Poweshiek County, IA Property Tax: $2,362/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Poweshiek County is 1.28% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $184,200, that works out to about $2,358 per year, or $197 per month. Poweshiek County is located in central Iowa, and is home to approximately 18,582 residents.
About Poweshiek County
Poweshiek County covers approximately 584.9 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 18,582 residents living in roughly 8,946 housing units, of which 61.6% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $64,837, and the median home was built in 1970.
Poweshiek County borders Benton County, Iowa County, Jasper County, Keokuk County, Mahaska 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 Poweshiek County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Poweshiek County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poweshiek County, IA | 1.28% | $184,200 | $2,358 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $2,468* |
| Benton County | 1.32% | $198,400 | $2,627 |
| Iowa County | 1.35% | $189,800 | $2,560 |
| Jasper County | 1.42% | $176,800 | $2,518 |
| Keokuk County | 1.33% | $112,200 | $1,491 |
| Mahaska County | 1.39% | $140,900 | $1,956 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Poweshiek County's median home value of $184,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Poweshiek County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.28%, Poweshiek County is lower than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $184,200, that means about $2,358 per year — versus $2,468 at the state average rate, a difference of $110 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Poweshiek County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Poweshiek County?
For a home at the county median value of $184,200, the annual property tax in Poweshiek County is approximately $2,358 — or about $197 per month. For a home worth $276,300, expect around $3,537 per year. For a $368,400 home, approximately $4,716 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Poweshiek County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Poweshiek County are handled by the Poweshiek 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 Poweshiek 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 1.28% shown here. Contact the Poweshiek 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