The Dakota County Assessor's Office determines the property estimated market value and classification on Jan. 2 of each year.
Estimating values
Assessors are required to view each parcel of real estate at least once every five years to appraise its market value. Property values change with economic conditions.
In addition to market changes, physical changes affect value. This includes:
- Draining and clearing the land
- Improving nearby public streets
- Installing utilities
- Adding to or remodeling buildings
Classifying property
The Assessor's Office also determines the classification, or use, of each parcel. For instance, property can be residential homestead (owner occupied), residential non-homestead, agricultural or commercial. Each classification is taxed at a different percentage of market value.
Understanding your property valuation
Appraiser credentials
Appraisers employed by the Assessor’s Office are professionals, with stringent training and experience requirements set by the state. The Minnesota State Board of Assessors governs and administers licensure of appraisers.
Dakota County insists on additional training in the areas of management, organization and customer service.