Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota Property Taxes
Median Waite Park, MN effective property tax rate: 1.41%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Minnesota state median of 1.11%.
Median Waite Park, MN home value: $205,800
Median annual Waite Park, MN tax bill: $2,788, $388 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Stearns County calculated?
Property taxes in Waite Park, MN 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 Waite Park’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Waite Park, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.41%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,902
$2,693
Property Tax Rates Across Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota
Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. Each year, counties estimate their necessary budget to provide services and divide that by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.
In Waite Park, located in Stearns County, Minnesota, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.41%. This rate is notably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. When comparing Waite Park to other cities in Minnesota, it shares the same rate, indicating a uniformity in property tax assessments within this region. The median property tax rate in Minnesota is higher than the national median, which may be attributed to the specific budgetary needs and property values in the state. Understanding these differences can help property owners in Waite Park and throughout Minnesota make informed decisions about their property taxes and potential 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 Waite Park Tax Rate
1.41%
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 Stearns County Tax Rate
1.08%
Median Effective Minnesota Tax Rate
1.11%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
56387 | 1.14% | 1.31% | 1.41% | 1.51% | 1.59% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota
When examining property taxes in Waite Park, MN, 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 Stearns County appraisal district 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 Stearns 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 Waite Park. For example, the median home price in Waite Park is $205,800, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 56387 has the highest median home price at $205,800.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota
Source: Ownwell

$142,600
$318,350
$494,100
Median Waite Park Market Value
$205,800
Median Stearns County Market Value
$269,100
Median Minnesota Market Value
$290,400
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
56387 | $115,640 | $150,550 | $205,800 | $259,500 | $309,180 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota
In Waite Park, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The median home price in Waite Park is $205,800, which directly influences the tax bill. Homeowners in Stearns County can expect a median property tax bill around $2,788, which is above the national median of $2,400. Several factors impact the tax bill, including changes in property values, local government budgets, and school district needs. Homeowners in the 25th percentile pay approximately $1,964, while those in the 90th percentile face bills as high as $4,594. These variations highlight the importance of ensuring accurate property assessments.
Ownwell offers valuable assistance to homeowners by providing property tax appeal services. By leveraging expertise in local property tax laws, Ownwell helps ensure that homeowners are not overpaying. This can lead to significant savings, especially for those in higher tax brackets. Partnering with Ownwell can provide peace of mind and potentially lower property tax bills, ensuring fair and accurate assessments.
Median Waite Park Tax Bill
$2,788
Median Stearns County Tax Bill
$2,818
Median Minnesota Tax Bill
$3,182
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Waite Park, Stearns County, Minnesota
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
56387 | $1,387 | $1,964 | $2,788 | $3,796 | $4,594 |
Source: Ownwell