Our Taxes
Photo Credit: Dan Rogness
Where Red Wing’s Local Property Tax Revenue Came From: 2023
Summary: Red Wing still relies heavily on Xcel Energy, which paid 45 cents of every tax dollar in Red Wing in 2023.
Definition: Non-Homestead Residential refers to property that is not one’s usual place of residence, like a cabin. Other refers to Agriculture, Railroad, etc.
Source: City of Red Wing, 2023
Red Wing’s Tax Base Composition
Summary: Red Wing has a unique tax base that is less predictable than other communities. That’s because a high percentage of the tax base is dependent on the Prairie Island Nuclear Power Generating Plant, run by Xcel Energy—and that percentage varies widely. In 1995, Xcel paid 70 cents (70%) of every tax dollar in Red Wing. In 2023, Xcel paid 45 cents (45%). That means that even when the City holds the tax levy flat, residents may experience property tax increases. Diversifying our tax base by bringing in new businesses and investments will help make Red Wing more economically stable and sustainable overall.
Definition: In the graph, the term “utility” refers to the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, run by Xcel Energy.
Source: City of Red Wing, 2023
Where Our Property Tax Dollars Went in 2023
Summary: Of every dollar that we as residents paid in property taxes in 2023, 50% went to the City of Red Wing, 29% went to Goodhue County, and 21% went to Red Wing’s school district. We depend on these taxes to pay for things like roads and parks, public education, and services like police, fire, and clean water.
Definition: The City of Red Wing portion includes the City, Port Authority, and Housing & Redevelopment Authority.
Source: City of Red Wing, 2023
Public Perception: The Value of City Services
Summary: In 2023, 84% of survey respondents said they felt they received a good or excellent value for the services they received for their tax dollars. Thirteen percent rated their value as “fair” and none said “poor.” Four percent said they did not know.
Definition: Statistics are from the City of Red Wing’s Community Survey, which is done every few years to take the pulse of community opinion on a wide range of topics. This professional survey gathers input from a statistically significant percentage of people who are reflective of our town based on our census demographics.
Source: City of Red Wing Community Survey, 2017 and 2023