HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Crawford County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Crawford County, IA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district due to school districts, city levies, and special districts; 10% increase projected for 2025
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Crawford County, Iowa operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the county assessing taxes based on the assessed value of real property within its boundaries.

For the 2025 tax year, Crawford County is experiencing a projected 10% increase in property tax rates compared to 2024, driven by anticipated property value growth and increased funding needs. The effective tax rate in Crawford County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, city levies, rural fire districts, and other local improvement districts. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and the taxing jurisdictions that serve their property.

Property tax bills in Crawford County are due annually by December 31st, with the County Treasurer's Office handling all collections and inquiries. The county uses a market value assessment system with various tax credits available to qualifying property owners, though these credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General FundVariesBasic county services, roads, administration
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education funding
City/MunicipalVariesCity services (applicable in incorporated areas)
Rural ServicesVariesRural fire protection, rural basic services
Agricultural ExtensionVariesCounty extension services
Emergency ManagementVariesEmergency services and disaster preparedness
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage districts, rural improvement districts

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Exact rates vary significantly by location within Crawford County depending on which combination of taxing districts serve each property. Rural properties typically have different rate combinations than urban properties. The county's total taxable valuation includes approximately $988 million in rural areas and $427 million in urban areas.

Contact the Crawford County Assessor's Office at (712) 263-2648 for specific rate information for your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Crawford County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Sep 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Mar 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Crawford County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual billing cycle. These are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year, most commonly new construction, major improvements, or ownership changes that result in a reassessment.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year from when the change took effect.

Example: If you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your property tax rate is 2%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 × 2% = $1,000) × (9 months remaining ÷ 12 months = 75%) = $750 supplemental tax due. This would be billed separately from your regular December property tax bill and typically due within 30 days of the supplemental bill date.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,150
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated with 10% increase)
  • Annual Tax: $6,493
  • Monthly: $541

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated with 10% increase)
  • Annual Tax: $13,093
  • Monthly: $1,091

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,150
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated with 10% increase)
  • Annual Tax: $21,893
  • Monthly: $1,824

Note: These examples assume qualification for homestead credit, which requires application and Iowa residency. Actual rates vary by specific location within Crawford County. Senior citizens (65+) may qualify for additional exemptions under House File 718 (2023).

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Crawford County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects approximately 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account.

Since Crawford County property taxes are due December 31st annually, lenders typically pay your tax bill directly to the County Treasurer's Office from your escrow account in late December. After payment, your lender will provide you with documentation showing the tax payment was made on your behalf.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement, especially given Crawford County's projected 10% tax increase for 2025. If your property taxes increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments. You can verify that your taxes were paid by contacting the Crawford County Treasurer's Office at (712) 263-2648 or checking their online payment system. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Crawford County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due annually by December 31, 2025. The Crawford County Treasurer's Office handles all collections.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the homestead credit for Iowa residents who own and occupy their property. You must apply once with the County Assessor - it's not automatic. Applications received after July 1 apply to the next assessment year. Contact (712) 263-2648 for applications.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year, typically around 10%. You must be an Iowa resident, file Iowa income taxes, and occupy the property as your primary residence.

Q: Are there special credits for seniors? A: Yes, Iowa residents age 65 or older may qualify for additional homestead tax exemptions under House File 718 (2023). This is in addition to the regular homestead credit but requires a separate application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Crawford County? A: Iowa law requires properties to be assessed annually, but physical inspections typically occur every 4-6 years unless triggered by sales, construction, or appeals.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Crawford County Board of Review. Appeals must typically be filed by May 1st following the assessment year. Contact the Assessor's Office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Iowa law allows counties to charge interest and penalties on delinquent property taxes. Contact the Treasurer's Office at (712) 263-2648 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Crawford County Treasurer's Office at Treasurer@crawfordcounty.iowa.gov or (712) 263-2648 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my taxes increase 10% for 2025? A: Crawford County approved a projected 10% increase for 2025 based on anticipated property value growth and increased funding needs for county services, schools, and special districts.

Q: Do military veterans qualify for tax credits? A: Yes, Iowa offers military service tax exemptions, which were increased under House File 718 (2023). Contact the County Assessor to apply and determine eligibility requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Taxable Valuations By Levy Authority & Countycrawfordcounty.iowa.gov
02
Local Government Property Valuation Systemcrawfordcounty.iowa.gov
03
Tax Doc
PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Fiscal Year July 1, 2024crawfordcounty.iowa.gov
04
County
Treasurer of Crawford County, Iowacrawfordcounty.iowa.gov
05
Dashboard - Iowa Legislaturelegis.iowa.gov
06
County
Frequently Asked Questions for Crawford County, Iowacrawfordcounty.iowa.gov
07
File a Homestead Exemptioniowa.gov
08
Tax Doc
Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption | Department of Revenuerevenue.iowa.gov
09
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF IOWA No. 19-0674 EMMET ...iowacourts.gov
10
Tax Doc
JANUARY 1, 2021 TAXABLE VALUATIONScrawfordcounty.iowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate