Story County, IA Property Records
Property records in Story, Iowa, document key information about real estate within Story County, including parcel ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, property boundaries, land use, building details, tax classifications, and recorded transfers such as deeds or mortgages. These records are useful for homebuyers, sellers, real estate professionals, researchers, and property owners who need to verify ownership, review assessment history, estimate tax obligations, or understand a parcel’s legal status.
Official Story property records can be accessed through county government offices, primarily the Story County Assessor for assessment and parcel data and the Story County Recorder for recorded land documents. Users can begin with the county’s online resources through the Story County Assessor’s official property records page, where they can find property search tools, assessment information, and contact details for further assistance.
Story County, IA Property Records & Statistics
Story County, home to a large university community, has a housing market priced above the state average. The median rent is $866, higher than Iowa's $739 and the national $840.25. The median home value of $197,700 compares with $134,900 statewide and $173,750 nationally. Renter-occupied housing is 19.19% of occupied homes, essentially level with the state's 19.29% and under the national 21.81%.
Property taxes are comparatively heavy: the median rate of 1.42% is above Iowa's 1.27% and nearly double the national 0.74%. Combined with higher values, owners here face a larger annual tax cost than in most Iowa counties.
Median household income is $81,836, well above the state's $67,426 and the national $65,108, which helps absorb those costs. The unemployment rate of 1.54% is lower than both Iowa's 1.88% and the national 2.87%.
Overall, the figures show a pricier, higher-income county with strong employment, a balanced mix of owners and renters and a notable property tax rate.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Story
Story County maintains large property record collections covering assessments, recorded deeds and mortgages, valuations and foreclosure filings. The county has 45,144 total parcels, including 32,306 residential and 2,872 commercial parcels, and tax records cover 94.73% of the population. The recorder holds 53,000 deeds and 48,261 mortgages, with valuation data for 28,946 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 45,144 |
| Residential Parcels | 32,306 |
| Commercial Parcels | 2,872 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 94.73% |
| Assessment Year | 2024 |
| Deed Records | 53,000 |
| Mortgage Records | 48,261 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 28,946 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Sale Records | 8,372 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records show how a mortgage changes after recording. Assignments transfer a loan from one holder to another, while releases confirm the debt was satisfied and the lien removed.
Story County has 74,489 assignment and release records, including 8,623 assignment documents recorded from January 5, 2005, to July 28, 2025, 65,756 release documents recorded from January 3, 2005, to July 31, 2025, and 110 other documents.
These records are valuable when buying or refinancing, since they let you check that earlier loans were released, see who has held a mortgage, and spot liens that may still be open.
How to Search Story County, IA Property Records
Story County's recorder keeps recorded property documents, and county offices maintain assessment data for 45,144 parcels. Searchable information includes ownership transfers, mortgages recorded from January 2006, valuation data and foreclosure notices.
The Story County Recorder's Office page outlines recording services. Its forms and applications page lists documents used for transfers, and the subdivision recording requirements page covers plat submissions. The office is at 900 6th Street, Nevada, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; call 515-382-7230.
To search, have the owner name, address or parcel number ready, start with the most specific detail, and verify matches against the legal description. Call the recorder for help with older records.
Story Registrar of Deeds
The Story County Probate Office is located at 900 6th Street, Nevada, IA, 50201 and can be reached at 515-382-7230. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Records can be accessed through the official website storycountyiowa.gov.
Story County Recorder’s Office
Story County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Story County property records by address?
The Story County website leads to the offices that keep parcel information. Enter the complete street address, or use the parcel number if you have it. If nothing matches, call the Recorder's Office at 515-382-7230.
How can I find property owners in Story County?
Owners are named on recorded deeds, and the recorder holds 53,000 deed records from January 3, 2006 to July 31, 2025. Contact the Story County Recorder's Office at 900 6th Street, Nevada, to request or search deeds.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Story County?
Assessments are determined by the assessor, with current records reflecting the 2024 assessment year. Use the Story County website to find assessor contacts. Provide the address or parcel number and ask about the valuation process if you disagree with a value.
Where can I find Story County property tax bills and payment records?
The county treasurer handles tax bills and payments. Locate the treasurer through the Story County website and have your parcel number ready. The county's median property tax rate is 1.42%, among the higher rates in Iowa.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Story County?
The Story County Recorder's Office records deeds, mortgages, assignments and releases. Visit 900 6th Street, Nevada, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, or call 515-382-7230. Recording forms are also available.
Where can I access Story County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel mapping for the county's 45,144 parcels is available through county offices listed on the Story County website. Look up a parcel by address, and treat the maps as a reference rather than a legal survey. Call 515-382-7230 for direction.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Story County?
Planning and building rules for unincorporated areas are managed by county staff, while cities such as Ames and Nevada issue permits within their limits. Begin at the Story County website and bring your parcel number and project description.
How can I create a list of property owners in Story County?
The search tools work property by property. Compile owners from deed searches by area, or ask the Story County Recorder's Office at 515-382-7230 if larger record requests are offered.