Updated 2025 Tax Year

Thurston County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources

8 min read

Calculate Your True Cost Mortgage Calculator

Quick Facts

Tax Rate

Approximately 1% effective rate, varies by location due to overlapping special taxing districts

1st Due

Apr 30

2nd Due

Oct 31

Exemptions

4+ Available

Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Thurston County, Nebraska operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and various special districts. Property owners in the county can expect an effective tax rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal services.

The county assesses properties at 100% of market value, with no statutory assessment cap limiting annual increases. Property taxes are collected on a split-payment schedule, with the first half due April 30th and the second half due October 31st each year. All property owners should be aware that tax rates can vary substantially based on which special taxing districts serve their property, making location-specific calculations essential for accurate tax planning.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component	Rate (per $100)	Description
County General	$0.25-0.35	Basic county services, administration
School District	$0.45-0.65	Local school operations and bonds
Community College	$0.08-0.12	Regional community college support
Agricultural Extension	$0.02-0.04	County extension services
Special Districts	$0.10-0.30	Fire, NRD, municipal services
Total Range	$0.90-1.46	Varies by location within county

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2024 (payable in 2025) and represent typical ranges. Actual rates vary significantly based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Contact the Thurston County Assessor for your exact tax rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment

Apr 30

Delinquent after Dec 10

Second Installment

Oct 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 Thurston County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year, a supplemental tax bill is issued to capture the additional tax liability for the remaining portion of the year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in September and your local tax rate is $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, you would owe approximately $600 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 × 0.012) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and become due immediately upon receipt.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

Assessed Value: $300,000
Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$45,000
Net Taxable Value: $255,000
Annual Tax (@ $1.20/$100): $3,060
Monthly Escrow: $255

Example 2: $600,000 Home

Assessed Value: $600,000
Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$45,000
Net Taxable Value: $555,000
Annual Tax (@ $1.20/$100): $6,660
Monthly Escrow: $555

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

Assessed Value: $1,000,000
Less Homestead Credit (if applied): -$45,000
Net Taxable Value: $955,000
Annual Tax (@ $1.20/$100): $11,460
Monthly Escrow: $955

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and limits assessment increases rather than providing a flat reduction. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within the county.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now

Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Thurston County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual tax bill plus a small cushion. Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to the county treasurer on the April 30th and October 31st due dates. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing collected amounts, paid taxes, and any required adjustments.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after applying for tax credits or following property improvements. If your tax bill changes significantly due to reassessment or credit applications, contact your lender immediately to adjust escrow payments and avoid year-end shortfalls or overpayments that could affect your monthly mortgage payment.

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 property taxes due in Thurston County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by April 30th and second half by October 31st each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit, which requires annual application by June 30th. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value and is NOT automatic - you must file annually to maintain eligibility.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping growth at 3-5% per year. You must apply annually by June 30th and the property must be your primary residence as of January 1st.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Thurston County conducts annual assessments with periodic comprehensive revaluations. Market value adjustments occur yearly based on sales data and market conditions.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges at the statutory rate (typically 14% annually) plus potential additional penalties. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Thurston County typically offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Check the official county website for current payment portal information.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, natural resource districts, and municipalities, each with their own tax levies that combine to create your total rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the County Board of Equalization by June 30th following the assessment. You'll need comparable sales data and evidence supporting your position on market value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

Tax Doc

2025 Public Tax Sale Informationthurstoncountyne.gov

Tax Doc

2024 public tax sale informationthurstoncountyne.gov

Treasurerthurstoncountywa.gov

Servicesthurstoncountyne.gov

Table 26D 2023 Homestead Exemption - Average ...revenue.nebraska.gov

County

thurston county board of supervisors proceedingthurstoncountyne.gov

Audit 2020-2021thurstoncountyne.gov

Final - Project Review - IIS Windows Server - City of Yelmlf.yelmwa.gov

Audit Report June 30 2018thurstoncountyne.gov

All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your Scenario Try Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate

Thurston CountyProperty Tax Guide