What is the property tax rate in Jackson County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Jackson County, Missouri is approximately 1.27%.

Jackson County Property Tax Calculator (2026) — Missouri Property Tax Almanac

Property Tax in Jackson County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Kansas City-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Jackson County — including Missouri's 19% residential assessment ratio (constitutionally fixed), Senate Bill 190's senior property tax freeze (age 62+, county opt-in — adopted by ~85 of 114 MO counties), the Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (refundable up to $1,100), and triennial reassessment (every odd-numbered year).

Jackson County, home to Independence and 717k Missourians, operates under Missouri's constitutionally-fixed property tax system. Residential property is assessed at 19% of fair market value (Mo. Const. Art. X §4(b)); tax = AV × consolidated rate per $100. Reassessments occur every odd-numbered year. Senate Bill 190 (2023) authorizes counties to enact a senior property tax freeze for owners 62+ — and Jackson County has adopted this freeze.

How the bill is built

Missouri property tax follows a 3-step calculation. Step 1: Fair Market Value. The Jackson County Missouri Assessment Department determines FMV every odd-numbered year. Step 2: Apply 19% residential assessment ratio. AV = FMV × 19%. Commercial uses 32%; agricultural uses 12%. Step 3: Apply consolidated rate. Tax = AV × consolidated rate ÷ $100. Jackson's combined consolidated rate is approximately $6.70/$100 of AV — the effective rate against market value works out to about 1.27%.

SB 190 Senior Property Tax Freeze (county opt-in, age 62+). Missouri's primary senior protection — locks the property tax bill at the year-of-eligibility level. Approximately 85 of Missouri's 114 counties + St. Louis City have adopted SB 190 (including all major metros: St. Louis, Jackson, Clay, Platte, St. Charles, Greene, Boone, Jefferson, Cass). The base year is the year the senior turned 62 AND submitted an application. Future increases (voter-approved bonds, new construction/improvements, Missouri Blind Pension Fund) can still raise the bill. Apply with your county collector / assessor — applications typically open December - March each year.

Missouri does NOT provide a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans — unusual among states. The primary veteran property tax relief is the Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (MO-PTC), a refundable credit up to $1,100/year (income-tested at $30,000-$34,000). Available to 100% disabled vets, surviving spouses, AND seniors 65+. File Form MO-PTC with your Missouri state income tax return by April 15. Disabled veterans 62+ should file BOTH MO-PTC AND apply for the SB 190 senior freeze if their county has adopted.

Reassessments occur every odd-numbered year — and have produced significant volatility. Missouri's 2023 reassessment cycle produced 30%+ valuation increases in some counties (most-publicized: Jackson County's reassessment, which led to legal challenges). Property owners can appeal to the County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving the change of value notice — appeals must include comparable sales evidence, recent appraisals, or condition documentation.

2026 Jackson County rate breakdown (consolidated rate per $100 of AV (19% of market value), Independence district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined consolidated rate (~$6.70 / $100 of AV at 19% residential ratio)	6.7000
Combined total	6.7000

As of April 26, 2026 · From Jackson County Missouri Assessment Department.

Note: Jackson County is **home to most of Kansas City, Missouri** (~510K — the largest city in MO) and contains Kauffman Stadium (Royals) and Arrowhead Stadium (Chiefs). Independence (~123K, the seat — also the historic eastern terminus of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails) and Lee's Summit (~105K — fast-growing affluent KC suburb) are major secondary cities. The county was the subject of substantial controversy in 2023-2024 over a 30% county-wide reassessment surge — leading to legal challenges and ongoing political fallout. Jackson County adopted the SB 190 Senior Property Tax Freeze in 2023.

Note: Jackson County effective property tax rates run approximately **1.27% — moderate by Missouri standards**. Combined consolidated rates run ~$6.70/$100 of assessed value (residential AV = 19% of market). Kansas City's tax rate within Jackson is supplemented by city-specific levies. Median home values around $215K (substantially lower than St. Louis County's $280K) combined with the moderate rate produce median annual bills around $2,731 — a meaningful Midwest value point.

