Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin Property Taxes
Median Wausau, WI effective property tax rate: 1.98%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.58%.
Median Wausau, WI home value: $145,681
Median annual Wausau, WI tax bill: $2,787, $387 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Marathon calculated?
Property taxes in Wausau, 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 Wausau’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Wausau, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.98%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,884
$2,677
Property Tax Rates Across Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Local government entities are responsible for setting property tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. This variation occurs because each county annually determines its required budget to fund services and divides this amount by the total value of all taxable properties in its area. This calculation results in the property tax rate. Although votes and legal frameworks play a role in establishing these rates and budgets, this is the fundamental process.
In Wausau, located in Marathon County, the effective property tax rate is a reflection of this process. When comparing Wausau’s tax rate to other cities within Wisconsin, it becomes evident how local governance impacts property tax rates. While the median property tax rate in Wisconsin is higher than the national median of 1.02%, it is essential to consider the local benefits and services funded by these taxes. For instance, the highest median tax rate in Marathon County is found in the 54403 zip code, while the lowest is in the 54401 zip code. Understanding these variations helps property owners make informed decisions and appreciate the nuances of property taxation in their locality.
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 Wausau Tax Rate
1.98%
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 Marathon County Tax Rate
1.64%
Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.58%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54401 | 1.52% | 1.58% | 1.90% | 2.12% | 2.21% |
| 54403 | 1.53% | 1.76% | 2.05% | 2.17% | 2.23% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
When examining property taxes in Wausau, 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 Marathon 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 Marathon 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 Wausau. For example, the median home price in Wausau is $145,681, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 54401 has the highest median home price at $152,460.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$15,598
$132,757
$249,915
Median Wausau Market Value
$145,681
Median Marathon County Market Value
$164,200
Median Wisconsin Market Value
$200,300
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54401 | $71,606 | $99,234 | $152,460 | $230,731 | $338,523 |
| 54403 | $65,720 | $99,378 | $139,636 | $199,483 | $292,888 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Median Wausau Tax Bill
$2,787
Median Marathon County Tax Bill
$2,706
Median Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,346
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Wausau, Marathon County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54401 | $1,382 | $1,994 | $2,813 | $4,050 | $5,927 |
| 54403 | $1,196 | $1,978 | $2,755 | $3,906 | $5,698 |
Source: Ownwell