Taxes in Waukesha
Waukesha's tax picture combines a genuine, disclosed exception to Wisconsin's elevated property-tax pattern with the state's real 4-bracket income tax.
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Learn moreA genuine exception to Wisconsin's property tax pattern
Waukesha's own median effective property tax rate ran approximately 1.38% per Ownwell (2026) -- slightly BELOW the Wisconsin statewide median of approximately 1.43%, a real, disclosed exception to the state's broader elevated-tax profile. Waukesha County overall runs even lower, at approximately 1.05%.
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 Waukesha, with NO local or county piggyback income tax layer.
A high dollar bill despite the favorable rate
Waukesha's median annual property tax bill still ran a real $4,058 -- approximately $1,658 above the national median -- since Wisconsin's elevated home values drive the actual dollar figure up even at a below-median rate.
Key takeaways
- Waukesha's own property tax rate (1.38%) runs slightly below Wisconsin's state median (1.43%) -- a genuine exception.
- Wisconsin's flat-bracket 4-tier state income tax (3.50%-7.65%) applies statewide, including in Waukesha.
- The median annual bill ($4,058) still runs above the national median given elevated home values.
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