Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa Property Taxes
Median Ottumwa, IA effective property tax rate: 1.72%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Iowa state median of 1.54%. Median Ottumwa, IA home value: $81,650. Median annual Ottumwa, IA tax bill: $1,392, $1,008 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Wapello County calculated?
Property taxes in Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Ottumwa, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.72%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,404
$1,303
Property Tax Rates Across Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. Below, you can compare Ottumwa’s effective property tax rate to other cities in Iowa and the median property tax rates in Iowa and the U.S.
Ottumwa in Wapello County has a median property tax rate of 1.72%, which is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate places Ottumwa among the higher property tax regions in Iowa. The uniformity of the tax rate across the city suggests a stable taxation environment, though it is essential for property owners to remain informed about potential changes. Understanding these rates can help property owners make informed decisions about property investments and financial planning. By staying informed, residents can better navigate the complexities of property taxation and potentially benefit from available exemptions or appeals.
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 Ottumwa Tax Rate
1.72%
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 Wapello County Tax Rate
1.66%
Median Effective Iowa Tax Rate
1.54%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52501 | 1.11% | 1.43% | 1.72% | 1.90% | 1.96% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Ottumwa, Iowa, 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 Wapello 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.
In Wapello 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 Ottumwa.
For example, the median home price in Ottumwa is $81,650, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 52501 has the highest median home price at $81,650.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$36,085
$134,623
$233,160
Median Ottumwa Market Value
$81,650
Median Wapello County Market Value
$83,735
Median Iowa Market Value
$167,100
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52501 | $17,280 | $44,950 | $81,650 | $144,245 | $236,892 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
In Ottumwa, located in Wapello County, IA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home. The assessed value is determined by local tax assessors and is a percentage of the market value. Homeowners in Ottumwa experience varying tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $800 and the 75th percentile reaching $2,274. The highest median tax bill in the area is $1,392, which is notably lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. This discrepancy can impact homeowners, especially those with limited budgets, as property taxes are a significant component of homeownership costs.
Ownwell offers invaluable assistance to homeowners in Ottumwa by helping them appeal their property tax assessments and explore possible exemptions. By leveraging local expertise and understanding of property tax regulations, Ownwell can identify potential savings and reduce the financial burden on homeowners. This service ensures that property owners are not overpaying and are taking full advantage of any available tax relief options.
Median Ottumwa Tax Bill
$1,392
Median Wapello County Tax Bill
$1,372
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,508
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52501 | $352 | $800 | $1,392 | $2,274 | $3,588 |
Source: Ownwell