Waukesha County, WI Property Tax: $4,525/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Waukesha County is 1.21% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $373,600, that works out to about $4,521 per year, or $377 per month. Waukesha County is located in southeastern Wisconsin, and is home to approximately 409,040 residents.
About Waukesha County
Waukesha County covers approximately 549.7 square miles in Wisconsin. The county is home to about 409,040 residents living in roughly 173,567 housing units, of which 73.4% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $104,100, and the median home was built in 1981.
Waukesha County borders Dodge County, Jefferson County, Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County, Racine 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 Waukesha County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Waukesha County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha County, WI | 1.21% | $373,600 | $4,521 |
| Wisconsin state average | 1.44% | — | $5,380* |
| Dodge County | 1.55% | $218,400 | $3,395 |
| Jefferson County | 1.57% | $253,800 | $3,988 |
| Milwaukee County | 2.04% | $216,500 | $4,406 |
| Ozaukee County | 1.25% | $368,900 | $4,629 |
| Racine County | 1.70% | $239,400 | $4,071 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Waukesha County's median home value of $373,600. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Waukesha County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Wisconsin?
At 1.21%, Waukesha County is lower than the Wisconsin state average of 1.44%. On a home at the county median of $373,600, that means about $4,521 per year — versus $5,380 at the state average rate, a difference of $859 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Waukesha County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Waukesha County?
For a home at the county median value of $373,600, the annual property tax in Waukesha County is approximately $4,521 — or about $377 per month. For a home worth $560,400, expect around $6,781 per year. For a $747,200 home, approximately $9,041 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Waukesha County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Waukesha County are handled by the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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