HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Door County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Door County, WI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.8%-2.4% of assessed value (varies by municipality and special districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Door County's property tax system funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts throughout Wisconsin's scenic "thumb" peninsula. Property taxes are collected by the Door County Treasurer and distributed to various taxing jurisdictions based on where your property is located within the county.

The effective property tax rate in Door County typically ranges from approximately 1.8% to 2.4% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by municipality and special taxing district. Your actual rate depends on your specific location, as properties may be subject to additional levies from school districts, fire districts, sanitary districts, and other local governmental units. The county assesses all real property annually at full market value, with no assessment cap limitations under Wisconsin law.

Door County encompasses 19 townships and 10 incorporated municipalities, each with potentially different tax rates due to varying local levies and special district assessments. This means two properties with identical assessed values may have different tax bills depending on their precise location and the services provided in that area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on available 2023 data (2025 rates pending finalization):

ComponentApproximate Rate RangeDescription
County Levy0.45% - 0.55%General county operations, services
School Districts0.85% - 1.25%K-12 education funding
Municipal/Township0.25% - 0.45%Local government services
Technical College0.15% - 0.25%Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Special Districts0.05% - 0.35%Fire, sanitary, library, other services
Total Estimated1.75% - 2.85%Combined effective rate

Note: These rates apply to the 2023 levy year. The 2024 net property tax rate was projected to increase by approximately 0.36%. Final 2025 rates vary by specific taxing districts within Door County. Contact the Door County Assessor at (920) 746-2323 for current rates in your specific location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Door County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Door County are typically triggered by new construction, major improvements, or changes in property use that occur after the annual assessment date (January 1st). Unlike some states, Wisconsin generally incorporates these changes into the following year's regular assessment rather than issuing mid-year supplemental bills.

When new construction is completed or substantial improvements are made after January 1st, the additional value is usually added to your assessment for the following tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition in June 2025, the increased value would typically be reflected in your 2026 property tax bill rather than creating a supplemental assessment for 2025.

The calculation is based on the added assessed value multiplied by your property's total tax rate. If your addition increases your assessed value by $50,000 and your total tax rate is 2.2%, this would add approximately $1,100 to your annual tax bill beginning the following tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Tax Rate: 2.1%
  • Annual Tax: $6,275
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $523

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $13,174
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,098

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Tax Rate: 2.3%
  • Annual Tax: $22,972
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,914

Note: Homestead Credit amounts are estimates and require annual application. Actual credits and tax rates vary by location within Door County. Senior citizens and veterans may qualify for additional credits requiring separate applications.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Door County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the Door County Treasurer when due.

Property taxes in Door County are due January 31st for full payment, or can be split with first installment due January 31st and second installment due July 31st. Lenders typically pay the full amount by the January 31st deadline to avoid any interest charges. Your lender should provide an annual escrow analysis showing tax payments made on your behalf.

You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking with the Door County Treasurer's office at (920) 746-2200 or visiting their website. If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), you're responsible for making payments directly to: Door County Treasurer, 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Online payment options are available through the county's website.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Door County property taxes due for 2025? A: Real property taxes are due January 31, 2025. You may pay in full by January 31st, or split payments with first installment due January 31st and second due July 31st, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Wisconsin offers several tax credits that require annual application, including the Homestead Credit for qualified homeowners, Veterans Disability Credit, and Senior Citizen/Disabled Person Credit. These are credits that reduce your tax bill, not your assessed value, and applications must be filed with the Door County Assessor by specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your home's assessed value - instead, it limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year and provides a credit against your tax bill. You must apply annually, and eligibility is based on income limits and residency requirements.

Q: How often is property reassessed in Door County? A: Door County assesses all real property annually as of January 1st. There is no assessment cap in Wisconsin, so your assessed value can increase to full market value each year.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes after January 31st at a rate set annually by the state. If taxes remain unpaid, the property may be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Door County offers online payment options through their website. Contact the Treasurer's office at (920) 746-2200 for current online payment procedures.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Door County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, sanitary districts, and other special taxing units. Your total rate depends on which of these districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review, typically meeting in May. Contact the Door County Assessor's office at (920) 746-2323 for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I disagree with special district charges? A: Special district assessments (fire, sanitary, etc.) may have separate appeal processes. Contact the specific district or the Door County Clerk's office for procedures related to special assessment appeals.

Q: Are personal property taxes still collected in Door County? A: No, personal property taxes have been eliminated in Wisconsin for most taxpayers as of recent legislative changes.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate