Dawson County, NE Property Tax: $1,989/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Dawson County is 1.26% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $157,800, that works out to about $1,988 per year, or $166 per month. Dawson County is located in central Nebraska, and is home to approximately 24,020 residents.
About Dawson County
Dawson County covers approximately 1,013.8 square miles in Nebraska. The county is home to about 24,020 residents living in roughly 9,905 housing units, of which 58.6% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $65,383, and the median home was built in 1968.
Dawson County borders Buffalo County, Custer County, Frontier County, Gosper County, Lincoln County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Nebraska
Property taxes in Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Dawson County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Dawson County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dawson County, NE | 1.26% | $157,800 | $1,988 |
| Nebraska state average | 1.28% | — | $2,020* |
| Buffalo County | 1.45% | $236,800 | $3,435 |
| Custer County | 1.15% | $160,500 | $1,849 |
| Frontier County | 1.43% | $138,800 | $1,979 |
| Gosper County | 1.19% | $202,700 | $2,407 |
| Lincoln County | 1.48% | $183,100 | $2,704 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Dawson County's median home value of $157,800. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dawson County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Nebraska?
At 1.26%, Dawson County is lower than the Nebraska state average of 1.28%. On a home at the county median of $157,800, that means about $1,988 per year — versus $2,020 at the state average rate, a difference of $32 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Dawson County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Dawson County?
For a home at the county median value of $157,800, the annual property tax in Dawson County is approximately $1,988 — or about $166 per month. For a home worth $236,700, expect around $2,982 per year. For a $315,600 home, approximately $3,977 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Dawson County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Dawson County are handled by the Dawson 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 Dawson County?
Nebraska 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 1.26% shown here. Contact the Dawson 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