Scott County, IA Property Tax: $3,221/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Scott County is 1.52% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $212,500, that works out to about $3,230 per year, or $269 per month. Scott County is located in eastern Iowa, and is home to approximately 174,302 residents.
About Scott County
Scott County covers approximately 458.1 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 174,302 residents living in roughly 78,130 housing units, of which 64.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $76,363, and the median home was built in 1972.
Scott County borders Rock Island County, Cedar County, Clinton County, Muscatine 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 Scott County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Scott County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott County, IA | 1.52% | $212,500 | $3,230 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $2,848* |
| Rock Island County | 2.33% | $144,700 | $3,372 |
| Cedar County | 1.22% | $199,700 | $2,433 |
| Clinton County | 1.55% | $153,800 | $2,382 |
| Muscatine County | 1.55% | $172,400 | $2,667 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Scott County's median home value of $212,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Scott County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.52%, Scott County is higher than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $212,500, that means about $3,230 per year — versus $2,848 at the state average rate, a difference of $382 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Scott County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Scott County?
For a home at the county median value of $212,500, the annual property tax in Scott County is approximately $3,230 — or about $269 per month. For a home worth $318,750, expect around $4,845 per year. For a $425,000 home, approximately $6,460 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Scott County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Scott County are handled by the Scott 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 Scott 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 1.52% shown here. Contact the Scott 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