Rusk County, WI Property Tax: $1,834/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Rusk County is 1.21% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $152,000, that works out to about $1,839 per year, or $153 per month. Rusk County is located in northwestern Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 14,146 residents.
About Rusk County
Rusk County covers approximately 913.5 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 14,146 residents living in roughly 8,679 housing units, of which 55.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $58,322, and the median home was built in 1976.
Rusk County borders Barron County, Chippewa County, Price County, Sawyer County, Taylor 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 Rusk County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Rusk County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rusk County, WI | 1.21% | $152,000 | $1,839 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $2,189* |
| Barron County | 1.42% | $198,300 | $2,823 |
| Chippewa County | 1.16% | $237,700 | $2,754 |
| Price County | 1.45% | $146,000 | $2,110 |
| Sawyer County | 0.85% | $223,300 | $1,899 |
| Taylor County | 1.42% | $186,500 | $2,647 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Rusk County's median home value of $152,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rusk County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 1.21%, Rusk County is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $152,000, that means about $1,839 per year — versus $2,189 at the state average rate, a difference of $350 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Rusk County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Rusk County?
For a home at the county median value of $152,000, the annual property tax in Rusk County is approximately $1,839 — or about $153 per month. For a home worth $228,000, expect around $2,759 per year. For a $304,000 home, approximately $3,678 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Rusk County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Rusk County are handled by the Rusk 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 Rusk 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 1.21% shown here. Contact the Rusk 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