Waukesha County, Wisconsin Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Waukesha County is 1.34%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%. With the median home value in Waukesha County at $348,408, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,538, which exceeds the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha or another part of Waukesha County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Waukesha County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.34%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,669
$4,332
Ownwell’s Waukesha County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Waukesha County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Waukesha 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 Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Property taxes in Waukesha County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Waukesha County is 1.34%, which is higher than both the Wisconsin state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Waukesha County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Waukesha 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 Waukesha County's effective property tax rate with other areas in Wisconsin and the national median. For comparison, the city of Butler has one of the higher property tax rates in Wisconsin at 1.71%, while the city of Palmyra boasts one of the lowest at 0.93%. Analyzing how Waukesha County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Waukesha County Tax Rate
1.34%
Average Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.58%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Waukesha County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | 1.01% | 1.01% | 1.01% | 1.49% | 1.49% |
| Brookfield | 1.41% | 1.41% | 1.41% | 1.41% | 1.41% |
| Butler | 1.71% | 1.71% | 1.71% | 1.71% | 1.71% |
| Colgate | 0.95% | 0.99% | 1.23% | 1.23% | 1.23% |
| Delafield | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.33% | 1.33% | 1.33% |
| Dousman | 0.99% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.59% | 1.59% |
| Eagle | 0.93% | 0.93% | 0.98% | 1.09% | 1.09% |
| Elm Grove | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% |
| Genesee Depot | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% |
| Hartland | 0.87% | 0.95% | 1.04% | 1.13% | 1.13% |
| Ixonia | 1.24% | 1.24% | 1.24% | 1.24% | 1.24% |
| Lannon | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| Lisbon | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Menomonee Falls | 1.33% | 1.34% | 1.34% | 1.34% | 1.34% |
| Merton | 0.90% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% |
| Milwaukee | 1.49% | 1.52% | 1.53% | 1.53% | 1.53% |
| Mukwonago | 1.01% | 1.17% | 1.17% | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Muskego | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% |
| Nashotah | 0.84% | 0.90% | 1.11% | 1.11% | 1.17% |
| New Berlin | 1.49% | 1.49% | 1.49% | 1.49% | 1.53% |
| North Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North Prairie | 0.99% | 1.17% | 1.17% | 1.17% | 1.29% |
| Oconomowoc | 1.18% | 1.24% | 1.49% | 1.51% | 1.51% |
| Okauchee | 1.24% | 1.24% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| Palmyra | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pewaukee | 0.88% | 1.05% | 1.26% | 1.45% | 1.45% |
| Sullivan | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sussex | 1.00% | 1.23% | 1.44% | 1.44% | 1.44% |
| Wales | 1.27% | 1.27% | 1.27% | 1.27% | 1.27% |
| Waterford | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Waukesha | 0.92% | 1.12% | 1.58% | 1.58% | 1.58% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. 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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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. For instance, Elm Grove has the highest median tax bill at $7,170, while Summit has the lowest at $1,653. Being aware of these valuation processes in Waukesha County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$51,250
$273,175
$495,100
Average Waukesha County Assessed Value
$348,408
Average Wisconsin Assessed Value
$200,300
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waukesha County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | $213,420 | $261,450 | $347,500 | $423,550 | $511,320 |
| Brookfield | $269,600 | $310,300 | $371,700 | $487,400 | $676,190 |
| Butler | $159,880 | $181,250 | $204,950 | $228,150 | $251,960 |
| Colgate | $277,600 | $293,800 | $339,600 | $414,400 | $487,500 |
| Delafield | $273,660 | $352,200 | $471,000 | $643,800 | $911,900 |
| Dousman | $268,960 | $335,500 | $435,400 | $529,800 | $645,020 |
| Eagle | $232,150 | $293,000 | $376,050 | $471,800 | $558,800 |
