Lake County, MN Property Tax: $1,674/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Lake County is 0.75% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $222,900, that works out to about $1,672 per year, or $139 per month. Lake County is located in northeastern Minnesota, and is home to approximately 10,911 residents.
About Lake County
Lake County covers approximately 2,109.1 square miles in Minnesota. The county is home to about 10,911 residents living in roughly 7,405 housing units, of which 57.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $75,621, and the median home was built in 1970.
Lake County borders Cook County, St. Louis County, Ashland County, Bayfield County, Douglas County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Minnesota
Property taxes in Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Lake County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Lake County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake County, MN | 0.75% | $222,900 | $1,672 |
| Minnesota state average | 0.97% | — | $2,162* |
| Cook County | 0.79% | $294,000 | $2,322 |
| St. Louis County | 1.03% | $208,500 | $2,142 |
| Ashland County | 1.47% | $160,500 | $2,354 |
| Bayfield County | 1.07% | $228,100 | $2,432 |
| Douglas County | 1.35% | $190,400 | $2,564 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Lake County's median home value of $222,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lake County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Minnesota?
At 0.75%, Lake County is lower than the Minnesota state average of 0.97%. On a home at the county median of $222,900, that means about $1,672 per year — versus $2,162 at the state average rate, a difference of $490 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Lake County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Lake County?
For a home at the county median value of $222,900, the annual property tax in Lake County is approximately $1,672 — or about $139 per month. For a home worth $334,350, expect around $2,508 per year. For a $445,800 home, approximately $3,344 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Lake County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Lake County are handled by the Lake 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 Lake County?
Minnesota 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 0.75% shown here. Contact the Lake 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