Minnesota property taxes could rise $1B in 2026
Minnesota local governments have proposed about $948 million in higher property tax levies for 2026 — preliminary Department of Revenue data show up to a 6.9% statewide increase, with every county proposing hikes (more than a dozen seeking double‑digit raises); metro cities with the largest proposed city levy increases include Otsego (~19%), Arden Hills (~18%), Lino Lakes (~16%), St. Francis (~16%) and Crystal (~15%), and Hennepin County proposes nearly an 8% increase. By law many taxing authorities must hold truth‑in‑taxation public input meetings (slated late November through late December), final levy decisions are due Dec. 29 with final totals released after the February forecast and tax statements mailed by March 31, and the Department’s trend data show certified levies typically fall from preliminary amounts after public input.
📌 Key Facts
- Statewide proposed 2026 property tax levies would increase by about $948 million (reported as "nearly $1 billion").
- Preliminary 2026 levy data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue indicate up to a 6.9% increase (statewide preliminary figure).
- Every Minnesota county is proposing a levy increase; more than a dozen counties propose double‑digit hikes. Hennepin County proposes nearly an 8% increase.
- Several metro cities are among the largest proposed city levy increases: Otsego (~19%), Arden Hills (~18%), Lino Lakes (~16%), St. Francis (~16%) and Crystal (~15%).
- Truth‑in‑taxation public input meetings are required for cities over 500 population, counties, school districts, regional library authorities and certain special taxing districts; meetings are slated from late November through late December (some very small townships/cities may list "no meeting").
- Final levy decisions must be made by Dec. 29 and final 2026 property tax statements are due to be mailed by March 31.
- The Minnesota Department of Revenue will release final 2026 levy totals after the February forecast; its trend data show certified (final) levies typically decrease from preliminary amounts after public input meetings.
- Local officials cited the reasons behind increases: Hennepin Commissioner Debbie Goettel emphasized stability and sustainability, while St. Francis Administrator Kate Thunstrom pointed to rising costs, slow growth and stormwater charges.
📰 Sources (4)
- Metro city specifics: Otsego (~19%), Arden Hills (~18%), Lino Lakes (~16%), St. Francis (~16%), Crystal (~15%) are among the largest proposed city levy increases.
- County detail: Hennepin County proposes a nearly 8% levy increase.
- Scope update: Every Minnesota county is proposing an increase; more than a dozen counties propose double‑digit hikes.
- New quotes: Hennepin Commissioner Debbie Goettel on stability/sustainability and St. Francis Administrator Kate Thunstrom on rising costs, slow growth, and stormwater charges.
- Preliminary 2026 levy data indicate up to a 6.9% increase, per the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
- Law requires truth-in-taxation meetings for cities over 500 population, counties, school districts, regional library authorities and certain special taxing districts; some small townships/cities may list 'no meeting.'
- Final levy decisions must be made by Dec. 29; final 2026 property tax statements are due to be mailed by March 31.
- Department of Revenue trend data show certified (final) levies typically decrease from preliminary amounts after public input meetings.
- More precise figure on the statewide maximum levy increase: about $948 million (vs. "nearly $1B").
- Minnesota Department of Revenue indicates final 2026 levy totals will be released after the February forecast.
- Public input meetings are slated for late November through late December as part of the truth-in-taxation process.