US Real Estate & Mortgage Research Analyst
Published: August 9, 2026 · Updated: August 9, 2026
Key Takeaways for Iowa
- • Median owner-occupied home value: $208,000 (2024).
- • National rank: #45 highest of 50 states — one of the 10 most affordable in the nation.
- • Higher than 5 other states; $91,950 (31%) below the ~$299,950 U.S. midpoint.
- • Typical property tax on a median-priced home: ~$2,766/year using the state effective rate of 1.33%.
The median owner-occupied home in Iowa is worth about $208,000, making it one of the 10 most affordable in the nation. Because this is a statewide median, it smooths over big local differences — a home in a major metro can cost far more than one in a rural county.
How Iowa Compares
The median of the 50 state medians is about $299,950. Iowa sits below that midpoint by $91,950 — about 31%. Only 44 states have a higher median, and 5 have a lower one.
Typical Property Tax on a Median-Priced Home
$208,000 × 1.33% = ~$2,766/year
That is about $231/month through escrow. This is an illustrative estimate using Iowa's state-level effective rate on the state median home value — not your actual bill, which depends on your locality, exemptions, and assessed value. For specifics, see our Iowa Property Tax page.
What This Means for Buyers
A higher home value means a larger mortgage and, usually, more property tax. Use our Mortgage Payment Calculator to turn Iowa's median price into a full PITI payment, and our Property Tax Calculator for a tax estimate using your own numbers. See the full state-by-state table to compare Iowa with neighbors.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates, table B25077 (compiled by US Data Explorer) — https://usdataexplorer.com/ranking/median-home-value/states
Median value (dollars) of owner-occupied housing units, self-reported estimated market value. 2024 ACS 5-Year release (covers 2020–2024); subject to margin of error.
Retrieved: 2026-08-09.
Explore More
- Median Home Value by State — full table
- Iowa Property Tax — the effective rate and a worked tax example.
- Property Tax by State — compare rates across all 50 states and DC.
- Mortgage Payment Calculator — turn a price into a full PITI payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Iowa?
Based on 2024 Census ACS 5-Year data (table B25077), the median owner-occupied home value in Iowa is $208,000, which ranks it #45 highest among the 50 states. That is the midpoint homeowners report — half of homes are worth more, half less.
How does Iowa compare to the national midpoint?
The median of the 50 state medians is about $299,950. Iowa sits below that line by $91,950 (about 31%). 5 states have a lower median; 5 have a higher. Remember this is a statewide figure — your city and neighborhood set the local price.
What is the typical property tax on a median-priced home in Iowa?
Iowa's effective property tax rate is about 1.33% of home value. Applied to the median home value of $208,000, that is roughly $2,766 per year, or about $231 per month through escrow. This is an illustrative estimate using state-level figures — your actual bill depends on your locality, exemptions, and assessed value. See the full breakdown on our Iowa Property Tax page.