As of August 2024, the median home price in Wisconsin is $305,000, below the national median of $385,000. While Wisconsin remains more affordable than states like Minnesota ($348K), Illinois ($330K), it is higher than Illinois ($330K), Iowa ($204K), Michigan ($263K), and Indiana ($238K).
Wisconsin’s home prices are not as competitive within the Midwest, however, on top of media house price Wisconsin property taxes make ownership significantly more expensive than in neighboring states.
Wisconsin’s Property Taxes: A Top-10 Burden
Wisconsin ranks 10th in the nation for highest property taxes, with an effective tax rate of 1.38%. Compared to neighboring states, Wisconsin’s property tax rate is significantly higher:
- Illinois: 2.05% (one of the highest in the nation)
- Michigan: 1.31%
- Iowa: 1.42%
- Indiana: 0.81% (nearly half of Wisconsin’s rate)
- Minnesota: 1.05%
For a Wisconsin homeowner with a $305,000 home, this translates to roughly $4,209 per year in property taxes. This is far higher than what homeowners pay in Indiana or Minnesota.
Additionally, Wisconsin ranks 24th in state and local property tax collections per capita at $1,782, meaning local governments already rely heavily on these taxes for funding.
The April Supreme Court Election and Act 10: What’s at Stake?
Since 2011, Act 10 has controlled costs for taxpayers by limiting collective bargaining for public-sector unions, reducing the financial burden on local governments and school districts. However, a Dane County judge recently struck down Act 10, setting the stage for a Wisconsin Supreme Court battle that could impact homeowners directly.
If liberal Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford defeats conservative Brad Schimel in April, the court’s new majority could strike down Act 10 entirely. Without it, local governments and school districts will be forced to increase property taxes to cover massive new expenses.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) estimates that repealing Act 10 would cost Wisconsin school districts an additional $1.788 billion—a financial hit that will land directly on homeowners. For example, WILL’s analysis found that if Act 10 is repealed, the annual property tax increase for a $300,000 home would be:
- Milwaukee: +$1,310
- Oshkosh: +$1,600
Readers can use WILL’s tool to see how much of their property taxes will increase in their school district, here. And these increases do not include additional tax hikes from school referendums and local government budget expansions.
Conclusion: Wisconsin Homeowners at Risk for Higher Taxes
Wisconsin homeowners already pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. With the median home price at $305,000, affordability is increasingly out of reach. If Act 10 is repealed, taxpayers will face massive new property tax hikes—making homeownership even more expensive.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 1 isn’t just about policy—it’s about your wallet. With Act 10 on the line, Wisconsin’s financial future hangs in the balance.
