Wisconsin Property Tax Calculator

What is the Property Tax Rate in Wisconsin?

Based on HomeLight’s analysis of publicly available data, the average effective property tax rate for a primary residence in Wisconsin is approximately 1.59% of its estimated value. This is higher than the national average of 0.90%.

For example, with a 1.59% effective tax rate, a homeowner with a $399,990 home might pay around $6,359 in annual property taxes.

An effective property tax rate represents the actual percentage of a property’s market value that a homeowner pays in taxes, considering the assessed value and any exemptions or deductions.

Are There Property Tax Exemptions in Wisconsin?

Homeowners in Wisconsin may qualify for several property tax exemptions that can lower their tax bill. These are offered through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, depending on your location. Common exemptions include:

• Homestead Credit: A refundable income tax credit you can claim on your state return if your household income is within limits and you pay property taxes on your primary residence.
• Veterans & Surviving Spouse Property Tax Credit: A refundable credit on your Wisconsin income tax return — available to qualifying veterans or surviving spouses based on property taxes paid.
• Property Tax Deferral Loan Program: Administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), this program allows eligible elderly homeowners and veterans to defer property taxes through a loan secured by their home equity.

If you’re buying a home in Wisconsin, note that property tax exemptions do not automatically transfer from the previous owner. After the house changes hands, you’ll need to reapply based on your own eligibility.

When Are Wisconsin Property Taxes Due?

Property taxes in Wisconsin are billed biannually and can be paid in two installments:

• January 31: 1st installment
• July 31: 2nd installment

Payments received after the deadlines are considered delinquent and may incur a 00% penalty. If either due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day.

What Do Property Taxes Pay For in Wisconsin?

Local property taxes in Wisconsin pay for important local services, including:

• Public schools
• Police, fire, and EMS services
• Roads, streets, and traffic signals
• Parks, libraries, and community centers
• City and county government operations
• Infrastructure like water, sewer, and trash services
• Repayment of local bond projects (such as transit and school improvements)

What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Wisconsin?

How Much House Can You Afford?

Affordability in Wisconsin depends on your income, debt, credit score, and mortgage rate. With a median household income of around $79,690 in the Badger State, a buyer might afford a home in the $250,000–$265,000 range using standard debt-to-income guidelines. However, with the Wisconsin median home price hovering at $399,990, many buyers need dual incomes or additional savings to qualify.

Use HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator to estimate your budget based on your income, debts, and current rates.

What Down Payment Will You Need in Wisconsin?

According to Nerdwallet, the average down payment on a house in Wisconsin is 15%. However, down payment amounts vary widely depending on loan type and credit score. While 20% used to be the expected standard, many buyers put down between 5% and 15%, with 3% options available for FHA and some conventional first-time buyer loans.

For a $399,990 home, here’s what your down payment could look like:

• 3% down = $11,999
• 5% down = $19,999
• 10% down = $39,999
• 15% down = $59,998
• 20% down = $79,998

Try HomeLight’s Down Payment Calculator to see how different down payments affect your monthly payment and loan size.

How Much Are Closing Costs in Wisconsin?

Buyers in Wisconsin can expect to pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These may include:

• Loan origination and underwriting fees
• Title insurance and escrow fees
• Appraisal and inspection costs
• Prepaid property taxes and homeowners’ insurance
• Filing and recording fees

For a $399,990 home, that means estimated closing costs of $7,999 to $19,999. Use HomeLight’s Closing Costs Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your expected Wisconsin home purchase price.

How To Find a Trusted Wisconsin Real Estate Agent

An experienced Wisconsin agent can help you understand local tax rates, school districts, and development trends — and guide you toward neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool uses data from over 27 million transactions and thousands of verified reviews to match you with top Wisconsin agents based on proven performance. Tell us a little about your buying plans and get matched today with no obligation.

Additional resources when searching for a trusted buyer’s agent in Wisconsin:

• How to pick a buyer’s agent
• How to find a trusted Realtor in another state
• Why hire a buyer’s agent
• How much are Realtor fees?
• Questions to ask a buyer’s agent

Buying and Selling? Consider “Buy Before You Sell”

If you’re buying a new home in Wisconsin but need to sell your current property first, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program can simplify the entire process. This modern solution helps you unlock equity from your current home so you can make a non-contingent offer on your new home — and only move once. Watch the short video below to see how it works.