Webster County, IA Property Tax: $2,047/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Webster County is 1.48% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $138,500, that works out to about $2,050 per year, or $171 per month. Webster County is located in central Iowa, and is home to approximately 36,848 residents.
About Webster County
Webster County covers approximately 715.7 square miles in Iowa. The county is home to about 36,848 residents living in roughly 17,053 housing units, of which 64.3% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $68,054, and the median home was built in 1957.
Webster County borders Boone County, Calhoun County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Humboldt 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 Webster County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Webster County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webster County, IA | 1.48% | $138,500 | $2,050 |
| Iowa state average | 1.34% | — | $1,856* |
| Boone County | 1.43% | $191,200 | $2,741 |
| Calhoun County | 1.32% | $114,400 | $1,506 |
| Greene County | 1.20% | $140,500 | $1,682 |
| Hamilton County | 1.37% | $132,300 | $1,807 |
| Humboldt County | 1.29% | $146,900 | $1,889 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Webster County's median home value of $138,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Webster County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Iowa?
At 1.48%, Webster County is higher than the Iowa state average of 1.34%. On a home at the county median of $138,500, that means about $2,050 per year — versus $1,856 at the state average rate, a difference of $194 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Webster County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Webster County?
For a home at the county median value of $138,500, the annual property tax in Webster County is approximately $2,050 — or about $171 per month. For a home worth $207,750, expect around $3,075 per year. For a $277,000 home, approximately $4,100 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Webster County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Webster County are handled by the Webster 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 Webster 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 1.48% shown here. Contact the Webster 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