Polk County, Nebraska Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Nebraska
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Polk County effective property tax rate: 1.34%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Polk County home value: $118,165
Median annual Polk County tax bill: $1,628, $772 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Polk County calculated?

Property taxes in Polk 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Osceola or another part of Polk County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Polk County, Nebraska Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.34%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,583

$1,469

Ownwell’s Polk County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Polk County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Polk County’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a more precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Polk County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Polk County, Nebraska

Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. The reason behind this is that each county annually estimates the budget required to provide essential services and divides this amount by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. Although votes and laws play a role in setting tax rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual procedure.

In Polk County, Nebraska, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.34%, which is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Within Nebraska, Osceola has the highest median tax rate at 1.77%, while Clarks enjoys the lowest at 0.94%. These variations highlight the differences in local government funding needs and property values across the region. Comparing Polk County's property tax rate to both the state and national figures provides valuable insight into how local tax policies align with broader trends. Understanding these differences can be crucial for property owners looking to manage their tax liabilities effectively.

Property Tax Rates Across Polk County, Nebraska

Source: Ownwell

0.94%

1.35%

1.77%

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 Polk County Tax Rate

1.34%

Median Effective Nebraska Tax Rate

1.75%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Polk County, Nebraska

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Clarks	0.92%	0.94%	0.94%	0.94%	0.94%
Columbus	1.03%	1.04%	1.04%	1.98%	1.98%
Gresham	0.87%	0.88%	1.06%	1.08%	1.08%
Osceola	1.11%	1.13%	1.77%	1.77%	1.77%
Polk	0.92%	0.93%	1.34%	1.34%	1.34%
Shelby	1.03%	1.05%	1.44%	1.44%	1.44%
Silver Creek	1.07%	1.08%	1.09%	1.11%	1.13%
Stromsburg	1.05%	1.07%	1.43%	1.43%	1.43%
Benedict	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rising City	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Polk County, Nebraska

When examining property taxes in Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk County. For example, the median tax bill in Polk County is $1,792, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Clarks has the highest median home price at $408,292.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Polk County, Nebraska

Source: Ownwell

$53,795

$231,044

$408,292

Median Polk County Market Value

$118,165

Median Nebraska Market Value

$182,439

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Polk County, Nebraska

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Clarks	$144,598	$180,889	$408,292	$510,825	$752,087
Columbus	$31,033	$62,988	$108,808	$197,879	$326,286
Gresham	$151,720	$210,657	$309,069	$624,937	$1,131,018
Osceola	$22,925	$67,705	$120,160	$218,900	$544,779
Polk	$11,805	$31,439	$53,795	$161,434	$484,665
Shelby	$45,134	$73,700	$118,330	$202,146	$479,960
Silver Creek	$76,702	$124,673	$171,520	$576,216	$977,542
Stromsburg	$38,704	$66,808	$118,242	$200,136	$425,495
Benedict	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rising City	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Nebraska

Property tax bills in Polk County, NE, are determined by assessing the value of a property and applying the local tax rate. The median home price in this area is $118,165, which influences the tax bill homeowners receive. The tax bill can vary significantly within the county, with the 25th percentile at $816 and the 75th percentile reaching $2,768. For those at the 90th percentile, the tax bill can rise to $5,807. This variation indicates that factors such as property location and specific assessments play a crucial role in determining the final amount. In Polk County, the highest median tax bill is found in Clarks at $3,837, while Polk has the lowest median tax bill at $693. These figures contrast with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Understanding these factors is essential for homeowners, as property taxes can significantly impact their financial planning and the overall cost of homeownership in the area.

Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Nebraska

Source: Ownwell

$693

$2,265

$3,837

Median Polk County Tax Bill

$1,628

Median Nebraska Tax Bill

$3,071

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Nebraska

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Clarks	$1,373	$1,793	$3,837	$4,900	$7,105
Columbus	$316	$713	$1,485	$2,686	$5,038
Gresham	$1,639	$2,132	$3,312	$5,610	$9,772
Osceola	$336	$1,057	$1,952	$3,028	$6,755
Polk	$154	$383	$693	$1,763	$5,184
Shelby	$533	$972	$1,576	$2,541	$5,377
Silver Creek	$613	$1,197	$1,880	$6,291	$10,630
Stromsburg	$459	$879	$1,565	$2,598	$4,898
Benedict	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Rising City	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell