Douglas County, WI Property Tax: $2,564/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Douglas County is 1.35% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $190,400, that works out to about $2,570 per year, or $214 per month. Douglas County is located in northwestern Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 44,197 residents.
About Douglas County
Douglas County covers approximately 1,304.3 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 44,197 residents living in roughly 22,997 housing units, of which 59.4% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $72,579, and the median home was built in 1970.
Douglas County borders Carlton County, Lake County, Pine County, St. Louis County, Bayfield 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 Douglas County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Douglas County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas County, WI | 1.35% | $190,400 | $2,570 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $2,742* |
| Carlton County | 1.17% | $232,000 | $2,712 |
| Lake County | 0.75% | $222,900 | $1,674 |
| Pine County | 0.87% | $225,600 | $1,973 |
| St. Louis County | 1.03% | $208,500 | $2,142 |
| Bayfield County | 1.07% | $228,100 | $2,432 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Douglas County's median home value of $190,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Douglas County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 1.35%, Douglas County is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $190,400, that means about $2,570 per year — versus $2,742 at the state average rate, a difference of $172 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Douglas County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Douglas County?
For a home at the county median value of $190,400, the annual property tax in Douglas County is approximately $2,570 — or about $214 per month. For a home worth $285,600, expect around $3,856 per year. For a $380,800 home, approximately $5,141 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Douglas County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Douglas County are handled by the Douglas 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 Douglas 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 1.35% shown here. Contact the Douglas 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