Marion County, IA Property Tax: $2,727/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Marion County is 1.29% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $211,100, that works out to about $2,723 per year, or $227 per month. Marion County is located in central Iowa, with Knoxville as its county seat, and is home to approximately 33,551 residents.
About Marion County
Marion County covers approximately 554.5 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 33,551 residents living in roughly 14,268 housing units, of which 73.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $78,059, and the median home was built in 1975.
The county seat is Knoxville. Marion County borders Jasper County, Lucas County, Mahaska County, Monroe County, Polk 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 Marion County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Marion County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion County, IA | 1.29% | $211,100 | $2,723 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $2,829* |
| Jasper County | 1.42% | $176,800 | $2,518 |
| Lucas County | 1.48% | $117,000 | $1,732 |
| Mahaska County | 1.39% | $140,900 | $1,956 |
| Monroe County | 1.52% | $135,900 | $2,065 |
| Polk County | 1.76% | $248,400 | $4,364 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Marion County's median home value of $211,100. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Marion County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.29%, Marion County is lower than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $211,100, that means about $2,723 per year — versus $2,829 at the state average rate, a difference of $106 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Marion County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Marion County?
For a home at the county median value of $211,100, the annual property tax in Marion County is approximately $2,723 — or about $227 per month. For a home worth $316,650, expect around $4,085 per year. For a $422,200 home, approximately $5,446 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Marion County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Marion County are handled by the Marion County Assessor's office in Knoxville. 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 Marion 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 1.29% shown here. Contact the Marion 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