County property tax calculator
Property Tax Calculator for Des Moines County
Des Moines County sits above the national property tax average at 1.531%. On a median home of $137,000, that translates to $2,097 per year, or $175 per month in escrow. The gap versus the 1.07% US average is meaningful — enough to move the needle on monthly affordability for buyers comparing this county with lower-tax neighbors. Local jurisdictions here fund schools and services primarily through property taxes, which is why the rate sits where it does. For buyers budgeting the purchase, factoring this into the total monthly payment before making an offer keeps expectations grounded and avoids surprises at closing. Des Moines County's median home value of $137,000 runs below the Iowa state median — a market where buyers get more square footage per dollar. First-time buyers often find this range accessible, especially with FHA or VA financing that reduces the down payment requirement. Lower property values also mean lower absolute tax bills and, in many cases, more favorable insurance rates. Investors evaluating rental yield often look at markets in this tier for cash flow. The trade-off is typically commute distance, school district variation, or access to high-wage employment — factors buyers should weigh against the lower price point. Long-term appreciation tends to track the regional average rather than lead it. The price point here supports a wider range of down payment strategies, from low-down conventional options to FHA and VA programs, giving buyers more flexibility in structuring the purchase.
Property Tax Details
National average is 1.07%
Used to project future tax burden
Annual Property Tax
$0
Insights
Property Tax Landscape in Des Moines County
Des Moines County's 1.531% rate tracks close to Iowa's average of 1.52%. There is no meaningful deviation for local buyers — the county sits in the middle of the state's tax picture. On a median home, the annual tax burden is close to what a buyer would expect anywhere in Iowa. This alignment makes the county easy to compare against others in the state without adjusting for tax rate. Escrow analysis follows the same pattern as state peers. For buyers considering multiple counties in Iowa, this one will feel familiar on the tax line. Within Iowa, Des Moines County ranks as the 14th highest of 99 counties by effective property tax rate.
Des Moines County's median home value of $137,000 runs below the Iowa state median — a market where buyers get more square footage per dollar. First-time buyers often find this range accessible, especially with FHA or VA financing that reduces the down payment requirement. Lower property values also mean lower absolute tax bills and, in many cases, more favorable insurance rates. Investors evaluating rental yield often look at markets in this tier for cash flow. The trade-off is typically commute distance, school district variation, or access to high-wage employment — factors buyers should weigh against the lower price point. Long-term appreciation tends to track the regional average rather than lead it. Median household income in Des Moines County runs below the Iowa state average at $60,662. Buyers here often rely on FHA, USDA, or state down-payment assistance programs to make the numbers work. The price-to-income ratio of 2.3x reflects a balanced profile for the region — median-income buyers have reasonable access to the market. Median gross rent runs $908 per month, giving renters a baseline to compare against ownership costs in the same market.
Property Tax Scenarios — Des Moines County
In an affordable market, even modest purchases generate tax bills that matter for the monthly budget. The scenarios below start below the median and extend up, showing how the tax component scales. First-time buyers can use this to model escrow before submitting an offer.
| Home Value | Annual Tax | Monthly Escrow | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $70,000 | $1,072 | $89 | $10,717 |
| $105,000 | $1,608 | $134 | $16,076 |
| $135,000 | $2,067 | $172 | $20,669 |
| $205,000 | $3,139 | $262 | $31,386 |
| $275,000 | $4,210 | $351 | $42,103 |
Frequently asked questions
For buyers considering Des Moines County, the questions below address the tax load, escrow mechanics, and comparisons with state averages. Answers use county-specific data from the 2023 Census ACS.
What is the property tax rate in Des Moines County?
Des Moines County has an effective property tax rate of 1.531%, above the national average (national average: 1.07%). On a median home of $137,000, that's about $2,097 per year, or $175 monthly through escrow.
How much are property taxes on a home in Des Moines County?
At the county median of $137,000, annual property taxes run roughly $2,097, collected through mortgage escrow at about $175 per month.
How does Des Moines County compare to Iowa?
Des Moines County's 1.531% rate is essentially in line with Iowa's statewide average of 1.52%. The difference equals about $15 per year on a median home.
What is the median income in Des Moines County?
Median household income in Des Moines County is $60,662 (Census ACS 2023). Median gross rent runs $908 per month.
Are property taxes deductible in Des Moines County?
Yes, property taxes are deductible on federal returns when you itemize, subject to the SALT cap ($10,000 for most filers). Des Moines County homeowners paying $2,097 annually may benefit if their combined state and local tax burden exceeds the standard deduction.
How are property taxes calculated in Des Moines County?
The county assessor multiplies your home's assessed value by the local tax rate. On a $137,000 home at the county's effective rate of 1.531%, the annual bill is approximately $2,097.
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Disclaimer: This calculator and the content on this page are for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, loan limits, and eligibility criteria vary by lender, location, and borrower profile. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making borrowing decisions. CalcPier is independent and not affiliated with any lender listed on this page.
