Waseca County, MN Property Tax: $2,537/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Waseca County is 1.19% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $213,200, that works out to about $2,537 per year, or $211 per month. Waseca County is located in southern Minnesota, and is home to approximately 18,958 residents.
About Waseca County
Waseca County covers approximately 423.4 square miles in Minnesota. The county is home to about 18,958 residents living in roughly 7,910 housing units, of which 75.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $75,052, and the median home was built in 1970.
Waseca County borders Blue Earth County, Faribault County, Freeborn County, Le Sueur County, Rice County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Minnesota
Property taxes in Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Waseca County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Waseca County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waseca County, MN | 1.19% | $213,200 | $2,537 |
| Minnesota state average | 0.97% | — | $2,068* |
| Blue Earth County | 0.98% | $252,800 | $2,487 |
| Faribault County | 1.05% | $120,200 | $1,263 |
| Freeborn County | 1.06% | $164,900 | $1,750 |
| Le Sueur County | 1.08% | $287,700 | $3,119 |
| Rice County | 0.97% | $298,500 | $2,899 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Waseca County's median home value of $213,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Waseca County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Minnesota?
At 1.19%, Waseca County is higher than the Minnesota state average of 0.97%. On a home at the county median of $213,200, that means about $2,537 per year — versus $2,068 at the state average rate, a difference of $469 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Waseca County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Waseca County?
For a home at the county median value of $213,200, the annual property tax in Waseca County is approximately $2,537 — or about $211 per month. For a home worth $319,800, expect around $3,806 per year. For a $426,400 home, approximately $5,074 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Waseca County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Waseca County are handled by the Waseca 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 Waseca County?
Minnesota 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 1.19% shown here. Contact the Waseca 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