Sedgwick County Appraiser Explains Increase in 2026 Property Valuations

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – On March 1, 2026, the Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office will mail out valuations for real property with a change in value or classification. Sedgwick County Appraiser Deanna Aspedon said a strong real estate market and sales ratio compliance requirements led to a rise in value of many properties across Sedgwick County.

“The Sedgwick County Appraisal staff strives to accurately value real estate, including houses and commercial properties, based on extensive analysis and research” Aspedon said. “The role of the Appraiser’s Office is not to set the tax rate but to determine each property’s fair market value. In 2025, residential sale prices were elevated and affected by the value of neighboring homes due to limited inventory.”

Appraisers consider many factors, including a property’s location, age, square footage and repairs/remodeling when estimating its value. Residents who live in neighborhoods with an increase in new construction or renovations should expect to see increased property valuations. Property owners who do not agree with an appraisal can appeal it in one of two ways:

Within 30 days of receiving the valuation notice, the owner needs to follow the directions on the back of the notice to file an appeal. A meeting will be scheduled where the property owner will be given an explanation how the valuation was determined and can give reasons why the county’s appraisal amount should be different. The Appraiser’s Office will mail a decision of the appeal by May 20.

Property owners can also challenge an appraisal when the 2026 property taxes are paid under protest on Dec. 20, 2026, or May 10, 2027. A protest form from the Sedgwick County Treasurer’s Office must be filled out and filed with the tax payment to schedule a meeting.

For more information on property valuations and the appeals process, visit the Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office website at www.sedgwickcounty.org.