Lyon County, IA Property Tax: $1,983/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Lyon County is 0.92% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $215,600, that works out to about $1,984 per year, or $165 per month. Lyon County is located in northwestern Iowa, and is home to approximately 12,087 residents.
About Lyon County
Lyon County covers approximately 587.6 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 12,087 residents living in roughly 4,857 housing units, of which 76.3% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $72,881, and the median home was built in 1965.
Lyon County borders O'Brien County, Osceola County, Sioux County, Nobles County, Rock 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 Lyon County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Lyon County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon County, IA | 0.92% | $215,600 | $1,984 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $2,889* |
| O'Brien County | 0.99% | $158,900 | $1,572 |
| Osceola County | 1.05% | $123,800 | $1,302 |
| Sioux County | 1.16% | $235,600 | $2,722 |
| Nobles County | 0.93% | $179,200 | $1,674 |
| Rock County | 0.72% | $201,600 | $1,451 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Lyon County's median home value of $215,600. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Lyon County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 0.92%, Lyon County is lower than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $215,600, that means about $1,984 per year — versus $2,889 at the state average rate, a difference of $905 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Lyon County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Lyon County?
For a home at the county median value of $215,600, the annual property tax in Lyon County is approximately $1,984 — or about $165 per month. For a home worth $323,400, expect around $2,975 per year. For a $431,200 home, approximately $3,967 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Lyon County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Lyon County are handled by the Lyon 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 Lyon 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 0.92% shown here. Contact the Lyon 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