Iowa Closing Costs by County: What to Expect in Your Area
Closing costs in Iowa aren't one-size-fits-all. Your county — and your city within that county — dramatically affects what you'll pay. Property tax rates range from 1.21% in Sioux County to 1.77% in Polk County, and city rates push even higher. On a $250,000 home, that difference translates to $1,000–$2,000 more at closing just in prepaid tax escrow.
This guide breaks down closing costs for Iowa's 10 most-populated metro areas using real data from our calculator.
Why County Matters for Closing Costs
Three closing cost items vary significantly by location in Iowa:
- Property tax escrow: Your lender collects 2–6 months upfront. Higher tax rate = higher escrow = more cash at closing
- Homeowner's insurance: Annual premiums range from ~$1,350 in rural northern counties to $1,800+ in Des Moines metro
- Attorney fees: Metro attorneys tend to charge $800–$1,250 while rural closings may be $700–$1,000
All other costs — loan fees, abstract continuation, Iowa Title Guaranty — are roughly the same statewide. Property tax is the big variable.
Closing Cost Estimates by County
All estimates below assume a $250,000 purchase price with a conventional loan, 20% down. Your actual costs will vary by loan type, down payment, and closing date. Get your exact estimate →
Polk County (Des Moines)
Iowa's most populated county and the state capital. Des Moines has the highest city property tax rate in the state at 2.01%, which significantly increases your prepaid escrow.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.77% |
| Des Moines city rate | 2.01% |
| Ankeny city rate | 1.82% |
| West Des Moines city rate | 1.89% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,800/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $800–$1,250 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $6,500–$12,000 |
Key cities: Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive, Grimes, Altoona, Bondurant, Pleasant Hill
Linn County (Cedar Rapids)
Iowa's second-largest city. Cedar Rapids has a city rate of 1.90%, making it one of the higher-tax metro areas.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.65% |
| Cedar Rapids city rate | 1.90% |
| Marion city rate | 1.84% |
| Hiawatha city rate | 1.82% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,650/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $750–$1,200 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $6,000–$11,500 |
Key cities: Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, Ely, Fairfax, Mount Vernon
Scott County (Davenport / Quad Cities)
Iowa's Quad Cities anchor. Davenport has a high city rate at 1.86%, but suburban communities like Bettendorf and Eldridge are more moderate.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.58% |
| Davenport city rate | 1.86% |
| Bettendorf city rate | 1.73% |
| Eldridge city rate | 1.70% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,600/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $750–$1,150 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $5,800–$11,000 |
Key cities: Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge, Le Claire, Blue Grass, Walcott
Johnson County (Iowa City)
Home to the University of Iowa. Iowa City's rate of 1.68% is moderate by metro standards, and the rapidly growing North Liberty corridor offers good value.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.44% |
| Iowa City city rate | 1.68% |
| Coralville city rate | 1.62% |
| North Liberty city rate | 1.58% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,550/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $800–$1,250 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $5,500–$10,800 |
Key cities: Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Solon
Black Hawk County (Waterloo / Cedar Falls)
One of the higher-tax counties in Iowa. Waterloo's city rate of 1.95% is the second-highest major city rate in the state. Cedar Falls is notably lower at 1.82%.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.68% |
| Waterloo city rate | 1.95% |
| Cedar Falls city rate | 1.82% |
| Hudson city rate | 1.77% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,500/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $700–$1,100 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $5,800–$11,200 |
Key cities: Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Evansdale, Hudson, La Porte City
Woodbury County (Sioux City)
Sioux City has the highest city property tax rate in the state at 1.98%. The county rate of 1.75% is also among the highest. Sergeant Bluff offers a lower alternative at 1.84%.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.75% |
| Sioux City city rate | 1.98% |
| Sergeant Bluff city rate | 1.84% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,650/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $750–$1,150 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $6,200–$11,500 |
Dubuque County (Dubuque)
Eastern Iowa's river city. Dubuque city rate is 1.88%, while suburban communities like Asbury and Peosta are more affordable.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.63% |
