Wausau, Wisconsin Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Wausau, WI is 1.98%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%. With the median home value in Wausau at $145,681, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $2,787, which is close to the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Wausau are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Wausau's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Wausau or another part of Marathon County, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Wausau, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.58%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,160
Ownwell’s Wausau Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Wausau with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Wausau to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by Marathon County for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Wausau, Wisconsin
Property taxes in Wausau, Wisconsin, are essential for funding crucial local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Wausau is 1.98%, which is significantly higher than both the Wisconsin state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Wausau set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Wausau estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Wausau's effective property tax rate to other areas in Marathon County and the national median. For comparison, the 54403 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 2.05%, while the 54401 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.90%. Understanding how these areas compare with Wausau provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Marathon County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Wausau Tax Rate
1.98%
Average Marathon County Tax Rate
1.64%
Average Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.58%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Wausau, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54401 | 1.52% | 1.58% | 1.90% | 2.12% | 2.21% |
| 54403 | 1.53% | 1.76% | 2.05% | 2.17% | 2.23% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wausau, Wisconsin
In Wausau, Wisconsin, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Marathon County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value 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. In Wausau, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Wausau helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. For instance, the highest median tax bill in Wausau is $2,813 in the 54401 zip code, while the lowest median tax bill is $2,755 in the 54403 zip code.
Average Wausau Assessed Value
$145,681
Average Marathon County Assessed Value
$164,200
Average Wisconsin Assessed Value
$200,300
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wausau, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54401 | $71,606 | $99,234 | $152,460 | $230,731 | $338,523 |
| 54403 | $65,720 | $99,378 | $139,636 | $199,483 | $292,888 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Wausau, Wisconsin
In Wausau, WI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by Marathon County. The median home price in Wausau is $145,681, and the property tax rate is applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. Various factors influence the assessed value, including the home's size, location, and condition. Local government services, such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure, are funded through these property taxes, impacting the overall tax rate. Homeowners in Wausau can expect a range of property tax bills depending on their property's assessed value. For instance, tax bills in the 25th percentile are around $1,986, while those in the 75th percentile reach $3,988. The 90th percentile sees tax bills as high as $5,823. The highest median tax bill recorded is $2,813 in the 54401 zip code, while the lowest is $2,755 in the 54403 zip code. These variations highlight the importance of accurate property assessments and the significant impact property taxes have on homeowners’ finances.
Average Wausau Tax Bill
$2,787
Average Marathon County Tax Bill
$2,706
Average Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Wausau, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54401 | $1,382 | $1,994 | $2,813 | $4,050 | $5,927 |
| 54403 | $1,196 | $1,978 | $2,755 | $3,906 | $5,698 |
Source: Ownwell