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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in Wisconsin (2026)

In Wisconsin, a typical home is worth $266,500 and the typical rent is $1,087 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $552,000 depending on the county. 26 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Wisconsin; 14 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $192,700
  • $192,700–$214,800
  • $214,800–$232,700
  • $232,700–$266,000
  • $266,000 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$266,500
20% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$1,087
23% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$77,485
4% less than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287 to $552,000
It changes by county. The highest applies in 2 counties.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
1.42%
of value a year
The typical bill is $3,792 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, a typical home is worth $266,500: 20% less than in the United States overall. Prices change a lot by county: from $110,200 in Menominee County to $398,200 in Waukesha County. The typical household earns $77,485 a year and the typical rent is $1,087 a month; 44% of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 68% of households own their home, and the typical property tax is $3,792 a year (about 1.42% of value).

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 across Wisconsin. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Wisconsin ($1,251) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $24.06 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in Wisconsin

More on property tax

  • Lottery and Gaming Credit for your primary residence

    It is a credit that directly lowers property tax and shows on your property tax bill. It is paid from lottery money. You qualify if you are a Wisconsin resident, own a dwelling and use it as your primary residence on January 1 of the year the tax is levied. To get it, you file an application with the treasurer of the county where the property is (or with the city treasurer, if the city collects taxes under state law). The amount changes every year: each November the available funds are set from Wisconsin Lottery, on-track betting and bingo revenue. From that, the Department of Revenue sets a maximum credit value (MCV). Your credit is that value (or your property's value, if lower) times the school tax rate that applies to you.

    Wisconsin Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

  • Deadline: January 31 with the municipal treasurer, or October 1 with the State

    If you qualified for the lottery and gaming credit on January 1 but your property tax bill does not show it, you can claim it from the municipal (town, village or city) treasurer where the property is, by January 31 after you receive the bill. The treasurer figures the credit and either credits your bill or, if you already paid, refunds it to you. If you missed January 31, you can file a late claim with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue by October 1 after the bill is issued.

    Wisconsin Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

  • How to object to your assessment at the Board of Review

    To object to your property's assessment at the Board of Review (BOR), you first give the board clerk written or oral notice at least 48 hours before the first scheduled meeting. Then you fill out the written Objection Form for Real Property Assessment (PA-115A). The objection counts as filed if the clerk's office receives it within the first two hours of the first meeting. If you did not give the 48-hour notice, you submit the written form and ask for a waiver of that notice during the first two hours of the first meeting.

    Wisconsin Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

  • State real estate transfer fee

    The seller (grantor) pays a transfer fee of 30 cents for each $100 of value (or fraction) on every conveyance that state law does not exempt or exclude. For example, if the value subject to the fee is $100,000, the fee is $300.

    Wisconsin Department of Revenue (Filing a Real Estate Transfer Return guide) · Verified October 24, 2026

  • ID numbers on the real estate transfer return (RETR)

    The real estate transfer return (RETR) lists a Social Security number (SSN), an ITIN or a FEIN (federal identification number) and the address of each seller and each buyer. A buyer without an SSN gives an ITIN. If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, you pick from a list the reason the number is not available. The RETR is confidential under state law, and the Department of Revenue restricts who can see it.

    Wisconsin Department of Revenue · Verified October 24, 2026

The homes here

Housing in Wisconsin

What homes there are in Wisconsin, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

Detached houses, standing on their own, make up 66% of homes here, against 61% in the U.S..

Year built

The typical home in Wisconsin was built in 1975, 5 years before the typical one in the U.S..

Much as in the U.S., 60% of homes in Wisconsin have 3 bedrooms or more.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

Looking at what owner-occupied homes in Wisconsin are worth, the most common range is between $300K and $500K (29%).

Monthly rent with utilities

The largest group of rented homes in Wisconsin pays between $1,000 and $1,499 a month: 37%.

With a mortgage

$1,689 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$659 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

61%

United States: 61%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Wisconsin is $1,689 a month, less than in the U.S. ($1,963); without one, $659.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

Homes in Wisconsin gained value more slowly than in the U.S.: 48% since 2015–2019, against 53%.

The typical rent in Wisconsin rose 27% over the same time; in the U.S., it rose 33%.

To compare: typical income in Wisconsin rose 26%; the home, +48%; the rent, +27%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureWisconsinUnited States
Rental vacancy 4.5%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.5%0.9%
More than one person per room 1.7%3.4%
People per household 2.332.53
Drive alone 74%69%
Carpool 7%9%
Public transit 1%3%
Walk or bike 3%3%
Work from home 13%15%
Other means 1%2%
Typical commute 10 to 19 minutes20 to 29 minutes

The rental vacancy rate in Wisconsin is 4.5%, lower than in the U.S. (5.5%).

In Wisconsin, 1.7% of households live with more than one person per room, against 3.4% in the U.S..

Households in Wisconsin are smaller: 2.33 people on average; in the U.S., 2.53.

