Sauk County, WI Property Tax: $3,646/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Sauk County is 1.50% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $242,400, that works out to about $3,636 per year, or $303 per month. Sauk County is located in southern Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 65,759 residents.
About Sauk County
Sauk County covers approximately 831.6 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 65,759 residents living in roughly 31,091 housing units, of which 64.5% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $77,648, and the median home was built in 1982.
Sauk County borders Adams County, Columbia County, Dane County, Iowa County, Juneau 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 Sauk County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Sauk County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauk County, WI | 1.50% | $242,400 | $3,636 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $3,491* |
| Adams County | 1.30% | $184,500 | $2,397 |
| Columbia County | 1.48% | $258,700 | $3,826 |
| Dane County | 1.71% | $366,100 | $6,276 |
| Iowa County | 1.56% | $248,100 | $3,864 |
| Juneau County | 1.52% | $165,200 | $2,517 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Sauk County's median home value of $242,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sauk County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 1.50%, Sauk County is higher than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $242,400, that means about $3,636 per year — versus $3,491 at the state average rate, a difference of $145 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Sauk County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Sauk County?
For a home at the county median value of $242,400, the annual property tax in Sauk County is approximately $3,636 — or about $303 per month. For a home worth $363,600, expect around $5,454 per year. For a $484,800 home, approximately $7,272 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Sauk County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Sauk County are handled by the Sauk 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 Sauk 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 1.50% shown here. Contact the Sauk 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