Washington County, IA Property Records
Property records in Washington, Iowa document key details about real estate within the city and surrounding Washington County. These records may include ownership information, legal descriptions, parcel numbers, assessed values, property tax details, sales history, building characteristics, plats, and recorded documents such as deeds or mortgages. They are useful for buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, researchers, and residents who need to verify ownership, review tax or assessment information, evaluate property history, or support legal and financial transactions.
Users can access official Washington property records through Washington County government offices, including the Assessor for valuation and parcel data, the Recorder for land documents, and the Treasurer for tax information. A good starting point is the county’s official Assessor page for Washington property records, which provides access to local property assessment resources and related county services.
Washington County, IA Property Records & Statistics
Washington County offers housing that sits close to national norms while costing less in taxes than the rest of Iowa. The median rent is $825, above the state figure of $739 and just under the national $840.25. The median home value is $171,300, well above Iowa's $134,900 and a little below the national $173,750.
The median property tax rate of 1.23% is slightly lower than the state rate of 1.27%, though still well above the national 0.74%. That gives owners a modest edge over other Iowa homeowners even with higher home values.
Incomes and employment are favorable. Median household income is $74,308.50, compared with $67,426 across Iowa and $65,108 nationally, and the unemployment rate of 1.76% is lower than both the state's 1.88% and the national 2.87%.
Renters make up 25.64% of occupied housing, noticeably above the state share of 19.29% and the national 21.81%. This suggests a county with a larger rental market than is typical in Iowa, alongside above-average incomes, low unemployment, and home values that are moderate by national standards.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Washington
Washington County property records include tax assessment data, recorded deeds and mortgages, valuation information, and foreclosure filings. The county has 22,055 total parcels, including 9,859 residential and 1,260 commercial parcels, and tax records cover 93.73% of the population. The recorder holds 20,496 deed records and 23,376 mortgage records, with valuation data on 7,484 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 22,055 |
| Residential Parcels | 9,859 |
| Commercial Parcels | 1,260 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 93.73% |
| Assessment Year | 2024 |
| Deed Records | 20,496 |
| Mortgage Records | 23,376 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 7,484 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Sale Records | 101 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records follow a mortgage after it is recorded. An assignment shows that a mortgage moved from one lender to another, while a release shows that the debt was satisfied and the lien removed from the property.
Washington County has 29,121 assignment and release records, including 2,633 assignment documents, 26,454 release documents, and 34 other documents. Assignments were recorded from January 3, 2005, to August 28, 2025, and releases from January 3, 2005, to August 29, 2025.
Researchers can use these records to confirm that a prior mortgage was paid off, see which lender currently holds a loan, and catch open liens before a purchase or refinance. The Iowa Land Records portal is the official site for searching recorded documents.
How to Search Washington County, IA Property Records
Washington County property records are maintained by the assessor for tax and valuation data and by the Recorder's Office for deeds, mortgages, assignments, releases, and other recorded documents. Together they cover 22,055 parcels, with recorded transactions available from 2006.
The quickest way to search recorded documents is the Iowa Land Records portal, the official statewide search where Washington County documents can be looked up by name, document type, or date range. For recording information and office details, visit the Washington County Recorder's Office. Other county departments, including the assessor and treasurer, can be reached through the Washington County website.
To search, collect the owner name, property address, or parcel number, then enter the most complete detail you have. Review the results and open the document that matches the property. In person, the Recorder's Office is at 224 W Main Street in Washington, open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and can be reached at 319-653-7727.
If a record does not appear online, staff can help you find it.
Washington Registrar of Deeds
The Washington County Probate Office is located at 224 W Main Street, Washington, IA, 52353 and can be reached at 319-653-7727. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Records can be accessed through iowalandrecords.org or the official website washingtoncounty.iowa.gov.
Washington County Recorder’s Office
Washington County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Washington County property records by address?
Use the Washington County website to reach the assessor's property lookup, then enter the street address. For recorded documents tied to an address, the Iowa Land Records portal lets you search by name or document type. If nothing appears, call the Recorder at 319-653-7727 for help.
How can I find property owners in Washington County?
Owners appear on assessment records and recorded deeds. Search deed transfers through the Iowa Land Records portal by grantor or grantee name, or ask staff at the Washington County Recorder's Office. Current ownership by parcel is available through the assessor, reachable from the county website.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Washington County?
The county assessor sets assessed values, and Washington County's records reflect the 2024 assessment year. Reach the assessor through the Washington County website. Valuation data is available for 7,484 properties, so many residential parcels have an estimated value on file.
Where can I find Washington County property tax bills and payment records?
Tax bills and payments are handled by the county treasurer. Find the Treasurer's page and payment instructions through the Washington County website. Tax records cover 93.73% of the county's population, and the treasurer's staff can help with prior-year bills and payment history.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Washington County?
The Washington County Recorder's Office records deeds, mortgages, and related documents. Search them online through the Iowa Land Records portal, or visit 224 W Main Street in Washington, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Deeds are available from January 3, 2006.
Where can I access Washington County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel maps and GIS information are published through county departments. Begin at the Washington County website and look for the GIS or mapping page. With 22,055 parcels in the county, an address or parcel number helps you find the correct boundary quickly.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Washington County?
Permit and zoning requirements vary by location. The Washington County website lists county zoning and building contacts, while properties inside a city follow that city's own rules. Contact the correct office before beginning construction or changing a property's use.
How can I create a list of property owners in Washington County?
Owner lists are generally built from property-by-property lookups. For a larger set of records, search the Iowa Land Records portal or call the Washington County Recorder's Office at 319-653-7727 to ask what options exist for multiple records.