Washington County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Washington County, Iowa
Median Washington County effective property tax rate: 1.55%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Washington County home value: $177,800
Median annual Washington County tax bill: $2,830, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Washington County calculated?
Property taxes in Washington 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.
Understanding Washington County’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Washington or another part of Washington County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Washington County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.55%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,756
$2,557
How Does the Washington County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Washington County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Washington County's median effective tax rate of 1.55% 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. Washington County's median property tax bill is $2,830, which is higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and $430 higher than the state median.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Washington County.
Property Tax Rates Across Washington County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Washington County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Washington 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 Washington County’s effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Washington County’s median effective rate stands at 1.55%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Washington County, the highest rate is found in Washington at 1.90%, while Keota has the lowest at 1.27%.
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 WashingtonCounty Tax Rate
1.55%
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 IowaTax Rate
1.55%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Washington County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ainsworth | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.36% | 1.50% | 1.61% |
| Brighton | 1.30% | 1.44% | 1.63% | 1.91% | 1.91% |
| Columbus Junction | 1.23% | 1.27% | 1.29% | 1.31% | 1.37% |
| Crawfordsville | 1.21% | 1.29% | 1.37% | 1.53% | 1.60% |
| Kalona | 1.23% | 1.30% | 1.55% | 1.61% | 1.66% |
| Keota | 1.12% | 1.20% | 1.27% | 1.37% | 1.51% |
| Mount Pleasant | 1.19% | 1.26% | 1.29% | 1.38% | 1.60% |
| Richland | 1.21% | 1.25% | 1.34% | 1.59% | 1.75% |
| Riverside | 1.22% | 1.26% | 1.30% | 1.47% | 1.54% |
| Rubio | 0.98% | 1.15% | 1.29% | 1.30% | 3.39% |
| Washington | 1.38% | 1.62% | 1.90% | 2.07% | 2.07% |
| Wayland | 1.20% | 1.29% | 1.35% | 1.42% | 1.57% |
| Wellman | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.52% | 1.63% | 1.68% |
| West Chester | 1.06% | 1.22% | 1.35% | 1.56% | 1.56% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington County.
For example, the median tax bill in Washington County is $2,830, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Riverside has the highest median home price at $244,300.
Median Washington County Market Value
$177,800
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ainsworth | $54,600 | $99,400 | $168,900 | $265,800 | $388,200 |
| Brighton | $24,400 | $57,600 | $105,600 | $156,300 | $226,100 |
| Columbus Junction | $50,900 | $112,775 | $192,850 | $233,025 | $408,030 |
| Crawfordsville | $37,900 | $72,425 | $134,250 | $237,525 | $342,650 |
| Kalona | $111,020 | $169,875 | $240,100 | $326,975 | $426,880 |
| Keota | $112,060 | $157,600 | $223,200 | $308,300 | $403,440 |
| Mount Pleasant | $79,440 | $124,900 | $158,000 | $218,800 | $315,000 |
| Richland | $2,190 | $56,850 | $174,450 | $204,475 | $303,370 |
| Riverside | $111,780 | $160,050 | $244,300 | $368,600 | $471,540 |
| Rubio | $4,930 | $6,600 | $48,000 | $81,850 | $99,890 |
| Washington | $68,100 | $103,700 | $155,300 | $226,600 | $317,990 |
| Wayland | $83,800 | $144,100 | $223,200 | $318,000 | $423,900 |
| Wellman | $52,740 | $106,950 | $173,100 | $255,850 | $373,920 |
| West Chester | $15,340 | $43,500 | $79,900 | $195,350 | $308,060 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Washington County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Washington County, Iowa are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price alone. Local taxing authorities apply their tax rates to that assessed value to determine the final bill, so homes with higher assessments generally face larger tax bills. Factors such as location, neighborhood, and the property’s characteristics can all influence the assessment.
In Washington County, the median home price is $177,800, and tax bills vary widely across homeowners. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,790, while the 75th percentile reaches $4,068. At the high end, the 90th percentile tax bill is $5,507. Median tax bills also differ by city, ranging from $824 in Rubio to $3,512 in Kalona.
For homeowners, this means property taxes can be a major ongoing cost, and even modest changes in assessed value can affect what is owed each year.
Median Washington County Tax Bill
$2,830
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Washington County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ainsworth | $694 | $1,334 | $2,356 | $3,496 | $4,738 |
| Brighton | $343 | $866 | $1,715 | $2,422 | $3,324 |
| Columbus Junction | $659 | $1,474 | $2,444 | $3,219 | $5,630 |
| Crawfordsville | $494 | $970 | $1,827 | $3,217 | $4,671 |
| Kalona | $1,612 | $2,446 | $3,512 | $4,758 | $5,966 |
| Keota | $1,291 | $1,900 | $2,848 | $3,992 | $5,408 |
| Mount Pleasant | $1,242 | $1,550 | $2,032 | $3,474 | $4,416 |
| Richland | $28 | $829 | $2,569 | $3,365 | $4,422 |
| Riverside | $1,527 | $2,142 | $3,317 | $4,752 | $6,015 |
| Rubio | $68 | $212 | $824 | $1,123 | $1,460 |
| Washington | $1,224 | $1,886 | $2,842 | $3,947 | $5,345 |
| Wayland | $805 | $2,091 | $2,834 | $4,439 | $5,562 |
| Wellman | $718 | $1,578 | $2,558 | $3,708 | $5,232 |
| West Chester | $191 | $509 | $1,067 | $2,363 | $4,090 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | April 30 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Washington Tax Assessor | |
| Website | washington.iowaassessors.com |