Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Wauwatosa, WI effective property tax rate: 1.75%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%.
Median Wauwatosa, WI home value: $256,500
Median annual Wauwatosa, WI tax bill: $4,466, $2,066 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Milwaukee County calculated?

Property taxes in Wauwatosa, WI are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Wauwatosa’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Wauwatosa, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.75%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,489

$4,165

Ownwell’s Wauwatosa Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Wauwatosa with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Wauwatosa’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Milwaukee County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Local government entities determine tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. Each year, counties estimate the budget needed to provide services and divide this by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. This annual process, while involving votes and laws, fundamentally revolves around this calculation.

In Wauwatosa, located in Milwaukee County, the effective property tax rate is a crucial factor for homeowners. The median property tax rate in Wisconsin is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Milwaukee County, tax rates can vary, with some areas having slightly higher or lower rates. For instance, the highest median tax rate in the county is found in the 53210 ZIP code, while the lowest is in the 53225 ZIP code. These variations highlight the importance of understanding local tax rates and their impact on property ownership costs. Comparing Wauwatosa’s rate to other cities in Wisconsin and the national median provides valuable insight for property owners and prospective buyers looking to make informed decisions.

Property Tax Rates Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

1.58%

1.98%

2.39%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Wauwatosa Tax Rate

1.75%

Median Effective Milwaukee County Tax Rate

2.38%

Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate

1.58%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53210	1.75%	1.75%	1.76%	1.82%	1.82%
53225	1.70%	1.72%	1.73%	1.74%	1.80%
53213	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
53222	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
53226	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

When examining property taxes in Wauwatosa, WI, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Milwaukee County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

In Milwaukee County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Wauwatosa. For example, the median home price in Wauwatosa is $256,500, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 53210 has the highest median home price at $286,800.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

$8,900

$329,250

$649,600

Median Wauwatosa Market Value

$256,500

Median Milwaukee County Market Value

$184,600

Median Wisconsin Market Value

$200,300

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53210	$251,500	$278,400	$286,800	$303,400	$320,060
53225	$175,100	$189,000	$216,800	$255,600	$257,500
53213	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
53222	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
53226	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

In Wauwatosa, located in Milwaukee County, WI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor. The city's tax rate is applied to this assessed value to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as local government budgets and school funding requirements can influence the tax rate, impacting the final amount homeowners pay. With a median home price of $256,500, property taxes in Wauwatosa are notably above the national median tax bill of $2,400. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is $3,273, while the 75th percentile reaches $5,148. This can place a significant financial burden on homeowners. Ownwell offers property tax appeal services to help homeowners potentially reduce their tax bills. By analyzing property assessments and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell can assist in filing appeals, ultimately helping homeowners save money. This service is particularly beneficial in areas like Wauwatosa, where property tax bills can be significantly high compared to the national average.

Property Tax Bills Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

$152

$7,571

$14,989

Median Wauwatosa Tax Bill

$4,466

Median Milwaukee County Tax Bill

$3,903

Median Wisconsin Tax Bill

$3,346

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53210	$4,374	$4,882	$5,158	$5,327	$5,762
53225	$2,969	$3,224	$3,734	$4,446	$4,484
53213	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
53222	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
53226	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell