The median property tax rate nationwide is 1.31%. Iowa is above that at 1.69%.
This chart shows each state’s median tax rate. In most states, property taxes vary from county to county, Iowa included. Even in within Polk County property taxes vary significantly from city to city.
Here are the 2013-2014 tax rates for ten metro communities (per 1,000 in assessed value):
- Altoona- $9.14
- Urbandale- $9.57
- Clive- $9.98
- Johnston- $11.15
- Ankeny- $12.02
- West Des Moines- $12.02
- Grimes- $12.91
- Waukee- $13.50
- Windsor Heights- $13.89
- Des Moines- $16.92
Windsor Height’s rates are so high because they have no room to build additional housing units. Whereas Des Moines rates are even higher because they have so many more services that their residents demand. Altoona, Urbandale and Clive are all growing rapidly and that growth has helped allow them to keep their rates lower.
