Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin Property Taxes
Median Watertown, WI effective property tax rate: 0.12%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and much lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%.
Median Watertown, WI home value: $175,900
Median annual Watertown, WI tax bill: $334, $2,066 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Dodge County calculated?
Property taxes in Watertown, 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 Watertown’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Watertown, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.06%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,921
$1,782
Property Tax Rates Across Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variation exists because each county annually estimates its required budget to provide essential services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This process determines the property tax rate. Although votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual procedure.
Compare Watertown’s effective property tax rate to other cities in Wisconsin and the median property tax rates in Wisconsin and the U.S. Watertown, located in Dodge County, has an effective property tax rate that stands out in comparison to the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Understanding these differences can provide valuable insights into how property taxes impact local homeowners. By evaluating Watertown's tax rates alongside state and national averages, property owners can make informed decisions about their investments and potential savings. Whether you're a resident or considering a move to Watertown, being aware of these tax dynamics is crucial for financial planning and maximizing the value of your property.
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 Watertown Tax Rate
1.06%
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 Dodge County Tax Rate
1.30%
Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.43%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53098 | 0.96% | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.19% |
| 53094 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin
When examining property taxes in Watertown, 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 Dodge 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 Dodge 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 Watertown.
For example, the median home price in Watertown is $175,900, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 53098 has the highest median home price at $176,000.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$158,950
$256,325
$353,700
Median Watertown Market Value
$181,200
Median Dodge County Market Value
$213,500
Median Wisconsin Market Value
$237,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53098 | $104,580 | $138,100 | $181,200 | $259,000 | $361,060 |
| 53094 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin
Median Watertown Tax Bill
$3,111
Median Dodge County Tax Bill
$2,984
Median Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,453
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53098 | $718 | $2,093 | $3,111 | $4,232 | $5,374 |
| 53094 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell