How Property Tax Works
Pulaski County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, school districts, fire protection, ambulance services, and other essential community functions. Property taxes in Missouri are collected at the county level and distributed to various taxing jurisdictions including school districts, municipalities, fire districts, ambulance districts, and library districts based on where your property is located.
Property tax rates in Pulaski County vary significantly by location within the county due to the overlay of different special taxing districts. While Missouri's statewide average effective tax rate is approximately 1%, your actual rate depends on which school district, fire district, ambulance district, and other special districts serve your property. The county assessor determines assessed values, typically at 19% of market value for residential properties, while individual taxing authorities set their levy rates within state-mandated limits.
Actual tax rates can range from under 1% to over 2% of assessed value depending on your specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. It's important to note that most tax credits and assessment limitations require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property tax bill.