Taxes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Complete tax guide for Milwaukee, WI. State income tax up to 7.65%, 2.03% property tax, 5.6% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
7.65%
Wisconsin
Property Tax
2.03%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
5.6%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Milwaukee, WI Tax Overview
Largest city; high property taxes; beer and manufacturing heritage
Population
577,222
Median Income
$43,818
Cost of Living
86.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
7.65%
Median Home Price
$165,000
Milwaukee Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Milwaukee median: $43,818
Total Tax Burden in Milwaukee
$9,924
Take-Home: $33,894 · Effective Rate: 22.65%
Federal Tax
$3,220
7.35% eff.
WI State
$3,352
7.65% eff.
FICA
$3,352
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$33,894
77.35% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $43,818.00 | $3,651.50 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,219.66 | -$268.31 |
| Wisconsin State Tax | -$3,352.08 | -$279.34 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,716.72 | -$226.39 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$635.36 | -$52.95 |
| Take-Home Pay | $33,894.19 | $2,824.52 |
Property Tax in Milwaukee
Median Home
$165,000
Annual Tax
$3,349
Monthly Tax
$279
Effective Rate
2.03%
Sales Tax in Milwaukee
Combined Rate
5.6%
State Portion
~3.1%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Milwaukee is 5.6%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $5.60 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Milwaukee | Wisconsin Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 7.65% | 7.65% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 2.03% | ~2.03% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 5.6% | ~5.6% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Milwaukee Residents
- Wisconsin's income tax rate of 7.65% is above average. Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions (401k up to $23,500, IRA up to $7,000) to reduce both federal and state taxable income.
- Property tax in Milwaukee (2.03%) is above the national average. Check if you qualify for homestead exemptions or assessment appeals to reduce your property tax bill.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Madison
Very HighGreen Bay
HighKenosha
HighRacine
ModerateAppleton
HighWaukesha
HighEau Claire
HighOshkosh
ModerateCalculate Your Full Wisconsin Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee, Wisconsin has a state income tax rate up to 7.65%. The property tax rate is 2.03% and the combined sales tax rate is 5.6%. Largest city; high property taxes; beer and manufacturing heritage
How much is property tax in Milwaukee?
The effective property tax rate in Milwaukee is 2.03%. On the median home price of $165,000, this equals approximately $3,349 per year or $279 per month. This is above the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Milwaukee?
The combined sales tax rate in Milwaukee is 5.6%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Milwaukee's tax burden compare to other cities?
Milwaukee has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 29.5%. The combination of 7.65% state income tax, 2.03% property tax, and 5.6% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 86.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 7.65%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Largest city; high property taxes; beer and manufacturing heritage