Property Taxes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Median Milwaukee, Wisconsin effective property tax rate: 1.97%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the Wisconsin state median of 1.43%.
Median Milwaukee, Wisconsin home value: $195,500
Median annual Milwaukee, Wisconsin tax bill: $3,771, $1,371 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Milwaukee County calculated?
Property taxes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Milwaukee, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Milwaukee Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Milwaukee property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Milwaukee's median effective tax rate of 1.97% — based on actual property records in Milwaukee County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Milwaukee's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Milwaukee: rates range from $1,059.00 in 53206 to $8,302.00 in 53203, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
Milwaukee’s median effective tax rate is higher than the Wisconsin state median tax rate of 1.43%, and the median tax bill is $1,371 higher than the state median tax bill. For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Milwaukee.
About Milwaukee Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee’s median effective property tax rate of 1.97% is higher than the Wisconsin state median of 1.43% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Milwaukee County base levy combined with local school district levies and special assessment districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across Milwaukee. Homeowners in the 53228 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 2.21%, while those in 53226 pay 1.57%. This spread — 0.64 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Milwaukee County. Understanding which part of Milwaukee you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Milwaukee homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the May 25, 2026 deadline each year.
If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.
Property Tax Rates Across Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.
Why? Because 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 Milwaukee's effective property tax rate to other cities in Wisconsin and the median property tax rates in Wisconsin and the U.S.
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 Milwaukee Tax Rate
1.97%
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 Milwaukee County Tax Rate
1.97%
Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.43%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53202 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53203 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53204 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53205 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53206 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53207 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53208 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53209 | 1.84% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53210 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53211 | 1.75% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53212 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53213 | 1.54% | 1.55% | 1.58% | 1.62% | 1.97% |
| 53214 | 1.72% | 1.74% | 1.85% | 1.97% | 2.06% |
| 53215 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53216 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53217 | 1.73% | 1.76% | 1.92% | 2.19% | 2.28% |
| 53218 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53219 | 1.73% | 1.77% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53220 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 2.14% | 2.32% | 2.42% |
| 53221 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 2.18% | 2.40% |
| 53222 | 1.55% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53223 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 2.02% | 2.08% |
| 53224 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53225 | 1.56% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53226 | 1.52% | 1.54% | 1.57% | 1.60% | 1.82% |
| 53227 | 1.73% | 1.75% | 1.78% | 1.87% | 1.97% |
| 53228 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 2.21% | 2.30% | 2.43% |
| 53233 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| 53066 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53121 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53128 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53263 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 58321 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
When examining property taxes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 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 Milwaukee County assessment 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.
Assessment notices:
In Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.
For example, the median home price in Milwaukee is $195,500, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 53203 has the highest median home price at $425,300.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$27,700
$417,775
$807,850
Median Milwaukee Market Value
$195,500
Median Milwaukee County Market Value
$207,700
Median Wisconsin Market Value
$237,700
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53202 | $136,000 | $229,600 | $332,100 | $515,200 | $990,140 |
| 53203 | $161,890 | $247,925 | $425,300 | $672,100 | $2,392,500 |
| 53204 | $63,380 | $82,800 | $106,100 | $135,200 | $183,120 |
| 53205 | $35,864 | $61,950 | $89,500 | $145,700 | $217,000 |
| 53206 | $26,700 | $37,800 | $53,100 | $73,150 | $92,400 |
| 53207 | $170,600 | $207,675 | $251,800 | $313,300 | $389,590 |
| 53208 | $56,100 | $87,825 | $162,600 | $241,600 | $317,600 |
| 53209 | $68,000 | $88,700 | $116,800 | $195,450 | $312,230 |
| 53210 | $48,500 | $81,100 | $119,500 | $170,500 | $259,540 |
| 53211 | $212,770 | $278,300 | $362,500 | $518,550 | $803,930 |
| 53212 | $66,020 | $92,600 | $171,200 | $266,150 | $365,400 |
| 53213 | $204,000 | $272,000 | $327,600 | $407,450 | $533,550 |
| 53214 | $140,000 | $163,500 | $187,600 | $214,200 | $238,600 |
| 53215 | $97,600 | $125,400 | $159,800 | $198,500 | $242,210 |
| 53216 | $68,500 | $105,700 | $141,500 | $171,900 | $204,700 |
| 53217 | $246,000 | $319,000 | $415,900 | $575,950 | $831,800 |
| 53218 | $78,900 | $104,000 | $133,600 | $159,100 | $186,450 |
| 53219 | $156,200 | $178,700 | $204,100 | $232,700 | $266,680 |
| 53220 | $135,700 | $166,800 | $201,100 | $237,275 | $287,340 |
| 53221 | $129,800 | $177,000 | $214,000 | $255,900 | $316,710 |
| 53222 | $141,270 | $173,600 | $208,900 | $256,500 | $320,360 |
| 53223 | $62,700 | $123,800 | $186,200 | $234,800 | $298,400 |
| 53224 | $37,100 | $101,725 | $195,400 | $256,925 | $408,990 |
| 53225 | $125,480 | $162,150 | $191,600 | $248,050 | $313,600 |
| 53226 | $218,870 | $260,100 | $324,200 | $415,400 | $511,930 |
| 53227 | $170,990 | $195,325 | $219,100 | $258,000 | $313,110 |
| 53228 | $148,000 | $200,500 | $242,800 | $289,100 | $360,700 |
| 53233 | $22,800 | $80,975 | $140,500 | $433,400 | $2,011,650 |
| 53066 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53121 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53128 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53263 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 58321 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
Property tax bills in Milwaukee are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. When a property is valued higher, the tax bill generally rises, while a lower assessed value can reduce what a homeowner owes. Local budgets, school funding, and other municipal needs all play a role in shaping the final bill.
