410 | $106,290 | $161,590 | $227,922 |
| Toledo | $54,905 | $88,620 | $131,355 | $184,692 | $254,345 |
| Traer | $58,990 | $89,040 | $135,240 | $204,260 | $288,300 |
| Vining | $4,270 | $23,595 | $49,985 | $75,595 | $113,005 |
| Beaman | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Grundy Center | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Tama County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Tama County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price. Local taxing authorities apply the county’s tax rates to that assessed value to determine the annual bill, so changes in a home’s assessment can directly affect what a homeowner owes. Factors such as location, neighborhood, and the amount of taxable value assigned to the property all play a role in the final amount.
With a median home price of $124,870, property tax bills can vary widely across the county. The 25th percentile bill is $1,223, while the 75th percentile reaches $2,910 and the 90th percentile climbs to $3,956. That range shows how different assessments and local rates can create very different tax burdens for similar homes.
For homeowners, a higher assessed value usually means a higher tax bill, which can affect monthly budgeting and long-term housing costs.
Median Tama County Tax Bill
$1,964
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Tama County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Plaine | $181 | $806 | $1,358 | $1,862 | $2,548 |
| Buckingham | $742 | $1,792 | $3,009 | $3,913 | $5,496 |
| Chelsea | $271 | $587 | $1,584 | $2,637 | $4,190 |
| Clutier | $386 | $809 | $1,391 | $2,374 | $3,404 |
| Dysart | $1,239 | $1,800 | $2,473 | $3,284 | $4,632 |
| Elberon | $418 | $872 | $1,540 | $2,505 | $3,702 |
| Garwin | $497 | $942 | $1,572 | $2,456 | $3,457 |
| Gilman | $1,065 | $1,991 | $2,732 | $3,014 | $3,723 |
| Gladbrook | $689 | $1,120 | $1,704 | $2,510 | $3,352 |
| La Porte City | $1,961 | $2,634 | $2,976 | $3,492 | $4,574 |
| Lincoln | $213 | $472 | $766 | $1,164 | $1,779 |
| Marshalltown | $454 | $849 | $1,656 | $2,185 | $3,048 |
| Montour | $317 | $757 | $1,415 | $2,716 | $3,832 |
| Reinbeck | $770 | $1,444 | $2,128 | $2,950 | $3,824 |
| Tama | $652 | $1,128 | $1,810 | $2,679 | $3,734 |
| Toledo | $990 | $1,543 | $2,244 | $3,111 | $4,066 |
| Traer | $1,080 | $1,568 | $2,250 | $3,166 | $4,431 |
| Vining | $79 | $438 | $766 | $1,096 | $1,780 |
| Beaman | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Grundy Center | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Tama Tax Assessor | |
| Website | tama.iowaassessors.com |