Note: For relocation buyers: Jackson County is the **urban Kansas City** option — KC has experienced substantial downtown revitalization since 2015 (Power & Light District, Crossroads Arts District, expanding streetcar). Strong sports culture (Chiefs Super Bowl runs, Royals 2014-2015 World Series), a celebrated barbecue scene, and the substantial Country Club Plaza shopping district. The trade-off vs. Johnson County, KS (across the state line — we don't cover KS yet): KS side has higher-rated public schools but no SB 190 senior freeze. Missouri's lower income tax (top 4.95%) vs Kansas (top 5.7%) is a meaningful retiree tilt.

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Missouri homeowner property tax relief operates differently than most states. The structural protection is the 19% residential assessment ratio — applied automatically (no application needed). Senior homeowners 62+ should focus on the SB 190 Senior Property Tax Freeze (county opt-in). 100% disabled veterans receive ONLY the partial Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (MO-PTC) — Missouri does NOT provide a full vet exemption.

The 19% Residential Assessment Ratio (constitutional)

Missouri Constitution Art. X §4(b) fixes residential property at 19% of fair market value for assessment purposes. Commercial property uses 32%; agricultural property uses 12%. This is the structural protection — applied automatically with no application. The constitutional ratio means a home with $300K market value has only $57K assessed value (compared to states with 100% AR where the same home would have $300K AV against the rate).

SB 190 Senior Property Tax Freeze (county opt-in)

Missouri Senate Bill 190 (2023, modified 2024-2025) allows counties to enact a senior property tax freeze. Jackson County HAS adopted SB 190. Eligibility: age 62+ as of December 31 of the application year; primary residence in Jackson County; owner of record (or trust grantor); responsible for property taxes. Mechanism: base year is the year you became eligible AND submitted an application; bill is locked at the base-year amount. Exceptions (still increase): voter-approved bond indebtedness, new construction or improvements, Missouri Blind Pension Fund. Application: file with the county collector / assessor; application periods typically open December - March each year.

Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (MO-PTC, refundable)

The MO-PTC provides a refundable credit up to $1,100/year for qualifying owners (or $750 for renters). Eligibility: seniors 65+, 100% disabled veterans (service-connected), surviving spouses of disabled vets, or 100% disabled non-vet. Income limits: $30,000 single / $34,000 married filing jointly for owners (lower for renters). File Form MO-PTC with your Missouri state income tax return by April 15. The credit is refundable — meaning you receive it even if you have no income tax liability. Disabled veterans 62+ should file BOTH MO-PTC AND apply for the SB 190 senior freeze.

Appealing your assessment

Missouri property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: County Board of Equalization (BOE). File a written appeal within 30 days of receiving the change of value notice (notices typically mailed late June - early July in reassessment years, which are odd-numbered). The BOE holds informal hearings — homeowners present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or condition documentation. Level 2: State Tax Commission. If denied, appeal to the State Tax Commission of Missouri within 30 days of the BOE decision. The STC is a quasi-judicial state agency that holds formal evidentiary hearings. Level 3: Circuit Court. STC decisions can be appealed to the county Circuit Court on legal/constitutional grounds. Most Missouri appeals are resolved at Level 1.

Cities and towns in Jackson County

Jackson County contains 5 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Independence to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Jackson County is subject to Jackson County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Kansas City Split	city	510,000
Independence County seat	city	123,100
Lee's Summit Split	city	105,000
Blue Springs	city	60,500
Raytown	city	30,200

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Independence tax district. Other cities in Jackson County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Jackson County Missouri Assessment Department before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Missouri property taxes due?

Missouri property taxes are due December 31 of the tax year. Jackson County bills are typically mailed in November. Late payments accrue interest plus penalty (typically 9% annual interest plus monthly penalty). Most Missouri homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer. Some counties offer optional installment plans — contact your county collector for current options.

What is the SB 190 Senior Property Tax Freeze?

Missouri Senate Bill 190 (2023, modified 2024 and 2025) authorizes counties to enact a senior property tax freeze for owners 62 or older. The freeze locks the property tax bill at the year-of-eligibility level. Jackson County HAS adopted SB 190. Eligibility: 62+ as of December 31; primary residence in the county; owner of record (or trust grantor); responsible for property taxes. Exceptions still increase: voter-approved bond indebtedness, new construction or improvements, Missouri Blind Pension Fund. Approximately 85 of Missouri's 114 counties + St. Louis City have adopted SB 190 — including all major metros.

