Goodhue Co. Preliminary Tax Levy

Goodhue County Commissioners recently voted to approve a preliminary property tax levy for 2026 of $48,261,504, which is $2,945,529 or 6.5% higher than the 2025 levy.

Despite rising costs from federal and state cost shifts (including new SNAP work requirements), labor union contracts, and a 23% jump in health insurance premiums for its 380 employees, the tax rate in Goodhue County remains well below its five- and ten-year averages.

The levy increase does not have a uniform effect on all properties. For example, the county share of property taxes paid on a median-valued home is estimated to go up by $30 next year—about a 3% increase.

This is based on an uptick in county-wide property value, 20% of which was from new construction, signaling a strong and expanding tax base in Goodhue County.

The approved levy—which can be adjusted down but cannot increase before final approval in December—is $1.56 million less than the amount presented to Commissioners in August as part of a proposed 2026 budget.

In the coming weeks, officials will continue to work and adjust the 2026 budget.

In November taxpayers will be mailed a notice of proposed 2026 tax amounts for their particular property.

On December 2 at 6 p.m., a public meeting will be held to hear taxpayer feedback on the county levy and budget.