Buying a home in Wisconsin

Property taxes, transfer taxes, home values and first-time buyer help in Wisconsin.

For home buyers in Wisconsin: the taxes and typical costs of buying, with official sources.

Effective property tax rate

1.42%

Median tax $3,792 ÷ median value $266,500 (ACS 2020–2024)

Typical home value

$337,196

Zillow ZHVI, 2026-09

State transfer tax

0.3%

Usually paid by: seller. Wis. Stat. § 77.22 (transfer fee); § 59.43(2)(ag)1 (recording fee). Official source. Local taxes may add more.

Estimated buyer closing costs Estimate

$2,800–$4,600

On a $337,196 home: typical lender fees + title insurance + deed recording (TallyClose) + the buyer’s share of transfer/recording taxes. Excludes prepaids, escrow and local taxes.

At Wisconsin's effective rate of 1.42%, a typical $337,196 home would owe about $4,788/year ($399/month) in property taxes. Actual bills depend on your county, city and exemptions. Run your numbers.

First-time homebuyer programs

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

Your state housing finance agency offers down payment assistance and low-rate mortgages for eligible buyers. Visit Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority →

Next steps

Cheapest & priciest ZIPs in WisconsinZIP codes ranked by typical home value Wisconsin first-time buyer programsDown payment assistance from the state HFA Payment on a typical Wisconsin home$337,196 home at your state's tax rate Mortgage rates today30-year fixed at 7.24%

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-year (B25103, B25077); Zillow Home Value Index; TallyClose closing-cost dataset (CC BY 4.0), which cites each state statute; NCSHA HFA directory. Last updated 2026-11-01.

Common questions

What is the property tax rate in Wisconsin?

The effective property tax rate in Wisconsin is 1.42%: the median tax of $3,792 divided by the median home value of $266,500 (U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024).

What is a typical home value in Wisconsin?

$337,196 in September 2026, according to the Zillow Home Value Index.

Does Wisconsin have a real estate transfer tax?

Yes. The state transfer tax is 0.3% of the price, usually paid by the seller.

Who offers first-time homebuyer help in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the state housing finance agency, offers down payment assistance and lower-rate loans for eligible buyers.

Updated November 3, 2026. Official sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, Zillow Research ZHVI.

Buying a home in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

Next steps

Common questions

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