Wisconsin housing costs at a glance
| Wisconsin | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $344,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 1.19% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 1.4% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $1,512 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 |
Example: median-priced home
Wisconsin home for $344,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $1,739 + property tax $401 + insurance $126 = about $2,267 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Wisconsin property tax
Wisconsin's average effective property tax rate is about 1.19% of value, among the higher rates in the Midwest, and around 2% in the city of Milwaukee. Each municipality assesses property and the bill combines school district, county, city or town and technical college levies. A primary residence also gets the lottery and gaming credit, which lowers the bill by a few hundred dollars; it is usually applied automatically, but check the box on your bill.
Other Wisconsin costs
- Real estate transfer fee: $3 per $1,000 of the price (0.3%), paid by the seller.
- Insurance: about $1,510 a year for $300,000 of dwelling coverage, below the national average.
- See also the Wisconsin paycheck calculator.
Other states
See also the Wisconsin paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Wisconsin?
About 1.19% of home value on average, and around 2% in the city of Milwaukee.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Wisconsin home?
On a $344,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $1,739; with property tax at 1.4% and average insurance the total is about $2,267 a month.
Who pays the transfer fee in Wisconsin?
The seller: $3 per $1,000 of the sale price.
What is the Wisconsin lottery and gaming credit?
A property tax credit for your primary residence, funded by state lottery and gaming revenue and shown on your tax bill.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue – property tax
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026