Washburn County, WI Property Tax: $2,305/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Washburn County is 1.11% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $207,900, that works out to about $2,308 per year, or $192 per month. Washburn County is located in northwestern Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 16,749 residents.
About Washburn County
Washburn County covers approximately 797.1 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 16,749 residents living in roughly 12,823 housing units, of which 47.5% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $61,270, and the median home was built in 1982.
Washburn County borders Barron County, Bayfield County, Burnett County, Douglas County, Rusk 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 Washburn County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Washburn County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn County, WI | 1.11% | $207,900 | $2,308 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $2,994* |
| Barron County | 1.42% | $198,300 | $2,823 |
| Bayfield County | 1.07% | $228,100 | $2,432 |
| Burnett County | 0.95% | $215,500 | $2,052 |
| Douglas County | 1.35% | $190,400 | $2,564 |
| Rusk County | 1.21% | $152,000 | $1,834 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Washburn County's median home value of $207,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Washburn County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 1.11%, Washburn County is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $207,900, that means about $2,308 per year — versus $2,994 at the state average rate, a difference of $686 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Washburn County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Washburn County?
For a home at the county median value of $207,900, the annual property tax in Washburn County is approximately $2,308 — or about $192 per month. For a home worth $311,850, expect around $3,462 per year. For a $415,800 home, approximately $4,615 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Washburn County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Washburn County are handled by the Washburn 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 Washburn 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 1.11% shown here. Contact the Washburn 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