Vilas, Oneida and Forest counties again saw an increase in their equalized property values according to information released last month by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Vilas saw an increase in the single digits at 8%, which is in line with the overall percentage seen statewide. Meanwhile, Oneida and Forest both saw double-digit increases of 10%. These increases slightly trailed what was seen in the 2025 report, when Vilas rose by 10%, Oneida by 11%, and Forest by 15%. State equalized property values stayed in line rising by 8% again.

The report breaks down equalized property values in each city, town and county in the state, indicating growth occurred in all property classes and was led by value changes in residential and commercial property. These equalized values are based on data from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025.

Area variations

Again following trends seen in recent years, Northwoods’ values continue to rise. Vilas County saw an increase in value of more than $1 billion since last year’s Equalized Property Value report, topping out at $14.1 billion.

Six municipalities saw an increase in the double digits, with Manitowish Waters seeing the largest at 16%, followed by the city of Eagle River at 14%. The town of Land O’ Lakes was the only town in the county to see a decrease, with property values dropping from 2025’s total of $772,420,800 to $748,432,600 in the 2026 report. That is a contrast from last year’s 14% increase in Land O’ Lakes.

Some of the smaller increases were seen in Conover and Winchester, both at 4%; and Boulder Junction, