Property Tax in Palo Alto County
via TaxByCounty
Palo Alto County: Low tax rate, lower homes
Palo Alto County's effective tax rate of 1.233% matches the national median almost exactly. However, the median home value of $119,300 is less than half the national median of $281,900, resulting in annual property taxes of $1,471—well below the national median of $2,690.
Palo Alto County ranks lowest in Iowa
At 1.233%, Palo Alto County has the lowest effective tax rate among all Iowa counties in this comparison. The median tax of $1,471 reflects both the low rate and the county's modest home values, substantially below Iowa's state median tax of $2,160.
Palo Alto is the tax bargain of the north
Palo Alto's 1.233% rate edges below Page County (1.434%) to the south and substantially beats Pocahontas (1.143% rate, but similar median tax of $1,066). Among surrounding counties, Palo Alto offers a compelling combination of low rates and modest tax bills.
Palo Alto County homeowner tax bill
A typical Palo Alto home worth $119,300 triggers an annual tax of roughly $1,471. With a mortgage, that increases to $1,598; without one, it drops to $1,362.
Even low assessments can be overvalued
A low county tax rate doesn't guarantee your individual property is fairly assessed. Review your assessment notice and compare it to recent comparable sales; if it's inflated, you have the right to appeal to the county assessor at no cost.