Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Portage, WI effective property tax rate: 1.02%, significantly lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%, but equal to the national median of 1.02%.
Median Portage, WI home value: $163,496
Median annual Portage, WI tax bill: $2,186, $214 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Columbia calculated?

Property taxes in Portage, WI are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Portage’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Portage, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.02%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,668

$1,548

Ownwell’s Portage Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Portage with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Portage’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Columbia County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Local government entities determine tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. Annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. Below, you can compare Portage’s effective property tax rate to other cities in Wisconsin and the median property tax rates in Wisconsin and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

1.02%

1.47%

1.93%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Portage Tax Rate

1.02%

Median Effective Columbia County Tax Rate

1.43%

Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate

1.58%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53901	0.76%	0.85%	1.02%	1.72%	1.77%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

When examining property taxes in Portage, WI, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Columbia County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

In Columbia County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Portage.

For example, the median home price in Portage is $163,496, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 53901 has the highest median home price at $163,496.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

$127,755

$236,353

$344,951

Median Portage Market Value

$163,496

Median Columbia County Market Value

$201,380

Median Wisconsin Market Value

$200,300

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53901	$93,906	$126,342	$163,496	$261,676	$343,516

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

In Portage, located in Columbia County, WI, property tax bills are determined by assessing a property's value and applying the county's tax rate. With a median home price of $163,496, the tax bill can vary significantly. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,166, while the 75th percentile is $3,061, and the 90th percentile reaches $4,562. Compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Portage's tax bills can be both lower and higher depending on the property's assessed value. Homeowners in Portage may find themselves paying more or less than the national average, influenced by factors such as property size, location, and local tax rates. Ownwell can assist homeowners by reviewing their property assessments and identifying potential discrepancies or opportunities for exemptions. By leveraging our expertise, we help homeowners navigate the complexities of property tax appeals, potentially lowering their tax bills and ensuring they are not overpaying. Our services aim to provide peace of mind and financial savings for property owners in Portage.

Property Tax Bills Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Source: Ownwell

$2,082

$3,486

$4,889

Median Portage Tax Bill

$2,186

Median Columbia County Tax Bill

$2,882

Median Wisconsin Tax Bill

$3,346

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Portage, Columbia County, Wisconsin

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
53901	$943	$1,166	$2,186	$3,061	$4,562

Source: Ownwell