Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin Property Taxes
Median Waterloo, WI effective property tax rate: 1.38%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%. Median Waterloo, WI home value: $256,900. Median annual Waterloo, WI tax bill: $3,917, $1,517 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Dane County calculated?
Property taxes in Waterloo, 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 Waterloo’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Waterloo, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.38%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,545
$3,290
Property Tax Rates Across Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. 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 Waterloo’s effective property tax rate to other cities in Wisconsin and the median property tax rates in Wisconsin and the U.S.
In Waterloo, located in Dane County, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.38%, which is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. This difference highlights the regional variability in property tax rates. Despite the higher rate, the process of determining these rates remains consistent across the board. Each county, including Dane, calculates its tax rate based on the budgetary needs and the total assessed value of properties within its boundaries. Understanding these dynamics can empower property owners in Waterloo to make informed decisions and explore potential avenues for tax appeals or exemptions.
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 Waterloo Tax Rate
1.38%
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 Dane County Tax Rate
2.02%
Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.58%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53594 | 1.29% | 1.33% | 1.38% | 1.74% | 1.83% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin
When examining property taxes in Waterloo, 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 Dane 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 Dane County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. 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 Waterloo. For example, the median home price in Waterloo is $256,900, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 53594 has the highest median home price at $256,900.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$103,700
$373,450
$643,200
Median Waterloo Market Value
$256,900
Median Dane County Market Value
$304,700
Median Wisconsin Market Value
$200,300
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53594 | $155,580 | $198,750 | $256,900 | $355,300 | $415,060 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin
Median Waterloo Tax Bill
$3,917
Median Dane County Tax Bill
$7,324
Median Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Waterloo, Dane County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53594 | $2,434 | $2,808 | $3,917 | $5,216 | $6,943 |
Source: Ownwell