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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Pope County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Pope County, MN. 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
1.0% to 1.5% of market value for residential homestead properties, varies by taxing district combination
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Pope County, Minnesota operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, townships, cities, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these local jurisdictions, with the county serving as the collection agent for all taxing authorities within its boundaries.

The effective property tax rate in Pope County varies by location due to different combinations of taxing districts, but generally ranges around 1.0% to 1.5% of market value for residential homestead properties. Your actual tax rate depends on which city, school district, and special taxing districts (such as hospital districts, watershed districts, or fire districts) serve your property location. The county assessor determines market value annually, while each taxing jurisdiction sets its own levy, creating the final tax rate applied to your property.

Property owners should note that tax rates and assessments can vary significantly between different areas of Pope County due to the overlay of various special taxing districts, making location-specific calculations essential for accurate tax planning.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Levy Year 2025 Property Tax Components:

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Residential Homestead Base1.00%Applied to first $500,000 of homestead value
Residential Homestead (Over $500,000)VariesHigher tier rate for homestead value exceeding $500,000
County General LevyVaries by townshipFunds county services, roads, law enforcement
School District LevyVaries by districtOperating funds and voter-approved bonds/levies
City/Township LevyVaries by municipalityLocal government services
Special District LeviesVaries by locationHospital districts, watershed, fire protection, etc.

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year (taxes payable in 2025). Actual rates vary significantly by location within Pope County due to different combinations of school districts, cities, townships, and special taxing districts. Contact the Pope County Assessor's office for location-specific rate calculations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
May 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 15
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 Pope County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, valuation, or classification that weren't captured in the regular assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction completion, property splits or combinations, changes in homestead status, or corrections to previous assessments.

These supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed for the affected period. For example, if new construction is completed in March but wasn't reflected in the January assessment, a supplemental bill would cover the additional taxes owed from March through December of that tax year.

Example: If you complete a $100,000 home addition in June that increases your property's assessed value, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately 7 months (June-December) of additional taxes on that $100,000 increase. At a 1.2% effective rate, this would result in a supplemental bill of roughly $700 ($100,000 × 0.012 × 7/12 months).

Example Calculation

Property Tax Calculations for Levy Year 2025:

Example 1: $300,000 Homestead Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Reduces taxable amount
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$285,000 (after homestead classification)
  • Effective Tax Rate: 1.1% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $3,135
  • Monthly Escrow: $261

Example 2: $600,000 Homestead Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: First $500,000 at homestead rate, remainder at higher rate
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$570,000 (after homestead classification)
  • Effective Tax Rate: 1.15% (average, varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $6,555
  • Monthly Escrow: $546

Example 3: $1,000,000 Homestead Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Tiered classification rates
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$950,000 (after homestead classification)
  • Effective Tax Rate: 1.2% (average, varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $11,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $950

Important Notes: Credits shown require annual application and approval. Homestead classification must be filed with the county. Actual rates vary by specific taxing district combination in your area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Pope County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums, holding these funds in a non-interest-bearing escrow account.

Pope County property taxes are due in two installments: May 15 and October 15 each year. Your mortgage servicer will pay these bills directly from your escrow account. Lenders typically maintain a 2-month cushion in the account and perform annual escrow analyses, adjusting your monthly payment if taxes increase or decrease significantly.

You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking the Pope County Treasurer's website or contacting their office directly. If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), you're responsible for making both semi-annual payments on time to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Pope County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: May 15, 2025, and October 15, 2025, for taxes payable in 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Minnesota offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit, Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral, and Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion. All credits require annual application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the county assessor by specified deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce market value but provides preferential classification rates and caps assessment increases. You must apply annually with the Pope County Assessor by December 15, and the property must be your primary residence as of January 2.

Q: When does the county assess property values? A: Pope County assesses all property annually as of January 2. Assessment notices are typically mailed in March, with appeal deadlines in April. The assessment determines your taxes for the following year.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payments incur 8% annual interest (calculated daily) plus potential penalty fees. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may be subject to tax forfeiture proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Pope County offers online payment options through their official website. Accepted methods typically include electronic checks and credit cards (fees may apply for credit card payments).

Q: Why did my taxes increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can occur even with stable assessments due to levy increases by any taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, or special districts) that serves your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Pope County Board of Appeal and Equalization, typically meeting in April. You can also appeal to the Minnesota Tax Court if unsatisfied with the local board's decision.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Classification Rates for Assessment Year 2025popecountymn.gov
02
County
2025 POPE COUNTY PRELIMINARY LEVY SET WITH ...popecountymn.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax 101: Property Tax Variation by Property Typehouse.mn.gov
04
County
Pope County Housing and Redevelopment Authorityauditor.state.mn.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Refund Deadlinepopecountymn.gov
06
Tax Doc
Minnesota Tax Handbook - Minnesota Legislative Reference Librarylrl.mn.gov
07
eo_mn.csvirs.gov
08
Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disabilitypopecountymn.gov
09
County
Building Permit FAQs - Pope County, Minnesotapopecountymn.gov
10
Agendapopecountymn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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