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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rock County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rock 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
39.190% of tax capacity, varies by taxing district and municipality
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rock County, Minnesota operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes in Rock County are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate and applied at varying rates depending on the specific taxing districts where the property is located.

For the 2025 tax year, Rock County's property tax rate is projected at 39.190% of tax capacity, though actual effective rates vary significantly based on your property's location within the county. Different areas may be subject to additional assessments from school districts, municipal services, and special taxing districts such as the Rock County Rural Water District. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on the combination of overlapping jurisdictions that serve their property, making it essential to understand which districts apply to your particular location.

The county follows Minnesota's market value assessment system, where properties are evaluated annually based on current market conditions. Tax statements reflect both county-wide levies and district-specific assessments, with the total tax burden varying considerably between rural and municipal areas within Rock County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/AssessmentDescription
Base County Levy39.190% of tax capacityCore county services, administration, public safety
School District LevyVaries by districtEducational funding, varies significantly by school district boundaries
Municipal LevyVaries by city/townshipCity services (where applicable), rural township services
Special AssessmentsVariableRural Water District, drainage districts, other special services
Debt ServiceVaries by bondsSchool bonds, infrastructure bonds, varies by district

Levy Year: These rates apply to taxes payable in 2025 (assessed in 2024).

Important Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly within Rock County based on your property's location and the combination of special taxing districts that serve your area. Properties in different school districts, municipalities, or special service areas will have different total effective rates. Contact the Rock County Assessor's Office to determine the specific rate combination for your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rock 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 Rock County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value outside the regular annual assessment cycle. These are most commonly triggered by new construction completion, major improvements, or corrections to the original assessment.

Common Triggers:

  • Completion of new construction projects
  • Major renovations or additions that increase property value
  • Assessment corrections or appeals that result in higher valuations
  • Previously exempt property becoming taxable

Calculation Method: Supplemental taxes are calculated as the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for your specific location and taxing districts. The supplemental tax covers the period from when the change became effective through the end of the current tax year.

Example: If you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your total effective tax rate is 1.5%, your supplemental tax would be approximately $375 ($50,000 × 0.015 × 0.5 years remaining = $375). This would be billed separately from your regular property tax statement.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$50,000 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.4% (varies by location)
  • Annual Tax: $3,500
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $292

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$50,000 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.5% (varies by location)
  • Annual Tax: $8,250
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $688

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit Application: -$50,000 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.6% (varies by location)
  • Annual Tax: $15,200
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,267

Important Notes: All tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Homestead credits limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Rock County due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rock County require property tax escrow for loans with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a separate escrow account.

Payment Timing: Rock County property taxes for 2025 are due on May 15, September 2, October 15, and November 17. Lenders typically pay the first half (May 15) and then make payments on the remaining due dates as bills become available. Your lender should pay taxes on time to avoid penalties, but you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payments are made.

Escrow Analysis: Lenders must provide annual escrow analysis statements showing payments made, current balance, and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or new special districts, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly.

Verification: Even with escrow, you'll receive property tax statements for your records. Review these carefully to ensure your lender receives and pays them correctly. Contact your lender immediately if you notice any discrepancies or late payment notices.

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: What are the exact due dates for 2025 Rock County property taxes? A: Property taxes for 2025 are due May 15, September 2, October 15, and November 17. The first half of all taxes is due May 15, 2025.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Homestead credits limit annual assessment increases (typically to 10% caps) rather than reducing your home's market value. You must file an application with the Rock County Assessor's Office. Contact them directly for current application deadlines and forms, as these credits are NOT automatic.

Q: How can I pay my property taxes? A: Rock County accepts ACH payments (automatic deduction from your bank account on due dates) and in-person payments at the Auditor-Treasurer's Office in the Rock County Courthouse. Complete an ACH form and provide a voided check to set up automatic payments.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Rock County Auditor-Treasurer's Office for specific penalty rates and deadlines to avoid additional fees.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Rock County? A: Properties are assessed annually based on market value as of January 2nd of the assessment year. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring, with appeal deadlines shortly thereafter.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Rock County Assessor's Office for appeal forms and deadlines. Appeals must typically be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Rock County? A: Different areas are served by different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts (such as the Rural Water District). Your total tax rate depends on the combination of all districts serving your property location.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons? A: Minnesota offers various property tax credits for qualifying seniors, veterans, and disabled persons. All require separate applications with specific income and eligibility requirements. Contact the Rock County Assessor's Office for current programs and application deadlines.

Q: What if my property taxes are escrowed but I still receive tax bills? A: You'll always receive tax statements for your records even with escrow. These help you verify that your lender receives the correct information and pays on time. Keep these statements for your records.

Q: How do special assessments affect my property taxes? A: Special assessments for services like rural water, drainage districts, or infrastructure improvements are added to your regular property tax bill. These vary significantly based on your property's location and the services available in your area.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Property Taxes - Rock County, Minnesotaco.rock.mn.us
02
City Council Agenda - City of Hugoci.hugo.mn.us
03
County
COUNTY ADJUSTED NET BOOK PERSONALrevenue.nebraska.gov
04
County
Public Notice - Lake County, MNco.lake.mn.us
05
County
Rock County, Minnesotaco.rock.mn.us
06
eo_mn.csvirs.gov
07
Homestead Classificationrevenue.state.mn.us
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Programsrevenue.state.mn.us
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Analysisrevenue.state.mn.us
10
County
ROCK COUNTY, MINNESOTA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ...co.rock.mn.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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