Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Waterford, Wisconsin
Median Waterford, Wisconsin effective property tax rate: 1.30%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.43%.
Median Waterford, Wisconsin home value: $375,359
Median annual Waterford, Wisconsin tax bill: $4,600, $2,200 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Racine calculated?
Property taxes in Waterford, 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 Waterford's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Waterford, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.3%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,880
$4,528
How Does the Waterford Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Waterford property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Waterford's median effective tax rate of 1.30% — based on actual property records in Racine County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment system uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Waterford'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 Waterford: rates range from 1.30% in 53185 to 1.30% in 53185, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Waterford.
About Waterford Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Waterford, Racine, Wisconsin
Waterford's median effective property tax rate of 1.30% is lower than the Wisconsin state median of 1.43% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Racine 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 Waterford. Homeowners in ZIP code 53185 carry a median effective rate of 1.30%, and the same rate applies across the city. Understanding which part of Waterford you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Waterford homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the 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 Waterford, Racine 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 Waterford'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 Waterford Tax Rate
1.30%
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 Racine County Tax Rate
1.51%
Median Effective Wisconsin Tax Rate
1.43%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53185 | 0.91% | 1.07% | 1.30% | 1.39% | 1.47% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin
When examining property taxes in Waterford, 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 Racine 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.
Assessment notices:
In Racine County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month when notices are sent.
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 Waterford.
For example, the median home price in Waterford is $375,359, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 53185 has the highest median home price at $375,359.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin
Source: Ownwell
$92,997
$260,282
$427,567
Median Waterford Market Value
$375,359
Median Racine County Market Value
$252,753
Median Wisconsin Market Value
$237,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53185 | $229,736 | $294,848 | $375,359 | $476,599 | $607,687 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin
Property tax bills in Waterford are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. When a property’s market value is assessed, that value is used to determine how much tax the homeowner owes.
Several factors can affect the final bill, including the home’s assessed value, local government budgets, school funding, and other municipal services. For homeowners in Waterford, the median tax bill is $4,600, which is above the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
That means property taxes can take a larger share of housing costs for many homeowners in the city. With a median home price of $375,359, even small changes in assessed value or tax rates can have a noticeable impact on the annual bill.
Median Waterford Tax Bill
$4,600
Median Racine County Tax Bill
$4,180
Median Wisconsin Tax Bill
$3,453
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Waterford, Racine County, Wisconsin
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53185 | $2,855 | $3,596 | $4,600 | $5,971 | $7,382 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 29 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Racine Tax Assessor | |
| Website | ascent.racinecounty.gov |