How Property Tax Works
Pottawatomie County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county levies property tax each October 1 on the assessed value of real and personal property as of January 1. For the 2025 tax year, the effective property tax rate is approximately 1.495%, though this varies significantly by location within the county.
Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts your property falls within, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal service areas. These special districts can add additional millage to your base county rate, meaning two properties of identical value in different parts of Pottawatomie County may have substantially different tax bills. The county assessor determines assessed values annually, typically at fair market value, with no statewide assessment ratio cap.
Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and applicable districts with the Pottawatomie County Assessor's office, as rates can change annually based on local budget needs and voter-approved measures. All property tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your assessment.