West Des Moines, IA Property Tax Rates
Compare property tax rates across 2 ZIP codes in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Avg Tax Rate
1.60%
Avg Annual Tax
$4,739
Avg Home Value
$296,350
ZIP Codes
2
Property Tax Overview: West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 1.60%, which is 25% above the Iowa average of 1.28%. Annual property taxes range from $5,128 (ZIP 50266) to $4,349 (ZIP 50265).
For a home at West Des Moines's median value of $296,350, property taxes add approximately $395/month to housing costs. West Des Moines home values are above the Iowa median of $164,780, meaning the monthly tax impact is correspondingly higher.
Property tax rates within West Des Moines vary by 0.05 percentage points across its ZIP codes. This variation typically reflects different school district boundaries, special assessment zones, and municipal service areas within the city.
West Des Moines vs Iowa Average
Effective Tax Rate
25% above state average
Annual Property Tax
Median Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in West Des Moines, IA?
The average effective property tax rate in West Des Moines, Iowa is 1.60%, based on 2 ZIP codes.
How much is property tax in West Des Moines, IA?
The average median annual property tax in West Des Moines is $4,739 per year, with a median home value of $296,350.
Which ZIP code in West Des Moines has the lowest property tax rate?
ZIP code 50266 has the lowest effective tax rate in West Des Moines at 1.58%, with a median annual tax of $5,128.
How many ZIP codes are in West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines, Iowa has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data available.
Which ZIP code in West Des Moines has the highest property tax rate?
ZIP code 50265 has the highest effective tax rate in West Des Moines at 1.63%, with a median annual tax of $4,349.
How do West Des Moines property taxes compare to the Iowa average?
West Des Moines's average effective rate of 1.60% is 25% above the Iowa state average of 1.28%.
What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in West Des Moines?
Property tax rate differences within West 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 West 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 West 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.