How do I apply for the SB 190 senior freeze in Jackson County?

Apply with your county collector / assessor. Application periods vary by county but typically run December - March each year. Required documents typically include: (a) proof of age (driver's license, birth certificate, or other government ID); (b) proof of ownership (deed, trust documents); (c) proof of primary residence (Missouri driver's license with property address; voter registration); (d) prior year's tax bill (establishes base year). The base year is the year you became eligible AND submitted an application. Annual renewal is typically required — file each year by the county's deadline.

Does Missouri have a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans?

No — Missouri does NOT provide a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans. This is unusual among states (most states offer some form of full disabled vet exemption). Missouri's primary veteran property tax relief is the Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim (MO-PTC): a refundable credit up to $1,100/year (income-tested at $30,000-$34,000 depending on filing status). Available to 100% disabled vets, surviving spouses, and seniors 65+. File Form MO-PTC with your Missouri state income tax return by April 15. Missouri's lower aggregate cost of living and SB 190 senior freeze partially offset the lack of full vet exemption — but disabled vets seeking full exemption may want to compare other states (Maryland, Virginia, Iowa, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, etc.).

How does Missouri's reassessment cycle work?

Missouri reassesses real property every odd-numbered year (the "biennial" reassessment cycle, though "biennial" technically means every 2 years). Reassessments occurred in 2021, 2023, and 2025; the next is 2027. The 2023 cycle produced significant volatility — Jackson County's reassessment showed 30%+ valuation increases in some areas, leading to legal challenges and ongoing political fallout. Property owners can appeal to the County Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving the change of value notice. Comparable sales evidence is the most-effective basis for appeal.

How do I appeal my Missouri assessment?

Missouri property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: County Board of Equalization (BOE). File appeal within 30 days of receiving the change of value notice (mailed late June - early July in reassessment years). BOE holds informal hearings — present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or condition documentation. Level 2: State Tax Commission of Missouri (STC). If denied, appeal to STC within 30 days of BOE decision. STC is a quasi-judicial state agency that holds formal evidentiary hearings. Level 3: Circuit Court. STC decisions can be appealed on legal/constitutional grounds. Most appeals are resolved at Level 1 — BOE members are often local citizens familiar with neighborhood values.

About Jackson County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

Kansas City sits at **the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers** — and the city straddles the state line, with portions in Missouri (Jackson, Clay, Platte counties) AND Kansas (Wyandotte County). The two halves operate as separate municipalities — Kansas City, Missouri (~510K, Jackson County) and Kansas City, Kansas (~155K, Wyandotte County) — but are often referred to collectively as just "Kansas City." This creates the unusual situation where State Line Road literally runs north-south through the metro, with one side in MO and the other in KS. Some businesses (and homes) sit directly on the line, paying taxes to whichever state their main entrance faces.

Hometown hero

Walt Disney

The American animator and entertainment industry founder (1901-1966) lived in Kansas City (Jackson County) from age 9 until age 19 — moving to KC with his family in 1910 from Marceline, MO. Disney attended the Kansas City Art Institute and worked as a commercial artist at the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio in KC, then founded Laugh-O-Gram Studio (an early animation venture, bankrupt by 1923) before moving to Hollywood. The Walt Disney Family Museum honors his Kansas City roots; the Marceline-to-Kansas City corridor is sometimes called the "Walt Disney Hometown Trail." Many Disney characters (and Walt Disney World's Main Street USA) draw inspiration from his Marceline boyhood and Kansas City youth.

Biggest annual event

KC Chiefs football + American Royal BBQ

Kansas City Chiefs home games at Arrowhead Stadium (capacity 76,416 — among the largest NFL venues) draw 76,000+ attendees per game and have become a year-round civic event since the Chiefs' 2020 Super Bowl LIV championship and subsequent Super Bowl appearances (LV, LVII, LVIII, LIX). The American Royal World Series of Barbecue (annual, late September at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City KS, but a regional event drawing across the state line, since 1922) is **the largest barbecue competition in the world** — drawing 500+ teams and 100,000+ attendees, and serving as an unofficial championship for KC-style barbecue.

Property Tax in Jackson County, 2026