Des Moines, IA Property Tax Rates
Compare property tax rates across 11 ZIP codes in Des Moines, Iowa.
Avg Tax Rate
1.77%
Avg Annual Tax
$3,682
Avg Home Value
$207,264
ZIP Codes
11
Property Tax Overview: Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has 11 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 1.77%, which is 38% above the Iowa average of 1.28%. Annual property taxes range from $2,033 (ZIP 50314) to $5,481 (ZIP 50312).
For a home at Des Moines's median value of $207,264, property taxes add approximately $305/month to housing costs. Des Moines home values are above the Iowa median of $164,780, meaning the monthly tax impact is correspondingly higher.
Property tax rates within Des Moines vary by 0.61 percentage points across its ZIP codes. This variation typically reflects different school district boundaries, special assessment zones, and municipal service areas within the city.
ZIP Codes in Des Moines, IA
| ZIP Code | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50314 | 1.39% | $2,033 | $146,700 |
| 50309 | 1.39% | $3,987 | $286,900 |
| 50317 | 1.73% | $2,850 | $165,200 |
| 50313 | 1.73% | $2,797 | $161,800 |
| 50320 | 1.76% | $3,655 | $207,700 |
| 50316 | 1.77% | $2,426 | $137,300 |
| 50311 | 1.82% | $4,139 | $228,000 |
| 50315 | 1.92% | $3,141 | $164,000 |
| 50321 | 1.95% | $5,736 | $294,100 |
| 50310 | 1.99% | $4,260 | $213,800 |
| 50312 | 2.00% | $5,481 | $274,400 |
Des Moines vs Iowa Average
Effective Tax Rate
38% above state average
Annual Property Tax
Median Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Des Moines, IA?
The average effective property tax rate in Des Moines, Iowa is 1.77%, based on 11 ZIP codes.
How much is property tax in Des Moines, IA?
The average median annual property tax in Des Moines is $3,682 per year, with a median home value of $207,264.
Which ZIP code in Des Moines has the lowest property tax rate?
ZIP code 50314 has the lowest effective tax rate in Des Moines at 1.39%, with a median annual tax of $2,033.
How many ZIP codes are in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines, Iowa has 11 ZIP codes with property tax data available.
Which ZIP code in Des Moines has the highest property tax rate?
ZIP code 50312 has the highest effective tax rate in Des Moines at 2.00%, with a median annual tax of $5,481.
How do Des Moines property taxes compare to the Iowa average?
Des Moines's average effective rate of 1.77% is 38% above the Iowa state average of 1.28%.
What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in Des Moines?
Property tax rate differences within Des Moines are typically driven by school district boundaries (which can account for 40–60% of a tax bill), special assessment zones for fire, water, or transit services, and whether a ZIP falls within city limits or an unincorporated area. Each taxing jurisdiction sets its own rate, which is why adjacent ZIP codes can have noticeably different effective rates.
Tips for Des Moines Homeowners
- •Appeal your assessment: If your home is assessed higher than its market value, you can file a property tax appeal. Studies suggest 30–60% of properties are over-assessed. Most counties offer a free informal review process.
- •Check your exemptions: Homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable value and are available to primary residents in most states. Senior, veteran, and disability exemptions may also apply. Exemptions must typically be applied for — they are not automatic.
- •Know your assessment cycle: Iowa reassesses properties periodically. After buying a home, your next tax bill may reflect a new assessment based on your purchase price. Budget accordingly, especially if you bought above prior assessed values.
- •Compare ZIP codes before buying: Even within Des Moines, effective tax rates can vary significantly across ZIP codes due to different school district overlays. Use PropertyTaxByZip to compare specific ZIPs before choosing a neighborhood.
Looking for county-level property tax data? View Polk County on TaxByCounty.com
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA level). ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.
Estimates are informational only and should not be used as financial or legal advice.