There is only one reason for property tax increases – local government spending.
Find out how local government spending has impacted YOUR property tax bill by clicking on “City”, “County”, or “School District” at the top of this page.
* Only cities with a population greater than 1,000 or are a county seat are included on this website.
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When local elected officials choose to spend more and raise property taxes, they need to clearly explain why government needs the money more than the people they represent.
The information provided on ITR Local is intended to help start a conversation with the people who determine how much you pay in property taxes: your local school board, city council, and county supervisors.
Iowans expect quality public services at a reasonable cost.
However, property taxes in Iowa are growing faster than they should. Use the information on this site to learn more about your community, share with your neighbors, and start a conversation with your city council, county supervisors, and school board.
What is reasonable? A reasonable property tax growth rate is one that is close to the combined percent change of inflation and population.
The chart below shows the total property taxes collected by local governments across Iowa have grown much faster than the state’s population and inflation.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Iowa Legislative Services Agency. Calculations by ITR Local.
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