ST. PAUL — Minnesota property taxes are on course to rise by an average of 4 percent next year.

That’s according to an analysis of preliminary local government levies compiled by the state Department of Revenue. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Wednesday that the maximum levies total $7.93 billion, which is up from $7.62 billion this year.

Taxes owed by homeowners, business owners and farmers vary depending on where they are, the value of parcels and whether certain credits apply.

And the final tax bills could be smaller because December truth-in-taxation hearings can lead to reductions when cities and counties finalize their levies.

Across the state, cities have proposed an average 4.6 percent property-tax levy increase. Counties are seeking 3 percent more and townships would levy an additional 2 percent.