Vilas County, WI Property Tax: $2,166/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Vilas County is 0.80% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $270,700, that works out to about $2,166 per year, or $181 per month. Vilas County is located in northern Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 23,410 residents.
About Vilas County
Vilas County covers approximately 857.7 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 23,410 residents living in roughly 24,783 housing units, of which 36.6% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $67,132, and the median home was built in 1980.
Vilas County borders Gogebic County, Iron County, Forest County, Iron County, Oneida 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 Vilas County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Vilas County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilas County, WI | 0.80% | $270,700 | $2,166 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $3,898* |
| Gogebic County | 1.49% | $99,700 | $1,488 |
| Iron County | 1.44% | $101,500 | $1,459 |
| Forest County | 1.17% | $170,000 | $1,988 |
| Iron County | 1.14% | $155,200 | $1,777 |
| Oneida County | 0.94% | $227,500 | $2,146 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Vilas County's median home value of $270,700. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Vilas County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 0.80%, Vilas County is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $270,700, that means about $2,166 per year — versus $3,898 at the state average rate, a difference of $1,732 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Vilas County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Vilas County?
For a home at the county median value of $270,700, the annual property tax in Vilas County is approximately $2,166 — or about $181 per month. For a home worth $406,050, expect around $3,248 per year. For a $541,400 home, approximately $4,331 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Vilas County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Vilas County are handled by the Vilas 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 Vilas 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 0.80% shown here. Contact the Vilas 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