How Property Tax Works
Peoria County, Illinois operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, municipal services, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local government services, with the Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) providing some limitations on tax levy increases.
The effective property tax rate in Peoria County varies significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping taxing districts. All property except farmland and coal is assessed at 33.33% of fair market value as determined by the County Assessor. Property owners should note that their actual tax rate depends on their specific combination of taxing districts, which may include school districts, municipalities, townships, park districts, library districts, and other special service areas.
Property tax rates and special district combinations mean that two similar properties in different areas of Peoria County can have substantially different tax bills. The county provides detailed tax bill breakdowns showing each taxing body's contribution to the total tax liability.