Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin Property Taxes
Median Waunakee, WI effective property tax rate: 1.78%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%.
Median Waunakee, WI home value: $385,700
Median annual Waunakee, WI tax bill: $6,776, $4,376 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Dane County calculated?
Property taxes in Waunakee, 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 Waunakee’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Waunakee, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.78%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$6,865
$6,371
Property Tax Rates Across Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin
Local government entities in Wisconsin, including Waunakee in Dane County, set property tax rates that can differ significantly across the state. This variation arises because each county annually estimates its budgetary needs for public services and divides this amount by the total assessed value of all taxable properties within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While laws and votes play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially how the process unfolds each year.
Waunakee's effective property tax rate offers an interesting comparison within Wisconsin and against national figures. Wisconsin's median property tax rate stands at 1.78%, which is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. This means that homeowners in Waunakee and similar areas may face higher property tax bills compared to the national median bill of $2,400. Understanding these differences can help property owners in Waunakee make informed decisions and potentially seek tax appeal or exemption services to manage their financial obligations effectively.
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 Waunakee Tax Rate
1.78%
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 Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53597 | 1.55% | 1.65% | 1.78% | 1.82% | 1.86% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin
When examining property taxes in Waunakee, 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 Assessor's Office 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 Waunakee. For example, the median home price in Waunakee is $385,700, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 53597 has the highest median home price at $385,700.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$103,700
$373,450
$643,200
Median Waunakee Market Value
$385,700
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 Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53597 | $207,820 | $288,700 | $385,700 | $509,700 | $649,420 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin
In Waunakee, located in Dane County, WI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home. The local tax rate is applied to this assessed value, which is determined by the local assessor's office. Factors such as the size, location, and condition of the property influence this assessed value. Homeowners in Waunakee face a median property tax bill significantly higher than the national median of $2,400, with the 25th percentile tax bill at $4,999 and the 75th percentile reaching $9,172. This discrepancy highlights the financial impact on residents, making it vital for homeowners to ensure their property is assessed fairly.
Ownwell assists homeowners by providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services. Our team analyzes your property's assessed value, identifies discrepancies, and files appeals on your behalf. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can potentially reduce their tax bills, ensuring they pay only their fair share. With Ownwell's support, you can navigate the complexities of property tax assessments with confidence and ease.
Median Waunakee Tax Bill
$6,776
Median Dane County Tax Bill
$7,324
Median Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Waunakee, Dane County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53597 | $3,765 | $4,999 | $6,776 | $9,172 | $11,728 |
Source: Ownwell