MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin homeowners saw another sharp increase in property tax levies in 2024, with statewide totals rising 4.2%, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum.
Largest Increases Since 2009
The latest hike follows a 4.6% jump in 2023, marking the two biggest increases in property tax levies since 2009. While levy growth was significant, Wisconsin’s property tax rate actually dropped for the 11th year in a row, thanks to rising equalized property values.
That means homeowners ultimately paid more, but the assessed value of their homes grew at a faster rate than the tax increases.
City and County Breakdowns
Some communities saw far higher increases than the statewide average:
- Milwaukee: up 11.3%
- Madison: up 5.1%
- Dane County: up 5.7%
- Washington County: up 7.5%
Southeast Wisconsin as a whole experienced the largest property tax increases for 2024, but it also recorded the biggest growth in property values at 7.2%, compared to 6.2% the year before.
Rising Property Values
Wisconsin’s taxable property value rose another 8% in 2025, bringing the total statewide value to $982.8 billion. Of that, $724.4 billion is residential property.
For comparison:
- 2021: $654.8 billion
- 2008: $514.4 billion
- 2013: $467.5 billion
Ozaukee and Racine Counties reported double-digit value growth in 2025, while Dane County saw a 9.2% increase. Milwaukee’s property value growth slowed to 3.4% in 2025, down from 6.3% the year before.
Impact on Homeowners
Although rates have fallen, the continued climb in property values has pushed overall tax bills higher. Analysts note this dynamic could add pressure on homeowners already managing inflation and rising housing costs…