Buffalo County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Buffalo County is 1.45%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%. With a median home value of $142,500 in Buffalo County, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $2,115, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Buffalo County are calculated based on the assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Buffalo 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 Alma or another part of Buffalo County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Buffalo County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.45%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,066
Ownwell’s Buffalo County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Buffalo County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Buffalo 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 Buffalo County, Wisconsin
Property taxes in Buffalo County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Buffalo County is 1.45%, which is higher than both the Wisconsin state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Buffalo County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Buffalo 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 Buffalo County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Wisconsin and the national median. For comparison, the city of Arcadia has one of the higher property tax rates in Wisconsin at 1.69%, while the city of Buffalo City boasts one of the lowest at 0.80%. Analyzing how Buffalo County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Buffalo County Tax Rate
1.45%
Average Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.58%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Buffalo County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alma | 1.23% | 1.41% | 1.69% | 1.88% | 1.97% |
| Arcadia | 1.40% | 1.55% | 1.69% | 1.76% | 1.82% |
| Buffalo City | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% |
| Cochrane | 1.19% | 1.30% | 1.39% | 1.48% | 1.62% |
| Durand | 1.00% | 1.09% | 1.17% | 1.22% | 1.26% |
| Eleva | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.53% | 1.57% |
| Fountain City | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.31% | 1.43% | 1.52% |
| Gilmanton | 1.42% | 1.42% | 1.42% | 1.42% | 1.42% |
| Independence | 1.27% | 1.39% | 1.47% | 1.59% | 1.64% |
| Mondovi | 1.24% | 1.42% | 1.61% | 1.71% | 1.80% |
| Nelson | 1.06% | 1.19% | 1.42% | 1.58% | 1.70% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buffalo County, Wisconsin
In Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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. In Buffalo County, Eleva has the highest median tax bill at $2,407, while Durand has the lowest at $1,605. Being aware of these valuation processes will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buffalo County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$11,800
$91,550
$171,300
Average Buffalo County Assessed Value
$142,500
Average Wisconsin Assessed Value
$200,300
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Buffalo County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alma | $45,580 | $84,750 | $121,650 | $174,775 | $238,940 |
| Arcadia | $51,780 | $95,000 | $136,500 | $185,500 | $234,660 |
| Buffalo City | $11,800 | $11,800 | $11,800 | $11,800 | $11,800 |
| Cochrane | $57,200 | $100,500 | $143,800 | $206,000 | $278,260 |
| Durand | $50,360 | $89,925 | $131,150 | $197,625 | $251,940 |
| Eleva | $112,280 | $128,100 | $168,900 | $232,200 | $271,320 |
| Fountain City | $70,420 | $117,200 | $171,300 | $229,500 | $290,180 |
| Gilmanton | $144,200 | $144,200 | $144,200 | $144,200 | $144,200 |
| Independence | $36,950 | $98,500 | $130,150 | $194,600 | $240,670 |
| Mondovi | $58,540 | $96,350 | $137,700 | $183,650 | $247,040 |
| Nelson | $39,640 | $82,200 | $129,700 | $180,500 | $243,580 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Buffalo County, Wisconsin
In Buffalo County, WI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and reflects the market value of the property. This value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the annual tax bill. For example, with a median home price of $142,500, homeowners can expect varying tax bills depending on their property's assessed value and specific circumstances. Several factors influence the tax bill, including property location, improvements, and exemptions. In Buffalo County, tax bills can range significantly. The 25th percentile tax bill is approximately $1,411, while the 75th percentile reaches up to $2,993, and the 90th percentile can be as high as $3,960. Notably, the city of Eleva has the highest median tax bill at $2,407, while Durand has the lowest at $1,605. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Buffalo County's rates reflect the local economic conditions and property values, directly affecting homeowners' annual financial obligations.
Average Buffalo County Tax Bill
$2,115
Average Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Buffalo County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alma | $623 | $1,291 | $1,996 | $2,898 | $3,956 |
| Arcadia | $724 | $1,563 | $2,288 | $3,222 | $4,161 |
| Buffalo City | $94 | $94 | $94 | $94 | $94 |
| Cochrane | $739 | $1,421 | $2,041 | $2,898 | $4,011 |
| Durand | $504 | $1,032 | $1,605 | $2,356 | $3,040 |
| Eleva | $1,412 | $1,640 | $2,407 | $3,288 | $4,203 |
| Fountain City | $884 | $1,554 | $2,299 | $3,185 | $4,023 |
| Gilmanton | $2,049 | $2,049 | $2,049 | $2,049 | $2,049 |
| Independence | $503 | $1,436 | $1,990 | $3,079 | $3,919 |
| Mondovi | $836 | $1,499 | $2,218 | $3,007 | $3,965 |
| Nelson | $487 | $1,023 | $1,829 | $2,701 | $3,571 |
Source: Ownwell
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