The car rules in Wisconsin: 74% of workers drive to work alone, and the typical trip takes 10 to 19 minutes.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in Wisconsin

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in Wisconsin

Start from the typical home value in Wisconsin, $266,500, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for Wisconsin

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$2,317

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in Wisconsin rose 96% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period Wisconsin United States
In 2025 +5.4% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +57% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +96% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in Wisconsin were 6% lower than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 21% lower than nationwide.

Category Wisconsin United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 94.1 100.0 6% less
Housing rents What renters pay 79.3 100.6 21% less
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 89.9 98.4 9% less
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 94.3 99.6 5% less
Other services Services other than rent 99.5 100.1 1% less

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in Wisconsin 1.4% of homes (27,192) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 19% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
Wisconsin United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 1.4% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 19% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 0.5% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in Wisconsin

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (140)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in Wisconsin

    Our list has 2 official programs that help you buy in Wisconsin. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 2 programs
    1. WHEDA Easy Close Advantage DPA

      Wisconsin state agency second mortgage for the down payment: up to 6% of the price, over 10 years with a monthly payment and the same rate as the WHEDA first mortgage. Offered by Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

      Repayable Verified November 5, 2026

    2. WHEDA Capital Access DPA

      Limited funds remain, per the source

      $7,500 loan from the Wisconsin state agency for the down payment and closing costs, over 30 years, at 0% and with no monthly payments, alongside a WHEDA mortgage; limited funds, first come, first served. Offered by Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin law answers 4 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      Data not available

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      If you move out at the end of your lease, the landlord must return your security deposit, minus any amount that may be withheld, within 21 days after you move out. If you move out before the lease ends, the landlord has 21 days from the last day of the lease or the date a new tenant moves in, whichever comes first.

      Wis. Stat. §704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(2)

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      If you do not pay rent, the landlord may give you a written 5-day notice to pay or move out; if you pay in time, the tenancy continues. On a lease, the landlord must first give that 5-day notice. If you pay and are late again within 12 months, the landlord may give a 14-day notice with no option to pay. If you rent month to month, the landlord may give a 14-day notice with no option to pay, without a 5-day notice first.

      Wis. Stat. §704.17

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      If you rent month to month, the landlord may end the rental agreement with a written notice given at least 28 days before the next rent due date. You must follow the same procedure to tell the landlord you are leaving.

      Wis. Stat. §704.19(3)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      A landlord cannot charge a late rent fee or penalty unless your rental agreement specifically provides for it. If you were late the month before and pay this month's rent, the landlord must first apply that payment to rent currently due before using any part of it for a late fee.

      Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(8)

    A father holds his baby and his young son by a white picket fence.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in Wisconsin?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    26 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve Wisconsin; 14 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    115 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in Wisconsin.

    See all 26 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in Wisconsin

    • Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

      The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) is the State of Wisconsin's housing finance authority. Its mission is to stimulate the state's economy and improve the quality of life for Wisconsin residents by providing affordable housing and business financing products. WHEDA cannot offer its programs directly to consumers; it works through a network of approved banks, credit unions and mortgage banks throughout the state.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 24, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in Wisconsin

    • Where to file a housing discrimination complaint

      A housing discrimination complaint must be filed within one year, either with the Equal Rights Division or through circuit court. The complaint form explains how to submit it for investigation. The Division can investigate complaints, hold formal hearings, award remedies and help the parties settle.

      Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Equal Rights Division · Verified October 24, 2026

    • Help with homeowners insurance questions or problems

      The Consumer Affairs team at the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance helps you if you have a question or concern about your policy or claim, whether it is auto, health, home or life insurance.

      Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) · Verified October 24, 2026

    • Wisconsin Insurance Plan (WIP): homeowners insurance of last resort

      If you try several insurers and cannot find coverage, you most likely can be insured through the Wisconsin Insurance Plan (WIP). In the WIP, all companies selling property insurance in the state share the risk of owners who have trouble getting insurance from usual market sources. WIP premiums are higher than those of regular insurers. WIP is homeowners insurance of last resort: the page says to consider it only if you cannot get insurance from any other company.

      Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) · Verified October 24, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in Wisconsin

    We picked them with the numbers of Wisconsin. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in Wisconsin

    What is the FHA limit in Wisconsin in 2026?

    In Wisconsin, the FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $552,000. The highest is in Pierce County.

    How much does a typical home cost in Wisconsin?

    The typical home value in Wisconsin is $266,500 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in Waukesha County ($398,200) and the lowest in Menominee County ($110,200).

    How much does it cost to rent in Wisconsin?

    The typical rent in Wisconsin is $1,087 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Wisconsin?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in Wisconsin ($1,251, Fiscal year 2027), about $24.06 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in Wisconsin?

    The typical property tax in Wisconsin is $3,792 a year, about 1.42% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in Wisconsin?

    There are 26 HUD-approved counseling agencies in Wisconsin; 14 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).