Watertown, WI Property Tax Rates
Compare property tax rates across 2 ZIP codes in Watertown, Wisconsin.
Avg Tax Rate
1.65%
Avg Annual Tax
$3,832
Avg Home Value
$231,800
ZIP Codes
2
Property Tax Overview: Watertown, WI
Watertown has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 1.65%, which is 18% above the Wisconsin average of 1.40%. Annual property taxes range from $3,700 (ZIP 53094) to $3,964 (ZIP 53098).
For a home at Watertown's median value of $231,800, property taxes add approximately $319/month to housing costs. Watertown home values are close to the Wisconsin median of $231,076.
Property tax rates within Watertown vary by 0.00 percentage points across its ZIP codes. This variation typically reflects different school district boundaries, special assessment zones, and municipal service areas within the city.
Watertown vs Wisconsin Average
Effective Tax Rate
18% above state average
Annual Property Tax
Median Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Watertown, WI?
The average effective property tax rate in Watertown, Wisconsin is 1.65%, based on 2 ZIP codes.
How much is property tax in Watertown, WI?
The average median annual property tax in Watertown is $3,832 per year, with a median home value of $231,800.
Which ZIP code in Watertown has the lowest property tax rate?
ZIP code 53094 has the lowest effective tax rate in Watertown at 1.65%, with a median annual tax of $3,700.
How many ZIP codes are in Watertown, WI?
Watertown, Wisconsin has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data available.
Which ZIP code in Watertown has the highest property tax rate?
ZIP code 53098 has the highest effective tax rate in Watertown at 1.65%, with a median annual tax of $3,964.
How do Watertown property taxes compare to the Wisconsin average?
Watertown's average effective rate of 1.65% is 18% above the Wisconsin state average of 1.40%.
What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in Watertown?
Property tax rate differences within Watertown are typically driven by school district boundaries (which can account for 40–60% of a tax bill), special assessment zones for fire, water, or transit services, and whether a ZIP falls within city limits or an unincorporated area. Each taxing jurisdiction sets its own rate, which is why adjacent ZIP codes can have noticeably different effective rates.
Tips for Watertown Homeowners
- •Appeal your assessment: If your home is assessed higher than its market value, you can file a property tax appeal. Studies suggest 30–60% of properties are over-assessed. Most counties offer a free informal review process.
- •Check your exemptions: Homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable value and are available to primary residents in most states. Senior, veteran, and disability exemptions may also apply. Exemptions must typically be applied for — they are not automatic.
- •Know your assessment cycle: Wisconsin reassesses properties periodically. After buying a home, your next tax bill may reflect a new assessment based on your purchase price. Budget accordingly, especially if you bought above prior assessed values.
- •Compare ZIP codes before buying: Even within Watertown, effective tax rates can vary significantly across ZIP codes due to different school district overlays. Use PropertyTaxByZip to compare specific ZIPs before choosing a neighborhood.
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Looking for county-level property tax data? View Jefferson County on TaxByCounty.com
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA level). ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.
Estimates are informational only and should not be used as financial or legal advice.