Lafayette County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lafayette County is 1.84%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%. With the median home value in Lafayette County, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $291, which is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lafayette County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Lafayette County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Darlington or another part of Lafayette County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lafayette County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.84%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$279
Ownwell’s Lafayette County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Lafayette County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Lafayette County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Property taxes in Lafayette County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lafayette County is 1.84%, which is higher than both the Wisconsin state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lafayette County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Lafayette County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Lafayette County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Wisconsin and the national median. For comparison, the city of Darlington has one of the higher property tax rates in Wisconsin at 2.37%, while the city of Woodford boasts one of the lowest at 1.50%. Analyzing how Lafayette County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Lafayette County Tax Rate
1.84%
Average Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.58%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lafayette County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | 1.62% | 1.81% | 1.89% | 2.12% | 2.12% |
| Belmont | 1.58% | 1.65% | 1.68% | 1.68% | 1.68% |
| Benton | 1.54% | 1.59% | 1.77% | 1.84% | 1.84% |
| Blanchardville | 1.65% | 1.65% | 1.65% | 1.81% | 2.01% |
| Cuba City | 1.58% | 1.61% | 1.81% | 2.17% | 2.25% |
| Darlington | 1.65% | 1.73% | 2.37% | 2.45% | 2.45% |
| Gratiot | 1.53% | 1.70% | 1.71% | 2.03% | 2.03% |
| Hazel Green | 1.25% | 1.42% | 1.52% | 1.55% | 1.59% |
| Mineral Point | 1.59% | 1.64% | 1.71% | 1.71% | 1.72% |
| Platteville | 1.52% | 1.60% | 1.65% | 1.67% | 1.67% |
| Shullsburg | 1.53% | 1.66% | 1.90% | 1.93% | 1.93% |
| South Wayne | 1.48% | 1.73% | 1.98% | 2.03% | 2.03% |
| Woodford | 1.48% | 1.49% | 1.50% | 1.51% | 1.52% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lafayette County, Wisconsin
In Lafayette County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Lafayette County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices in Lafayette County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lafayette County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively. For instance, Hazel Green has the highest median tax bill at $2,722, while Shullsburg has the lowest at $169. This significant range highlights the importance of understanding and managing your property's assessed value.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$8,848
$40,491
$72,133
Average Lafayette County Assessed Value
$15,150
Average Wisconsin Assessed Value
$200,300
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lafayette County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | $2,525 | $5,050 | $12,625 | $25,335 | $115,429 |
| Belmont | $2,286 | $7,984 | $16,085 | $122,706 | $247,170 |
| Benton | $2,962 | $5,786 | $15,343 | $44,248 | $98,820 |
| Blanchardville | $4,868 | $12,276 | $28,242 | $63,085 | $106,815 |
| Cuba City | $2,968 | $5,432 | $15,856 | $34,076 | $67,309 |
| Darlington | $1,721 | $6,802 | $20,841 | $86,362 | $109,150 |
| Gratiot | $2,409 | $4,603 | $11,402 | $46,676 | $109,266 |
| Hazel Green | $5,981 | $14,952 | $27,311 | $328,828 | $345,333 |
| Mineral Point | $2,271 | $4,373 | $18,796 | $63,208 | $250,644 |
| Platteville | $3,439 | $11,238 | $15,328 | $45,778 | $147,349 |
| Shullsburg | $2,114 | $5,107 | $8,848 | $35,429 | $92,014 |
| South Wayne | $2,626 | $4,006 | $9,225 | $93,025 | $152,210 |
| Woodford | $21,947 | $40,767 | $72,133 | $103,499 | $122,319 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lafayette County, Wisconsin
In Lafayette County, WI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by local assessors who evaluate the property's market value. This assessed value is then multiplied by the county's tax rate to calculate the annual tax bill. For instance, homeowners in Lafayette County experience a wide range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $102 and the 75th percentile at $1,123, showcasing the variability based on property values and locations. Several factors influence the final tax bill, including property size, location, and any applicable exemptions or deductions. The highest median tax bill in the county is $2,722 in Hazel Green, while Shullsburg has the lowest at $169. These figures highlight the significant differences within the county. Homeowners need to be aware of these factors as they can significantly impact annual expenses, affecting both budgeting and long-term financial planning.
Average Lafayette County Tax Bill
$291
Average Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lafayette County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argyle | $50 | $107 | $235 | $460 | $1,618 |
| Belmont | $40 | $162 | $281 | $2,044 | $4,063 |
| Benton | $47 | $103 | $283 | $689 | $1,751 |
| Blanchardville | $81 | $224 | $466 | $1,041 | $1,841 |
| Cuba City | $63 | $96 | $330 | $667 | $1,335 |
| Darlington | $36 | $160 | $489 | $2,014 | $2,514 |
| Gratiot | $41 | $90 | $208 | $799 | $1,715 |
| Hazel Green | $251 | $374 | $2,722 | $5,112 | $5,311 |
| Mineral Point | $39 | $75 | $285 | $1,272 | $3,946 |
| Platteville | $57 | $169 | $243 | $751 | $2,358 |
| Shullsburg | $36 | $95 | $169 | $568 | $1,721 |
| South Wayne | $48 | $94 | $203 | $1,768 | $2,822 |
| Woodford | $328 | $606 | $1,069 | $1,532 | $1,810 |
Source: Ownwell