Assessments / Appraisals

Property Assessment Overview

Minnesota state law requires properties to be reviewed at least one time every five years. Reviews typically occur during the summer and fall of each year. It is necessary for the appraiser to view the interior of the property to document the amenities and determine the quality and condition of each property. The review also helps determine the use of the property.

Assessments are completed by four appraisers who are licensed by the State of Minnesota. Additional support is provided by two assessment technicians.

Assessment Process

The two main steps in the assessment process are:

1. Valuation of Property - Property is valued as of January 2 of each year. The assessor and appraisers collect information on each property and review sales information on sales occurring in the county to determine the value.
2. Classification of Property - Property is also classified each year on January 2. There is a list of possible classifications provided in Minnesota state law. The appraisers and assessor select the appropriate one based on the use of the property.

The Property Tax Process

The assessment process is multi-year and involves many steps, but it is just one small part of the overall property tax process. This assessment portion of the property tax process can be divided into two areas:

• Assessments – Properties are valued and classified based on property characteristics and details and also considers sales information related to local real estate market conditions.
• Taxes – This is the actual amount of taxes paid by properties each year. It is based on local budgeting decisions as well as the property’s value and classification. It may also include special assessments.

The graphic below shows a simplified process of how values determined in the Assessor's office are used: 

Questions and Concerns?

You may email an appraiser directly by choosing the appropriate property type below: