Van Buren County, IA Property Tax: $1,427/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Van Buren County is 1.20% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $118,800, that works out to about $1,426 per year, or $119 per month. Van Buren County is located in southeastern Iowa, and is home to approximately 7,236 residents.
About Van Buren County
Van Buren County covers approximately 484.8 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 7,236 residents living in roughly 3,506 housing units, of which 68.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $60,183, and the median home was built in 1971.
Van Buren County borders Davis County, Henry County, Jefferson County, Lee County, Wapello 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 Van Buren County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Van Buren County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Buren County, IA | 1.20% | $118,800 | $1,426 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $1,592* |
| Davis County | 1.52% | $146,000 | $2,217 |
| Henry County | 1.61% | $148,600 | $2,394 |
| Jefferson County | 1.49% | $161,200 | $2,397 |
| Lee County | 1.50% | $123,600 | $1,855 |
| Wapello County | 1.64% | $112,900 | $1,854 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Van Buren County's median home value of $118,800. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Van Buren County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.20%, Van Buren County is lower than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $118,800, that means about $1,426 per year — versus $1,592 at the state average rate, a difference of $166 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Van Buren County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Van Buren County?
For a home at the county median value of $118,800, the annual property tax in Van Buren County is approximately $1,426 — or about $119 per month. For a home worth $178,200, expect around $2,138 per year. For a $237,600 home, approximately $2,851 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Van Buren County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Van Buren County are handled by the Van Buren 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 Van Buren 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 1.20% shown here. Contact the Van Buren 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