With a 3.8% top income tax rate and 1.52% property tax, Iowa homeowners face a moderate combined tax burden. This calculator is pre-filled with Iowa numbers: $210,000 median price, 1.52% property tax, $1,450/year insurance.
Last updated: March 13, 2026
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Monthly Payment (Iowa)$0
Loan Details — Iowa
Iowa median: $210,000
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Below 20% triggers PMI on conventional loans
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Average 30-year fixed ~6.75% (March 2026)
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Iowa average: 1.52%
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Iowa average: $1,450/yr
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Property Tax
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Iowa Metro Area Home Prices
Click a metro to load its median price into the calculator above.
Yearly Amortization Schedule+
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Iowa's Tax Landscape and Your Mortgage
Iowa levies a flat 3.8% income tax on all taxable income. A household earning $150,000 pays approximately $4,275 in state income tax, which reduces the amount available for monthly mortgage payments by roughly $356/month.
At the state's median home price of $210,000, the $1.52% property tax rate adds $266/month to your mortgage payment. That's $3,192/year — well above the national median of ~1.1%.
Property Taxes Across Iowa
The 1.52% statewide average masks significant variation. High property taxes relative to home values
Price ranges across the state: Des Moines has a median of $260,000, while Cedar Rapids sits at $215,000 — a $45,000 gap that dramatically changes your monthly payment. At $1.52% property tax, that price difference alone means $57/month more in property tax in Des Moines.
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Homebuyer Programs and Exemptions
Iowa offers several programs for homebuyers:
IFA FirstHome program with competitive rates
Down payment/closing cost assistance grants up to $2,500
Homestead exemption: Homestead tax credit based on a portion of the first $4,850 of assessed value
Iowa-Specific Considerations
High property taxes relative to home values
Income tax shifting to flat 3.8% rate (down from progressive brackets)
Very affordable home prices but property tax burden is significant
No transfer tax on real estate
Some Iowa school districts levy an income surtax (typically 1–6% of state tax liability) on top of the state flat rate
Property tax rates vary significantly by county and school district — Polk County (Des Moines) differs from rural areas
Compare Iowa Mortgage Rates
See personalized rates from Iowa lenders. LendingTree matches you with up to 5 offers so you can compare and save.
0.39% property tax, 5% top rate. Median home: $232,500.
Alaska Mortgage Calculator
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1.04% property tax, no income tax. Median home: $340,000.
Arizona Mortgage Calculator
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0.62% property tax, 2.5% top rate. Median home: $395,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Iowa?
The average effective property tax rate in Iowa is 1.52%. On a $210,000 home (the state median), that works out to approximately $3,192/year or $266/month added to your mortgage payment. Property tax rates vary by county and school district within Iowa — always check your specific jurisdiction's rate. Homestead exemption: Homestead tax credit based on a portion of the first $4,850 of assessed value
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Iowa?
The average annual homeowners insurance premium in Iowa is approximately $1,450 ($121/month). This is near the national average of approximately $1,500/year. Actual premiums depend on your home's location, age, construction type, and coverage limits.
What first-time homebuyer programs are available in Iowa?
IFA FirstHome program with competitive rates. Down payment/closing cost assistance grants up to $2,500. These programs typically have income limits, purchase price caps, and may require homebuyer education courses. Check the Iowa housing finance agency website for current eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
How does Iowa's 3.8% income tax affect home affordability?
Iowa's top income tax rate of 3.8% reduces your take-home pay, which affects how much mortgage you can comfortably carry. On a $150,000 salary, state income tax takes roughly $3,705-$4,845/year (effective rate is lower than the top marginal rate). Combined with 1.52% property tax, the total tax burden in Iowa is above average. Use our paycheck calculator to see your exact take-home pay.
What is the conforming loan limit in Iowa?
The 2026 conforming loan limit in Iowa is $806,500. Loans above this amount are considered jumbo loans and typically carry higher interest rates (0.25-0.5% premium), require larger down payments (10-20%), and have stricter qualification requirements including higher credit scores (700+) and lower debt-to-income ratios.
This calculator is for educational purposes. Tax rates and insurance costs are based on Iowa state averages and may not reflect your specific county, school district, or municipality. Consult a financial professional for advice specific to your situation.