Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska Property Taxes
Median Kearney, NE effective property tax rate: 1.48%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Nebraska state median of 1.75%.
Median Kearney, NE home value: $285,027
Median annual Kearney, NE tax bill: $4,205, $1,805 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Phelps County calculated?
Property taxes in Kearney, NE 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 Kearney’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Kearney, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.48%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,218
$3,915
Property Tax Rates Across Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. This variation occurs because each county annually estimates its required budget to provide services, dividing that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. Despite the involvement of votes and laws in setting tax rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.
In Kearney, located in Phelps County, Nebraska, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.48%. This rate is notably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. While Kearney's rate aligns with the highest and lowest rates within its zip code, it surpasses the state median, reflecting the city's unique budgetary needs and property values.
These figures highlight the importance of understanding local tax rates, as they can significantly impact property owners. Comparing Kearney's rate to the national median emphasizes the importance of property tax consulting services to potentially reduce tax burdens.
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 Kearney Tax Rate
1.48%
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 Phelps County Tax Rate
1.69%
Median Effective Nebraska Tax Rate
1.75%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
68845 | 1.41% | 1.47% | 1.48% | 1.48% | 1.48% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska
When examining property taxes in Kearney, Nebraska, 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 Phelps 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 Phelps County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May.
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 Kearney.
For example, the median home price in Kearney is $285,027, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 68845 has the highest median home price at $285,027.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska
Source: Ownwell

$35,475
$193,602
$351,729
Median Kearney Market Value
$285,027
Median Phelps County Market Value
$118,096
Median Nebraska Market Value
$182,439
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
68845 | $157,284 | $237,735 | $285,027 | $362,280 | $1,626,681 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska
Median Kearney Tax Bill
$4,205
Median Phelps County Tax Bill
$1,908
Median Nebraska Tax Bill
$3,071
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Kearney, Phelps County, Nebraska
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
68845 | $2,322 | $3,432 | $4,205 | $5,344 | $22,023 |
Source: Ownwell