| Dubuque city rate | 1.88% |
| Asbury city rate | 1.72% |
| Peosta city rate | 1.70% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,550/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $750–$1,200 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $5,800–$11,200 |
Story County (Ames)
Home to Iowa State University. Ames has a moderate city rate of 1.72%, and the smaller surrounding communities are even lower.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.52% |
| Ames city rate | 1.72% |
| Gilbert city rate | 1.62% |
| Huxley city rate | 1.61% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,500/yr |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $5,500–$10,500 |
Pottawattamie County (Council Bluffs)
The Iowa side of the Omaha metro. Council Bluffs has a city rate of 1.84%, while smaller communities like Treynor offer lower rates.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.59% |
| Council Bluffs city rate | 1.84% |
| Treynor city rate | 1.68% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,600/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $750–$1,150 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $5,800–$11,000 |
Dallas County (Waukee / West Des Moines suburbs)
Iowa's fastest-growing county. Lower base tax rate than Polk County, making it popular with families leaving Des Moines proper. Waukee has exploded in population over the past decade.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| County tax rate | 1.45% |
| Waukee city rate | 1.56% |
| West Des Moines city rate | 1.63% |
| Grimes city rate | 1.60% |
| Avg. homeowner's insurance | $1,750/yr |
| Attorney fee range | $800–$1,250 |
| Est. buyer closing costs ($250K) | $5,300–$10,500 |
Key cities: Waukee, West Des Moines, Grimes, Urbandale, Adel, Perry, De Soto
Statewide Tax Rate Comparison
Here's how the 10 metro counties stack up, ranked by county base tax rate:
| County | County Rate | Highest City Rate | Avg. Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk (Des Moines) | 1.77% | Des Moines: 2.01% | $1,800 |
| Woodbury (Sioux City) | 1.75% | Sioux City: 1.98% | $1,650 |
| Black Hawk (Waterloo) | 1.68% | Waterloo: 1.95% | $1,500 |
| Linn (Cedar Rapids) | 1.65% | Cedar Rapids: 1.90% | $1,650 |
| Dubuque | 1.63% | Dubuque: 1.88% | $1,550 |
| Pottawattamie (Council Bluffs) | 1.59% | Council Bluffs: 1.84% | $1,600 |
| Scott (Davenport) | 1.58% | Davenport: 1.86% | $1,600 |
| Story (Ames) | 1.52% | Ames: 1.72% | $1,500 |
| Dallas (Waukee) | 1.45% | West Des Moines: 1.63% | $1,750 |
| Johnson (Iowa City) | 1.44% | Iowa City: 1.68% | $1,550 |
For comparison, Iowa's lowest-tax counties are in the northwest: Sioux County (1.21%), Lyon County (1.22%), and Osceola County (1.25%). Buying in these areas can save you $1,000+ at closing on prepaid tax escrow alone.
How to Find Your Exact County Costs
Our free calculator includes all 99 Iowa counties and 400+ city-specific tax rates. Select your county and city, choose your loan type, and get a detailed line-item breakdown in about two minutes.
Get My County-Specific Estimate
How Iowa Property Tax Works at Closing
Understanding how property tax is handled at closing is important because it affects your cash due:
- Property tax escrow: Your lender collects 2–6 months of property tax upfront to seed the escrow account. This ensures taxes are paid on time. The amount is based on your city/county tax rate applied to the assessed value
- Property tax proration (seller credit): Iowa taxes are paid in arrears — meaning you pay for the prior period. At closing, the seller credits you for their share of taxes from January 1 through closing day. If you close on July 1, the seller credits roughly half a year's taxes. This credit offsets some of your escrow cost
- Homestead exemption: Iowa homeowners can apply for a homestead credit that reduces their taxable value. This doesn't affect closing costs directly but will lower your ongoing tax payments
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Iowa county has the lowest closing costs?
Counties with the lowest property tax rates have the lowest closing costs. Sioux County (1.21%), Lyon County (1.22%), and Osceola County (1.25%) in northwest Iowa offer the lowest rates. On a $250,000 home, you could save $1,000–$2,000 at closing compared to Polk or Woodbury counties.
How much are closing costs in Des Moines?
For a $250,000 home in Des Moines with a conventional 20%-down loan, expect buyer closing costs of $6,500–$12,000. Des Moines has a city property tax rate of 2.01%, one of the highest in the state, which increases your prepaid tax escrow.
Do closing costs include property taxes?
Yes, in two ways. Your lender collects 2–6 months of property tax escrow upfront. And because Iowa taxes are paid in arrears, the seller credits you for their share from January 1 through closing. The net effect depends on your county's tax rate and when you close.
Tax rates shown are based on current Iowa county and city assessment data compiled in our calculator. Actual rates may vary slightly by year and individual property assessment. For the most current estimate specific to your situation, use our free calculator.