Marathon County, WI Property Tax: $3,108/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Marathon County is 1.51% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $205,500, that works out to about $3,103 per year, or $259 per month. Marathon County is located in central Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 138,067 residents.
About Marathon County
Marathon County covers approximately 1,545.2 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 138,067 residents living in roughly 60,296 housing units, of which 69.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $76,185, and the median home was built in 1977.
Marathon County borders Clark County, Langlade County, Lincoln County, Portage County, Shawano 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 Marathon County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Marathon County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon County, WI | 1.51% | $205,500 | $3,103 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $2,959* |
| Clark County | 1.51% | $163,800 | $2,467 |
| Langlade County | 1.33% | $145,800 | $1,946 |
| Lincoln County | 1.42% | $177,700 | $2,530 |
| Portage County | 1.47% | $230,400 | $3,396 |
| Shawano County | 1.45% | $179,100 | $2,588 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Marathon County's median home value of $205,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Marathon County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 1.51%, Marathon County is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $205,500, that means about $3,103 per year — versus $2,959 at the state average rate, a difference of $144 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Marathon County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Marathon County?
For a home at the county median value of $205,500, the annual property tax in Marathon County is approximately $3,103 — or about $259 per month. For a home worth $308,250, expect around $4,655 per year. For a $411,000 home, approximately $6,206 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Marathon County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Marathon County are handled by the Marathon 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 Marathon 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 1.51% shown here. Contact the Marathon 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