Wisconsin’s Real Estate Market Grew by 7% in 2020

On Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) released its annual Equalized Values Report. The report shows Wisconsin’s total statewide equalized property value as of January 1, 2021, was $654 billion, a 7% increase over the prior year; growth occurred in all property classifications. Equalized values are based on data from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021.

Report highlights:

• Change in Equalized Value = $41.6 billion, a 7% increase from 2020
o $31.1 billion due to market value increases (5%)
o $10.1 billion due to new construction (2%)

Equalized Values are calculated annually and used to ensure statewide fairness and equity in property tax distribution. The Equalized Value represents an estimate of a taxation district’s total taxable value and provides for the fair apportionment of school district and county levies to each municipality. Changes in Equalized Value do not necessarily translate into a change in property taxes.