Eastern Iowans Face Steep Property Tax Increases Amid Rising Costs

Show of hands; who here watched their property taxes jump an astronomical amount again this year? If you were on the receiving end of a statement, like the one I received, your probably more than a little irked at how your land value could drop, while the value of your home increased anywhere from $10-30K in just a years' time. Funny how that works isn't it?

Iowans have long disliked property taxes, and that sentiment is only intensifying as local governments across the state significantly increase their collections. With the new fiscal year beginning in July, cities, counties, and school districts in Iowa collectively hiked property tax revenues by over six percent, leaving many Eastern Iowans feeling the financial strain.

This year, property taxes in Iowa saw an average increase of 6.6% in cities, 7.6% in counties, and 5.4% in school districts. For residents, this means higher bills at a time when the cost of living is already rising due to expensive gas, groceries, and insurance.

The Iowans for Tax Relief (ITR) Foundation, which advocates for lower taxes and transparent government spending, recently released data on these tax changes. Of the 275 cities evaluated across Iowa, nearly 90% chose to increase their property tax collections, placing a heavier burden on families and businesses.

Eastern Iowa is particularly affected. Cascade (where I live) saw a 34.4% jump in property tax revenue per capita, placing it in the “Unspeakable Pain” category according to ITR’s scale, and placing it in the top 10 for highest rise in property tax statewide. This trend isn’t isolated; towns across the region are experiencing similar increases, with some seeing even steeper hikes. Ackley, for example, recorded a staggering 79.9% increase, the highest in the state.

• 5th Highest: Manly, with a 36.8% increase
• 4th highest: Postville, with a 37.1% increase
• 3rd highest: Wilton, with a 48% increase
• 2nd highest: Stuart, with a 61.4% increase

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“What’s driving these hikes, and what can we do about it?”

The short answer: government spending. Local governments seem to be expanding their budgets without fully considering the impact on taxpayers who are already struggling with inflation. And while there have been some legislative wins recently—like the implementation of a flat income tax, the elimination of inheritance and retirement income taxes, and increased property tax transparency—the reality is that property taxes are still climbing.

For Eastern Iowa residents, this means facing tougher financial decisions as they balance rising costs and higher property tax bills. The ITR Foundation has been pushing for policy changes to ease these burdens, but the need for greater fiscal responsibility at the local level remains urgent.

As the impact of these tax increases becomes more apparent, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed, engage with local officials, and advocate for policies that prioritize taxpayer relief, and then, exercise your right to VOTE! After all, the money funding local governments comes directly from the pockets of hard-working Iowans.