53188 Property Tax Rate

Property owners in ZIP code 53188 (Waukesha, Wisconsin) pay a median of $4,516/year in property taxes on homes valued at $317,300. This translates to an effective tax rate of 1.42%, which is near the Wisconsin state average of 1.40%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 53188 is approximately $376, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within Waukesha County. This is $1,317 more than the Wisconsin average of $3,199/year.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Wisconsin, 53188 has higher property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 54304 (1.42%) and 54949 (1.42%).

In Waukesha, property taxes represent approximately 5.1% of the median household income of $88,656, providing context for the relative tax burden on homeowners in this area.

Wisconsin taxes primary residences at full market value with no state cap, but you can claim the Homestead Credit and Lottery and Gaming Credit (both income-based) on your state tax return — file these credits the year after purchase to reduce your overall tax burden. Waukesha County reassesses at sale; verify with the Waukesha County Assessor that your homestead classification is recorded, which is critical for state credit eligibility. Request a copy of your property assessment from the Waukesha County Assessor and compare it to recent comparable sales; if it's overstated, file an appeal with the Board of Review by the published deadline.