Adams County, IA Property Tax: $1,479/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Adams County is 1.27% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $116,900, that works out to about $1,485 per year, or $124 per month. Adams County is located in southern Iowa, with Corning as its county seat, and is home to approximately 3,641 residents.
About Adams County
Adams County covers approximately 423.4 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 3,641 residents living in roughly 1,892 housing units, of which 62.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $68,828, and the median home was built in 1954.
The county seat is Corning. Adams County borders Adair County, Cass County, Montgomery County, Page County, Ringgold County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Iowa
Property taxes in Iowa are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Iowa offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Adams County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Adams County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County, IA | 1.27% | $116,900 | $1,485 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $1,566* |
| Adair County | 1.32% | $140,600 | $1,858 |
| Cass County | 1.43% | $133,300 | $1,904 |
| Montgomery County | 1.79% | $109,900 | $1,968 |
| Page County | 1.43% | $120,000 | $1,721 |
| Ringgold County | 1.27% | $150,300 | $1,909 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Adams County's median home value of $116,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Adams County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.27%, Adams County is lower than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $116,900, that means about $1,485 per year — versus $1,566 at the state average rate, a difference of $81 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Adams County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Adams County?
For a home at the county median value of $116,900, the annual property tax in Adams County is approximately $1,485 — or about $124 per month. For a home worth $175,350, expect around $2,227 per year. For a $233,800 home, approximately $2,969 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Adams County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Adams County are handled by the Adams County Assessor's office in Corning. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Adams County?
Iowa counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.27% shown here. Contact the Adams County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File