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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Woodbury County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1% average, varies by taxing district combination (city, school, county, special districts)
1st Due
Sep 30
2nd Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Woodbury County, Iowa operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, emergency services, roads, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the total tax rate, which varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts including city, school district, county, and special service areas.

The effective tax rate in Woodbury County typically ranges around Iowa's statewide average of approximately 1%, though this varies significantly based on your specific location and the taxing districts that serve your property. For the 2025 tax year, property values are projected to increase by 10% countywide, which may impact your total tax bill. Properties are assessed annually by the Woodbury County Assessor's Office, with taxes becoming due in two installments each year.

Your actual tax rate depends on which school district, city (if applicable), and special taxing districts serve your property location. This means two properties with identical assessed values can have different tax bills based on their geographic location within Woodbury County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
County General~$4.50 per $1,000Basic county services, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictVariableVaries by district - typically largest component
City LevyVariableCity services (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariableLibrary, emergency services, drainage districts
Total Rate Range~$25-35 per $1,000Combined rate varies by location

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025 levy year. The research indicates a projected 10% increase in property tax rates for 2025 compared to the current year. Exact rates vary significantly based on your specific taxing districts - rural properties typically have lower total rates than urban properties due to fewer overlapping districts.

Special taxing districts within Woodbury County can include library districts, emergency services, drainage districts, and other special assessments that only apply to properties within their boundaries.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Woodbury 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 Woodbury County are additional assessments that may be levied during the fiscal year for specific purposes. Based on the research data, the county utilizes supplemental levies to address budget needs, including measures to reduce property tax burden in certain cases.

For FY 2025, supplemental levies have been implemented with varying impacts across different taxing districts. These supplemental taxes are calculated based on the same assessed value as your regular property taxes but apply additional rates for specific purposes such as capital improvements, emergency services, or debt service.

Example: If your property has an assessed value of $200,000 and a supplemental levy of $1.00 per $1,000 is imposed for emergency services, you would owe an additional $200 in supplemental taxes for that year. These supplemental amounts are typically included in your regular tax bill and follow the same payment schedule.

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: $28.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,264
  • Monthly Escrow: $688

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$4,850 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,150
  • Tax Rate: $30.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $17,855
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,488

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: $32.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $31,845
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,654

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts. Higher-value properties typically face higher combined rates due to location in areas with more taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Woodbury County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property taxes with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in escrow to pay your tax bills when due.

Escrow payments are made directly to the Woodbury County Treasurer in September for the first half payment and March for the second half payment. Your lender will receive tax statements and handle payments automatically. However, you should verify that payments are made timely, as you remain ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow.

At least once annually, your lender will analyze your escrow account and adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and projected changes. Given the projected 10% increase in Woodbury County property taxes for 2025, expect potential escrow payment increases. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus, with shortages typically spread over 12 months in addition to the new payment amount.

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 Woodbury County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Property taxes can be paid in full by September 1st, or split into two installments: first half due September 1st, second half due March 1st. The first half becomes delinquent October 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application and is NOT automatic. There's also a senior citizen exemption for property owners 65+ that takes $3,250 off taxable value for qualifying applicants. All credits require application - contact the Woodbury County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It provides tax relief by capping how much your assessment can increase year-over-year, but you must apply annually to receive this benefit.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Delinquent taxes incur penalties. The first half becomes delinquent October 1st if not paid by September 1st. Contact the Woodbury County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties in Iowa are assessed annually. The Woodbury County Assessor's office reviews property values each year, with a projected 10% average increase for 2025.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments. Contact the Woodbury County Assessor's office for appeal deadlines and procedures, typically in the spring following assessment notices.

Q: Are there online payment options? A: Check with the Woodbury County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Woodbury County? A: Tax rates vary based on taxing districts serving your property location, including different school districts, cities, and special service districts like libraries or emergency services.

Q: What's the deadline to apply for the senior citizen exemption? A: Applicants must be 65+ on January 1st of the application year. Contact the Woodbury County Assessor's office for specific application deadlines and required documentation.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services like libraries, emergency services, or drainage systems. Only properties within district boundaries pay these taxes, which appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY Fiscal Year July 1, 2025woodburycountyiowa.gov
02
2025 4% appendix listopportunityiowa.gov
03
FY 2026 Budget - Operationswww3.scottcountyiowa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxes Payment Methods & Due Dateswoodburycountyiowa.gov
05
Frequently Asked Questions - Treasurerwoodburycountyiowa.gov
06
State
Property Taxes Tax Statements & Delinquent Tax Noticeswoodburycountyiowa.gov
07
Credits and Exemptions - City Assessorwoodburycountyiowa.gov
08
Tax Doc
House Bill 718: Homestead Exemption for Taxpayers 65 or ...woodburycountyiowa.gov
09
County
Property Tax Credits - Treasurer - Woodbury County, Iowawoodburycountyiowa.gov
10
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENTwoodburycountyiowa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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