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Updated 2025 Tax Year

St. Croix County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in St. Croix 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%-2.5% effective rate (varies by municipality and school district combination)
1st Due
Jan 31
2nd Due
Jul 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

St. Croix County's property tax system funds essential local services including schools, municipal operations, county services, and special districts. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real estate and are the primary funding source for local government operations, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and public education.

The effective property tax rate in St. Croix County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing jurisdictions. While the county maintains a base mill rate, your actual tax bill depends on which municipality, school district, technical college district, and special purpose districts serve your property. This means two properties of equal value in different parts of the county may have different tax obligations based on their specific taxing district combinations.

Tax bills are calculated by applying the combined mill rate from all applicable taxing jurisdictions to your property's assessed value, minus any applicable tax credits for which you have applied. Property owners should note that most tax relief programs require annual application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to the 2025-26 fiscal year levy in St. Croix County:

ComponentRate per $1,000Description
County Mill Rate$9.20Base county services, maintained from previous year
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education funding, varies by district
MunicipalitiesVariesCity/town services, varies by location
Technical College DistrictsVariesVocational education funding
Special Purpose DistrictsVariesFire, sanitary, library districts as applicable

Total Effective Rate Range: Approximately $8-15 per $1,000 of assessed value depending on your specific taxing districts.

Note that the county mill rate of $9.20 per $1,000 of equalized property value remained unchanged for FY 2025-26. However, your total property tax rate includes additional levies from your school district, municipality, and any special districts serving your property. Contact the St. Croix County Assessor's office to determine the exact rate combination for your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jan 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jul 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 property taxes are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the annual assessment date. In St. Croix County, supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, or changes in property classification (such as residential to commercial use).

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if new construction is completed in March and adds $100,000 in assessed value, the supplemental tax would apply the applicable mill rate to that $100,000 for the remaining 9 months of the tax year (March through December).

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the date of issuance. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when completing major improvements or new construction projects, as these additional taxes are separate from estimated taxes that may be collected through mortgage escrow accounts.

Example Calculation

The following examples show estimated annual property taxes for different home values in St. Croix County for the 2025-26 tax year, assuming an average effective rate of $11.50 per $1,000 of assessed value:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax ($11.50 rate): $3,436
  • Monthly Payment: $286

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax ($11.50 rate): $6,886
  • Monthly Payment: $574

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Annual Tax ($11.50 rate): $11,486
  • Monthly Payment: $957

Note: These calculations use estimated rates for illustration. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts. Credits shown require annual application and approval. Additional credits may be available for eligible property owners.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in St. Croix County require borrowers to pay property taxes through an escrow account, where monthly tax payments are collected along with mortgage payments and held until tax due dates. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes are due.

Property taxes in St. Croix County are due January 31st for full payment, or property owners can choose to pay in two installments: first installment due January 31st and second installment due July 31st. Lenders generally pay the full amount by the January 31st deadline to avoid potential late fees or penalties.

If your property taxes are escrowed, your lender will receive tax bills directly from St. Croix County and handle payment on your behalf. However, property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statements to ensure adequate funds are being collected, especially if property values have increased significantly or if tax rates have changed. You can verify your property tax information independently through the St. Croix County Treasurer's office to confirm your lender is paying the correct amount.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in St. Croix County for the current fiscal year? A: For the 2025-26 tax year, taxes are due January 31st for full payment, or you can pay in two installments: first installment January 31st and second installment July 31st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: St. Croix County offers several tax relief programs including homestead credits, senior citizen credits, and disabled veteran credits. Most credits require annual application and are NOT automatically applied. Contact the county assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps the annual increase in your property's assessed value growth rather than reducing the market value itself. This credit requires filing an application and is designed to limit assessment increases for qualifying homeowners, usually with income restrictions.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in St. Croix County? A: Wisconsin law requires property to be assessed annually, but full reassessments typically occur every few years. Assessment notices are mailed in spring, and property owners have specific deadlines to appeal assessments if they believe the valuation is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes after the due dates, and additional penalties may apply for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, St. Croix County offers online payment options. Check the county treasurer's website for accepted payment methods, processing fees, and deadlines for electronic payments.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary across the county? A: Different areas of St. Croix County are served by different combinations of fire districts, sanitary districts, library districts, and other special purpose districts. Your total tax rate depends on which districts provide services to your specific property location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed within specific deadlines after receiving your assessment notice. Contact the St. Croix County Assessor's office for appeal forms, deadlines, and procedures for challenging your property's assessed value.

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