Buffalo County, WI Property Tax: $2,811/yr (2026)
Last reviewed:
The effective property tax rate in Buffalo County is 1.42% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $197,600, that works out to about $2,806 per year, or $234 per month. Buffalo County is located in western Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 13,341 residents.
About Buffalo County
Buffalo County covers approximately 675.8 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 13,341 residents living in roughly 6,546 housing units, of which 68.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $68,722, and the median home was built in 1970.
Buffalo County borders Wabasha County, Winona County, Eau Claire County, Pepin County, Trempealeau County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Wisconsin
Property taxes in Wisconsin are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Wisconsin offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Buffalo County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Buffalo County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo County, WI | 1.42% | $197,600 | $2,806 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $2,845* |
| Wabasha County | 1.09% | $245,800 | $2,675 |
| Winona County | 0.94% | $222,900 | $2,099 |
| Eau Claire County | 1.43% | $242,400 | $3,461 |
| Pepin County | 1.47% | $196,100 | $2,875 |
| Trempealeau County | 1.61% | $203,300 | $3,269 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Buffalo County's median home value of $197,600. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Buffalo County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 1.42%, Buffalo County is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $197,600, that means about $2,806 per year — versus $2,845 at the state average rate, a difference of $39 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Buffalo County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Buffalo County?
For a home at the county median value of $197,600, the annual property tax in Buffalo County is approximately $2,806 — or about $234 per month. For a home worth $296,400, expect around $4,209 per year. For a $395,200 home, approximately $5,612 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Buffalo County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Buffalo County are handled by the Buffalo County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Buffalo County?
Wisconsin counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.42% shown here. Contact the Buffalo County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File