Property Tax in Stearns County
via TaxByCounty
Stearns taxes slightly above US median
Stearns County's effective tax rate of 1.020% sits modestly above the national median of 0.98%, placing it in the upper half of US counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,617 annually, slightly below the national median of $2,690, thanks to a median home value of $256,500 that's lower than the national average of $281,900.
Above average in Minnesota rankings
Stearns County's 1.020% effective tax rate exceeds Minnesota's state average of 0.968%, making it a higher-tax county within the state. At $2,617, its median property tax is also above the state median of $2,168—a difference of $449 per household annually.
Steele County taxes hit highest in region
Among central Minnesota counties, Stearns sits in the middle band: Steele County leads at 1.206%, while Wadena follows at 1.040%. Stevens County offers the region's lowest burden at 0.807%, making Stearns homeowners pay roughly $1,100 more annually than their Stevens County counterparts on comparable-value homes.
Expected annual tax on typical home
On Stearns County's median home valued at $256,500, you can expect to pay approximately $2,617 in annual property taxes. Whether you carry a mortgage ($2,612) or own outright ($2,625), the tax obligation remains nearly identical.
Many homeowners eligible for appeal
If your property assessment feels high, you're not alone—studies show 20-40% of homeowners are overassessed. Contact your county assessor about filing an appeal; a successful challenge could reduce your tax bill by hundreds of dollars annually with no cost to file.