| Elm Grove | $249,420 | $364,300 | $495,100 | $632,400 | $832,400 |
| Genesee Depot | $157,030 | $233,850 | $266,050 | $327,150 | $516,050 |
| Hartland | $245,160 | $306,700 | $453,100 | $639,500 | $948,320 |
| Ixonia | $351,570 | $378,575 | $416,550 | $476,050 | $596,830 |
| Lannon | $187,000 | $232,750 | $297,900 | $410,100 | $487,700 |
| Lisbon | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Menomonee Falls | $235,200 | $262,900 | $302,900 | $431,500 | $572,960 |
| Merton | $44,990 | $188,025 | $244,450 | $308,675 | $376,240 |
| Milwaukee | $226,900 | $247,000 | $271,200 | $338,700 | $400,700 |
| Mukwonago | $225,000 | $281,900 | $356,500 | $452,700 | $545,720 |
| Muskego | $257,530 | $314,400 | $381,900 | $491,350 | $595,850 |
| Nashotah | $240,600 | $347,500 | $491,800 | $716,850 | $1,376,820 |
| New Berlin | $195,110 | $251,100 | $299,300 | $369,200 | $478,280 |
| North Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North Prairie | $201,820 | $283,450 | $344,100 | $444,950 | $548,280 |
| Oconomowoc | $232,600 | $294,000 | $396,100 | $540,000 | $906,900 |
| Okauchee | $193,310 | $245,800 | $467,500 | $826,200 | $1,091,770 |
| Palmyra | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pewaukee | $193,360 | $258,500 | $363,600 | $558,750 | $787,480 |
| Sullivan | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sussex | $271,890 | $311,400 | $370,250 | $464,225 | $578,910 |
| Wales | $294,560 | $337,600 | $377,500 | $445,500 | $697,800 |
| Waterford | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Waukesha | $194,905 | $236,815 | $310,446 | $390,500 | $490,040 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waukesha County, Wisconsin
In Waukesha County, WI, property tax bills are determined based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate. The assessed value is an estimate of the property's market value, which is then multiplied by the tax rate to calculate the tax bill. Factors such as property location, size, and improvements can influence the assessed value. Homeowners in Waukesha County experience a range of tax bills. For example, the tax bill at the 25th percentile is approximately $3,629, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to about $5,997. At the 90th percentile, the tax bill can reach $8,035. The highest median tax bill in the county is found in Elm Grove, with a median of $7,170, whereas the lowest is in Summit at $1,653. Comparatively, the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, highlighting how Waukesha County's tax bills can significantly impact homeowners, especially those with higher-valued properties. Understanding these factors can help homeowners better anticipate their property tax obligations.
Average Waukesha County Tax Bill
$4,538
Average Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Waukesha County, Wisconsin
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bend | $2,808 | $3,260 | $3,782 | $4,450 | $5,638 |
| Brookfield | $3,737 | $4,317 | $5,145 | $6,768 | $9,505 |
| Butler | $2,741 | $3,106 | $3,516 | $3,910 | $4,318 |
| Colgate | $3,243 | $3,507 | $3,853 | $4,621 | $5,491 |
| Delafield | $3,449 | $4,146 | $5,751 | $7,885 | $10,887 |
| Dousman | $3,349 | $4,123 | $4,891 | $6,147 | $7,861 |
| Eagle | $2,511 | $3,076 | $3,710 | $4,636 | $5,407 |
| Elm Grove | $3,611 | $5,275 | $7,170 | $9,158 | $12,055 |
| Genesee Depot | $1,620 | $2,617 | $2,977 | $3,662 | $5,776 |
| Hartland | $2,650 | $3,250 | $4,485 | $6,405 | $9,947 |
| Ixonia | $4,372 | $4,706 | $5,180 | $5,903 | $7,422 |
| Lannon | $2,431 | $3,027 | $3,874 | $5,334 | $6,343 |
| Lisbon | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Menomonee Falls | $3,147 | $3,517 | $4,051 | $5,762 | $7,656 |
| Merton | $385 | $1,874 | $2,407 | $3,078 | $3,750 |
| Milwaukee | $3,460 | $3,767 | $4,137 | $5,166 | $6,023 |
| Mukwonago | $3,129 | $3,686 | $4,336 | $5,622 | $6,894 |
| Muskego | $2,948 | $3,589 | $4,363 | $5,618 | $6,817 |
| Nashotah | $2,665 | $3,382 | $5,090 | $7,714 | $14,964 |
| New Berlin | $2,925 | $3,756 | $4,482 | $5,527 | $7,160 |
| North Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| North Prairie | $2,358 | $3,305 | $4,089 | $5,011 | $6,279 |
| Oconomowoc | $3,234 | $4,019 | $5,405 | $7,323 | $11,359 |
| Okauchee | $2,405 | $3,071 | $5,841 | $10,322 | $13,640 |
| Palmyra | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pewaukee | $2,522 | $3,191 | $4,493 | $6,448 | $8,989 |
| Sullivan | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summit | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sussex | $3,453 | $4,041 | $4,851 | $6,094 | $7,536 |
| Wales | $3,561 | $4,231 | $4,764 | $5,581 | $8,811 |
| Waterford | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Waukesha | $2,886 | $3,423 | $4,166 | $5,250 | $6,594 |
Source: Ownwell