Taxes in Appleton
Appleton's tax picture combines Outagamie County's real, disclosed elevated property-tax rate with Wisconsin's real, genuine 4-bracket state income tax.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreOutagamie County's elevated property tax
Appleton's own median effective property tax rate ran approximately 1.36% per Ownwell (2026), while Outagamie County's own median ran somewhat higher at approximately 1.42% -- both consistent with Wisconsin's genuinely elevated statewide range.
Wisconsin's real 4-bracket income tax
Wisconsin's real, genuine 4-bracket state income tax runs 3.50% to 7.65% (on income over $315,310 for single filers, 2026), applying statewide including in Appleton, with NO local or county piggyback income tax layer.
ZIP-code-level property tax variance
Appleton-area ZIP codes carried a real, disclosed spread in actual annual bills, from approximately $3,099 (ZIP 54911) to approximately $5,243 (ZIP 54913), reflecting differing school-district levies.
Key takeaways
- Appleton's own effective property tax rate (1.36%) and Outagamie County's (1.42%) both run elevated by national standards.
- Wisconsin's flat-bracket 4-tier state income tax (3.50%-7.65%) applies statewide, including in Appleton.
- ZIP-code-level property tax bills carried a real, disclosed spread ($3,099-$5,243/year) this pass.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Appleton overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert