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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Stearns County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Stearns 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
Average 1.25% countywide for 2025, varies by municipality and school district
1st Due
May 15
2nd Due
Oct 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Stearns County, Minnesota fund essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. The county assesses properties at their estimated market value, then applies various tax rates from different jurisdictions including the county, cities, townships, school districts, and special taxing districts. Based on current data, the overall effective property tax rate in Stearns County is approximately 1.25% for 2025, though this represents a countywide average.

It's important to understand that your actual tax rate will vary depending on your specific location within Stearns County. Different municipalities, school districts, and special taxing districts (such as watershed districts, library districts, or economic development authorities) can significantly impact your total tax bill. Properties in the same neighborhood may have different rates based on which special districts serve that area.

Property taxes in Stearns County are administered by the County Assessor's office, which determines assessed values, and the County Treasurer's office, which handles tax collection and payment processing. The tax system operates on a calendar year basis, with assessments reflecting market values as of January 2nd of each tax year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
County General Levy0.25%County operations, services, infrastructure
School District Levy0.60%K-12 education funding (varies by district)
Municipal Levy0.25%City/township services, local infrastructure
Special Districts0.15%Libraries, watersheds, economic development
Total Effective Rate1.25%Combined rate for levy year 2025

Note: These rates are estimates for levy year 2025 and vary significantly by location within Stearns County. Your actual tax rate depends on your specific municipality, school district, and which special taxing districts serve your property. School district levies can range from 0.40% to 0.80% depending on the district. Some properties may have additional special assessments for improvements like street lighting, sewer districts, or TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts.

Properties located in different cities within Stearns County will have different municipal rates, and the 16+ school districts serving the county each have their own levy rates approved annually by voters and school boards.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Stearns 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 Minnesota are relatively uncommon compared to some other states, as the state follows an annual assessment and billing cycle. However, supplemental assessments may occur in specific circumstances such as when new construction is completed after the January 2nd assessment date, when property improvements are discovered that weren't included in the original assessment, or when assessment corrections are made.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they're calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the corrected assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for that levy year. The supplemental tax covers the portion of the tax year from when the change should have been effective.

For example, if a $100,000 home addition was completed in March but wasn't captured in the January assessment, and the total tax rate is 1.25%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,250 × (9 months ÷ 12 months) = $937.50. Property owners receive separate billing for supplemental taxes with specific due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit: -$76,000 (applied to first $76,000 of value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $224,000
  • Annual Tax (1.25%): $2,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $233

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit: -$76,000 (maximum credit applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $524,000
  • Annual Tax (1.25%): $6,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $546

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Market Value Credit: -$76,000 (maximum credit applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $924,000
  • Annual Tax (1.25%): $11,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $963

Important: The Homestead Market Value Credit requires annual application and limits how much your home's taxable value can increase year-over-year, providing tax relief for primary residences. These examples assume qualification for this credit, which is not automatic and must be filed with the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Stearns County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. The lender holds these funds and pays your property taxes directly to Stearns County when they're due. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and may require a cushion of 2-3 months of tax payments.

Property taxes in Stearns County are payable in two installments: the first half is typically due by May 15th, and the second half by October 15th (with the second half due October 15, 2025 for the current tax year). Lenders usually pay each installment a few days before the due date to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties.

You'll receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account activity and any adjustments needed. If property taxes increase significantly due to rising assessed values or levy increases, your monthly escrow payment may increase. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly by checking with the Stearns County Treasurer's office, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Stearns County for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by May 15, 2025, and second half by October 15, 2025. Payments received after these dates incur penalty charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The main credit is the Homestead Market Value Credit for primary residences, which requires annual application by December 31st. Additional credits may include Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral, Disabled Veteran Homestead Market Value Exclusion, and Agricultural Land Credits - all requiring separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Market Value Credit doesn't reduce your home's market value but limits how much your home's taxable value can increase each year (typically capped at 10% annually). It applies to the first $76,000 of your home's value and must be filed annually - it's not automatic.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 2nd, with assessment notices typically mailed in March. You can appeal your assessment to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (usually meeting in April) or the County Board of Appeal and Equalization (typically meeting in June).

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalty charges starting the day after the due date. First half payments received after May 15th and second half payments after October 15th are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Stearns County offers online payment options including free E-Check payments and credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) with a 2.5% service fee. Scheduled payment options are also available through the county's online system.

Q: Why do property taxes vary within Stearns County? A: Tax rates vary based on your specific location's combination of municipal levies, school district rates, and special taxing districts. Properties just miles apart may have significantly different rates depending on which jurisdictions serve that area.

Q: What if I disagree with special district taxes on my bill? A: Special district taxes are set by independent taxing authorities like watershed districts, library boards, or economic development authorities. Contact the specific district directly for questions about their levies, or appeal through the same process as property value appeals.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Stearns County 0.375% Sales and Use Taxrevenue.state.mn.us
02
Tax Doc
Tax Aids, Credits and Refunds (Minnesota Department of Revenue ...lrl.mn.gov
03
County
Cost | Stearns County, MN - Official Websitestearnscountymn.gov
04
County
Stearns County, MN - Official Websitestearnscountymn.gov
05
County
Stearns County, MN - Official Websitestearnscountymn.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Due Datesstearnscountymn.gov
07
County
Homestead | Stearns County, MN - Official Websitestearnscountymn.gov
08
County
Exemptions | Stearns County, MN - Official Websitestearnscountymn.gov
09
eo_mn.csvirs.gov
10
County
Financial Programs | Stearns County, MN - Official Websitestearnscountymn.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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