Winneshiek County, Iowa Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Winneshiek County, Iowa
Median Winneshiek County effective property tax rate: 1.33%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Winneshiek County home value: $202,495
Median annual Winneshiek County tax bill: $2,802, $402 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Winneshiek County calculated?
Property taxes in Winneshiek 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.
What makes Winneshiek County property taxes different from the national average? The county’s effective property tax rate is 1.33%, above the national median of 1.02%, and the median annual tax bill is $2,802.
How can homeowners reduce their property tax burden in Winneshiek County? Understanding your county’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings.
Whether you live in Decorah or another part of Winneshiek County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Winneshiek County, Iowa Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.33%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,693
$2,499
How Does the Winneshiek County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Winneshiek County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Winneshiek County's median effective tax rate of 1.33% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the assessor 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. Winneshiek County's median tax rate is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%, and the median property tax bill of $2,802 is higher than 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 Winneshiek County.
Property Tax Rates Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Winneshiek County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Iowa or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Winneshiek County's median effective rate stands at 1.33%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Winneshiek County, the highest rate is found in Ossian at 1.49%, while Waucoma has the lowest at 1.06%.
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 Winneshiek County Tax Rate
1.33%
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 Winneshiek County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calmar | 1.08% | 1.17% | 1.46% | 1.59% | 1.69% |
| Castalia | 1.09% | 1.17% | 1.28% | 1.42% | 1.46% |
| Cresco | 0.95% | 1.08% | 1.15% | 1.27% | 1.44% |
| Decorah | 1.05% | 1.13% | 1.39% | 1.72% | 1.81% |
| Dorchester | 0.87% | 1.12% | 1.17% | 1.35% | 1.46% |
| Fort Atkinson | 0.98% | 1.05% | 1.19% | 1.55% | 1.77% |
| Ossian | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.49% | 1.60% | 1.69% |
| Postville | 0.98% | 1.10% | 1.22% | 1.23% | 1.36% |
| Ridgeway | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.22% | 1.43% | 1.55% |
| Spillville | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.48% | 1.58% | 1.58% |
| Waucoma | 0.96% | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.20% |
| Waukon | 0.84% | 1.00% | 1.06% | 1.15% | 1.19% |
| Festina | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jackson Jct | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
When examining property taxes in Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek 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 Winneshiek County.
For example, the median tax bill in Winneshiek County is $2,802, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Decorah has the highest median home price at $225,790.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
Source: Ownwell
$113,790
$169,790
$225,790
Median Winneshiek County Market Value
$202,495
Median Iowa Market Value
$169,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calmar | $78,660 | $124,755 | $176,305 | $250,232 | $333,104 |
| Castalia | $42,148 | $83,530 | $129,130 | $219,890 | $288,150 |
| Cresco | $79,394 | $124,800 | $203,440 | $298,405 | $414,802 |
| Decorah | $96,600 | $159,540 | $225,790 | $315,280 | $428,658 |
| Dorchester | $63,910 | $133,592 | $191,055 | $256,370 | $367,970 |
| Fort Atkinson | $55,388 | $106,330 | $167,970 | $247,850 | $341,516 |
| Ossian | $85,350 | $120,845 | $169,490 | $266,140 | $356,900 |
| Postville | $36,471 | $75,260 | $138,240 | $181,162 | $254,318 |
| Ridgeway | $71,984 | $122,170 | $184,090 | $274,850 | $378,612 |
| Spillville | $46,984 | $77,550 | $113,790 | $167,180 | $219,832 |
| Waucoma | $56,667 | $128,172 | $171,200 | $215,602 | $362,858 |
| Waukon | $81,932 | $127,760 | $192,170 | $299,940 | $365,926 |
| Festina | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jackson Jct | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
Property tax bills in Winneshiek County are based on a home’s assessed value and the local tax rate. The assessed value is the starting point for the calculation, and local taxing authorities apply their rates to determine the final bill. For a county with a median home price of $202,495, even small changes in assessed value or tax rates can affect what a homeowner owes.
Bills vary widely across the county. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,817, while the 75th percentile rises to $4,011. At the higher end, the 90th percentile reaches $5,417, showing how much taxes can differ depending on property value and location. Decorah has the highest median tax bill at $3,196, while Postville has the lowest at $1,460.
For homeowners, this means property taxes can be a major ongoing housing cost, and the amount owed depends on both the market value of the home and the rates set by local governments.
Median Winneshiek County Tax Bill
$2,802
Median Iowa Tax Bill
$2,542
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Winneshiek County, Iowa
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calmar | $1,248 | $1,758 | $2,470 | $3,320 | $4,432 |
| Castalia | $542 | $1,074 | $1,708 | $2,720 | $3,470 |
| Cresco | $873 | $1,436 | $2,328 | $3,622 | $5,232 |
| Decorah | $1,202 | $2,169 | $3,196 | $4,430 | $5,939 |
| Dorchester | $744 | $1,513 | $2,204 | $3,166 | $3,847 |
| Fort Atkinson | $828 | $1,470 | $2,186 | $3,172 | $4,210 |
| Ossian | $1,236 | $1,731 | $2,454 | $3,584 | $4,753 |
| Postville | $430 | $798 | $1,460 | $2,149 | $3,028 |
| Ridgeway | $999 | $1,598 | $2,326 | $3,391 | $4,756 |
| Spillville | $772 | $1,208 | $1,699 | $2,459 | $3,174 |
| Waucoma | $694 | $1,472 | $1,760 | $2,226 | $3,626 |
| Waukon | $843 | $1,292 | $1,841 | $3,258 | $3,954 |
| Festina | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jackson Jct | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Winneshiek Tax Assessor | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |