Buchanan County, IA Property Tax: $2,286/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Buchanan County is 1.33% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $171,400, that works out to about $2,280 per year, or $190 per month. Buchanan County is located in eastern Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,645 residents.
About Buchanan County
Buchanan County covers approximately 571.1 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 20,645 residents living in roughly 8,946 housing units, of which 73.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $78,430, and the median home was built in 1971.
Buchanan County borders Benton County, Black Hawk County, Bremer County, Clayton County, Delaware 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 Buchanan County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Buchanan County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buchanan County, IA | 1.33% | $171,400 | $2,280 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $2,297* |
| Benton County | 1.32% | $198,400 | $2,627 |
| Black Hawk County | 1.53% | $182,400 | $2,790 |
| Bremer County | 1.35% | $207,200 | $2,796 |
| Clayton County | 1.38% | $155,700 | $2,149 |
| Delaware County | 1.34% | $168,700 | $2,266 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Buchanan County's median home value of $171,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Buchanan County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.33%, Buchanan County is lower than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $171,400, that means about $2,280 per year — versus $2,297 at the state average rate, a difference of $17 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Buchanan County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Buchanan County?
For a home at the county median value of $171,400, the annual property tax in Buchanan County is approximately $2,280 — or about $190 per month. For a home worth $257,100, expect around $3,419 per year. For a $342,800 home, approximately $4,559 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Buchanan County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Buchanan County are handled by the Buchanan 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 Buchanan 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 1.33% shown here. Contact the Buchanan 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