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.
In March 2026, you will receive a proposed property tax levy and public hearing notice. It is confusing and doesn’t let you know how much your property tax bill will increase. So, after you receive this notification in March 2026, use the calculator below to see how your tax bill...
In November 2025, Iowa voters weighed in on 58 local bond proposals, which directly affect property tax bills for up to 20 years, with turnout significantly higher than in other local races. Average turnout for bond elections was 37.1%, more than double the statewide average for city and school elections,...
On Tuesday, November 4, voters across Iowa went to the polls to decide on dozens of local bond proposals representing more than $1.7 billion* in new spending. When the votes were counted, 25 of the 58 measures earned approval, while 33 failed to pass. In total, just over $1 billion...
A tax cut avoided is still a tax increase. A tax cut avoided is still a tax increase. Email or print a PDF of this page. This might take 10-15 seconds....
30-Second Summary: Borrowing Amid High Interest Rates: Despite today’s elevated borrowing costs, Iowa voters face 56 bond proposals totaling over $1.7 billion this November—including 19 repeat requests from local governments that are coming back after recent defeats. When Bonds Are Justified vs. Misused: While bonds can be appropriate for urgent or essential…...
Email or print a PDF of this page. This might take 10-15 seconds.
Email or print a PDF of this page. This might take 10-15 seconds.