State Auditor Rob Sand today released a first-of-its-kind report on statewide property tax levies. The report indicates individuals and entities in wealthier areas carry a lower property tax burden than those in less economically well-off places in Iowa.

"Finally, we have hard data showing that working and middle-class Iowans pay a higher property tax rate than wealthy Iowans - which doesn't seem fair to me."

said Sand. "This is important information, especially for policymakers, legislators, and state leaders considering changes to property tax formulas."

The report calculates the regular overall property tax levy for every Iowan based on their unique tax district for 2024. It finds that the average Iowan will be assessed a regular levy of $35.10 per $1000 in taxable land value in 2024.

Geographically, some of the lowest overall levies are across Northwest and West-Central Iowa. Rates are comparatively higher in Central and Southern Iowa and most large and mid-sized cities. School district levies account for the largest share of overall property tax rates followed by localities and counties, respectively.

"This report will help the average Iowan understand where their property tax dollars go and the large differences that exist among property tax rates in Iowa," said Randy Bauer, Iowa State Budget Director under Governor Tom Vilsack. "I believe the findings in this report will help inform state and local elected officials of the need to develop policies that reduce the property tax burden and the disproportionate impacts facing working-class Iowa families in many parts of the state."

This is another in a series of reports to better inform the public and local governments about the use of tax dollars to fund public services in Iowa as part of Auditor Sand's Public Innovation and Efficiencies (PIE) program.

A copy of the complete report can be found on the Auditor of State website at PIE Reports | Iowa State Auditor

Click below to view report

Property_Tax_and_Income_Brief_FINAL_38181B3DB3058.pdf (iowa.gov)



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