Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin Property Taxes
Median Shell Lake, WI effective property tax rate: 1.59%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but slightly higher than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%.
Median Shell Lake, WI home value: $296,250
Median annual Shell Lake, WI tax bill: $4,724, $2,324 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Washburn calculated?
Property taxes in Shell Lake, 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 Shell Lake’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Shell Lake, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.59%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,710
$4,371
Property Tax Rates Across Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin
Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is due to each county annually estimating its required budget to provide essential services and dividing that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.
SHELL LAKE in Washburn County, WI, has an effective property tax rate of 1.59%, which is significantly higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This rate is the highest in the state, reflecting the county's budgetary needs and property values. When compared to the national median property tax bill of $2400, residents in SHELL LAKE may experience a higher financial burden due to the elevated tax rate. Understanding these rates can help property owners make informed decisions about appealing or applying for exemptions to potentially lower their property tax bills.
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 Shell Lake Tax Rate
1.59%
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 Washburn County Tax Rate
1.18%
Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.58%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
54871 | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.60% | 1.60% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin
When examining property taxes in Shell Lake, 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 Washburn 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 Washburn County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. 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 Shell Lake.
For example, the median home price in Shell Lake is $296,250, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 54871 has the highest median home price at $296,250.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell

$19,900
$158,075
$296,250
Median Shell Lake Market Value
$296,250
Median Washburn County Market Value
$126,300
Median Wisconsin Market Value
$200,300
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
54871 | $58,200 | $58,200 | $296,250 | $380,200 | $380,200 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin
Median Shell Lake Tax Bill
$4,724
Median Washburn County Tax Bill
$1,472
Median Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Shell Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
54871 | $929 | $929 | $4,724 | $6,063 | $6,063 |
Source: Ownwell