Clayton County, IA Property Tax: $2,149/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Clayton County is 1.38% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $155,700, that works out to about $2,149 per year, or $179 per month. Clayton County is located in northeastern Iowa, and is home to approximately 17,069 residents.
About Clayton County
Clayton County covers approximately 778.5 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 17,069 residents living in roughly 8,791 housing units, of which 64.5% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $62,326, and the median home was built in 1962.
Clayton County borders Allamakee County, Buchanan County, Delaware County, Dubuque 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 Clayton County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Clayton County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton County, IA | 1.38% | $155,700 | $2,149 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $2,086* |
| Allamakee County | 1.22% | $171,900 | $2,103 |
| Buchanan County | 1.33% | $171,400 | $2,286 |
| Delaware County | 1.34% | $168,700 | $2,266 |
| Dubuque County | 1.26% | $226,100 | $2,848 |
| Fayette County | 1.32% | $130,800 | $1,721 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Clayton County's median home value of $155,700. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Clayton County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.38%, Clayton County is higher than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $155,700, that means about $2,149 per year — versus $2,086 at the state average rate, a difference of $63 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Clayton County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Clayton County?
For a home at the county median value of $155,700, the annual property tax in Clayton County is approximately $2,149 — or about $179 per month. For a home worth $233,550, expect around $3,223 per year. For a $311,400 home, approximately $4,297 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Clayton County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Clayton County are handled by the Clayton 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 Clayton 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 1.38% shown here. Contact the Clayton 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