Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin Property Taxes

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

Median Waukesha, WI effective property tax rate: 1.58%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but equal to the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%.
Median Waukesha, WI home value: $310,446
Median annual Waukesha, WI tax bill: $4,166, $1,766 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Waukesha calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.58%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,905

$4,552

Ownwell’s Waukesha Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Waukesha with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Waukesha’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 Waukesha County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Local government entities set property tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variation is because each county, including Waukesha County, estimates its required budget annually to provide essential services. They then divide this budget by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws influence these rates and budgets, this is the core of the annual process. In Waukesha, the effective property tax rate is a reflection of this process. Compared to other cities in Wisconsin, Waukesha’s rate offers a unique perspective on how local governance impacts property owners. The median property tax rate in Wisconsin is 1.58%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. This comparison highlights how Waukesha's rates stack up against both state and national figures. Understanding these rates can empower property owners to make informed decisions regarding property tax appeals and exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

0.93%

1.32%

1.71%

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 Waukesha Tax Rate

1.58%

Median Effective Waukesha County Tax Rate

1.34%

Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate

1.58%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53186	1.14%	1.58%	1.58%	1.58%	1.58%
53188	1.05%	1.58%	1.58%	1.58%	1.58%
53189	0.92%	0.92%	1.12%	1.58%	1.58%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

When examining property taxes in Waukesha, 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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha.

For example, the median home price in Waukesha is $310,446, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 53189 has the highest median home price at $375,796.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

$51,250

$273,175

$495,100

Median Waukesha Market Value

$310,446

Median Waukesha County Market Value

$348,408

Median Wisconsin Market Value

$200,300

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53186	$174,178	$204,968	$260,509	$321,000	$376,561
53188	$205,350	$235,542	$305,733	$385,350	$501,919
53189	$249,172	$307,388	$375,796	$451,600	$554,240

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

In Waukesha, WI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the tax bill. Homeowners can face significant property tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $3,423 and the 75th percentile reaching $5,250. The highest median tax bill in the area is $4,430, notably higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Factors influencing these bills include changes in market conditions and local government budgets. High property taxes can place a financial burden on homeowners, impacting their overall cost of living. Ownwell assists homeowners by providing property tax appeal services, helping to potentially reduce their tax liabilities. By analyzing local market conditions and comparable properties, Ownwell identifies opportunities for tax savings, ensuring homeowners pay only their fair share. This service can be particularly beneficial in areas like Waukesha, where property tax bills are above the national average.

Property Tax Bills Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

$464

$3,817

$7,170

Median Waukesha Tax Bill

$4,166

Median Waukesha County Tax Bill

$4,538

Median Wisconsin Tax Bill

$3,346

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53186	$2,631	$3,131	$3,746	$4,576	$5,418
53188	$3,126	$3,576	$4,430	$5,583	$7,213
53189	$3,010	$3,590	$4,415	$5,687	$7,024

Source: Ownwell