The 2017 Census of Agriculture provides another reminder of Nebraska’s high property tax on agricultural property. Figure 1 shows the average property taxes paid per farm as reported in the census. Nebraska ranks second nationally in taxes paid per farm, only behind California. Average property taxes paid per Nebraska farm and ranch operation was $16,107 in 2017.

In comparison, the average property tax per operation nationally was $4,902. Since the previous census in 2012, property taxes on agriculture increased 21 percent overall in the U.S., while in Nebraska, property taxes on agriculture increased 30 percent.

Figure 1. Average Property Taxes Paid per Farm Operation

Source: DTN chart by Nick Scalise. Property Taxes on The Farm. Chris Clayton. 4.22.19