Des Moines County, IA Property Tax: $2,097/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Des Moines County is 1.53% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $137,000, that works out to about $2,096 per year, or $175 per month. Des Moines County is located in southeastern Iowa, and is home to approximately 38,597 residents.
About Des Moines County
Des Moines County covers approximately 416.1 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 38,597 residents living in roughly 18,778 housing units, of which 66.5% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $60,662, and the median home was built in 1958.
Des Moines County borders Henderson County, Mercer County, Henry County, Lee County, Louisa 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 Des Moines County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Des Moines County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines County, IA | 1.53% | $137,000 | $2,096 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $1,836* |
| Henderson County | 1.68% | $101,600 | $1,703 |
| Mercer County | 1.95% | $139,300 | $2,710 |
| Henry County | 1.61% | $148,600 | $2,394 |
| Lee County | 1.50% | $123,600 | $1,855 |
| Louisa County | 1.27% | $137,600 | $1,752 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Des Moines County's median home value of $137,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Des Moines County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.53%, Des Moines County is higher than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $137,000, that means about $2,096 per year — versus $1,836 at the state average rate, a difference of $260 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Des Moines County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Des Moines County?
For a home at the county median value of $137,000, the annual property tax in Des Moines County is approximately $2,096 — or about $175 per month. For a home worth $205,500, expect around $3,144 per year. For a $274,000 home, approximately $4,192 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Des Moines County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Des Moines County are handled by the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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