With a median home price of $195,500, Milwaukee homeowners can see very different tax bills depending on where they live and how their property is assessed. The 25th percentile tax bill is $2,547, while the 75th percentile is $5,144 and the 90th percentile reaches $7,335. That is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400, showing how costly property taxes can be in the city.
These bills can have a major impact on affordability, especially for homeowners in higher-tax neighborhoods.
Median Milwaukee Tax Bill
$3,771
Median Milwaukee County Tax Bill
$3,980
Median Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,453
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53202 | $2,639 | $4,487 | $6,515 | $10,081 | $19,413 |
| 53203 | $3,185 | $4,851 | $8,302 | $13,217 | $47,054 |
| 53204 | $1,248 | $1,628 | $2,087 | $2,656 | $3,585 |
| 53205 | $802 | $1,248 | $1,779 | $2,885 | $4,352 |
| 53206 | $548 | $766 | $1,059 | $1,446 | $1,831 |
| 53207 | $3,360 | $4,088 | $4,955 | $6,163 | $7,661 |
| 53208 | $1,119 | $1,744 | $3,209 | $4,747 | $6,186 |
| 53209 | $1,337 | $1,723 | $2,287 | $3,781 | $5,982 |
| 53210 | $988 | $1,623 | $2,370 | $3,381 | $5,104 |
| 53211 | $4,642 | $6,004 | $7,760 | $11,139 | $17,657 |
| 53212 | $1,313 | $1,838 | $3,412 | $5,265 | $7,186 |
| 53213 | $3,613 | $4,421 | $5,276 | $6,570 | $8,564 |
| 53214 | $2,580 | $3,021 | $3,493 | $4,010 | $4,541 |
| 53215 | $1,923 | $2,469 | $3,145 | $3,904 | $4,761 |
| 53216 | $1,364 | $2,082 | $2,786 | $3,384 | $4,026 |
| 53217 | $4,480 | $6,079 | $8,272 | $11,683 | $17,144 |
| 53218 | $1,562 | $2,053 | $2,630 | $3,131 | $3,666 |
| 53219 | $2,880 | $3,356 | $3,913 | $4,483 | $5,189 |
| 53220 | $2,972 | $3,660 | $4,263 | $5,071 | $6,189 |
| 53221 | $2,772 | $3,618 | $4,398 | $5,270 | $6,468 |
| 53222 | $2,755 | $3,360 | $3,951 | $4,766 | $5,742 |
| 53223 | $1,233 | $2,434 | $3,709 | $4,756 | $6,187 |
| 53224 | $730 | $1,985 | $3,840 | $5,047 | $8,039 |
| 53225 | $2,434 | $3,153 | $3,676 | $4,591 | $5,756 |
| 53226 | $3,481 | $4,183 | $5,198 | $6,630 | $8,234 |
| 53227 | $3,039 | $3,484 | $4,022 | $4,858 | $5,845 |
| 53228 | $3,109 | $4,278 | $5,081 | $6,387 | $7,949 |
| 53233 | $111 | $1,510 | $2,629 | $7,606 | $36,244 |
| 53066 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53121 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53128 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 53263 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 58321 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | June 2 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee Tax Assessor | |
| Website | assessments.milwaukee.gov |