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.