Black Hawk County, IA Property Tax: $2,790/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Black Hawk County is 1.53% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $182,400, that works out to about $2,791 per year, or $233 per month. Black Hawk County is located in central Iowa, and is home to approximately 130,693 residents.
About Black Hawk County
Black Hawk County covers approximately 565.8 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 130,693 residents living in roughly 58,748 housing units, of which 59.8% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $64,581, and the median home was built in 1966.
Black Hawk County borders Benton County, Bremer County, Buchanan County, Butler County, Fayette 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 Black Hawk County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Black Hawk County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Hawk County, IA | 1.53% | $182,400 | $2,791 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $2,444* |
| Benton County | 1.32% | $198,400 | $2,627 |
| Bremer County | 1.35% | $207,200 | $2,796 |
| Buchanan County | 1.33% | $171,400 | $2,286 |
| Butler County | 1.38% | $156,500 | $2,158 |
| Fayette County | 1.32% | $130,800 | $1,721 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Black Hawk County's median home value of $182,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Black Hawk County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.53%, Black Hawk County is higher than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $182,400, that means about $2,791 per year — versus $2,444 at the state average rate, a difference of $347 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Black Hawk County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Black Hawk County?
For a home at the county median value of $182,400, the annual property tax in Black Hawk County is approximately $2,791 — or about $233 per month. For a home worth $273,600, expect around $4,186 per year. For a $364,800 home, approximately $5,581 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Black Hawk County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Black Hawk County are handled by the Black Hawk County Assessor's office. 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 Black Hawk 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 1.53% shown here. Contact the Black Hawk 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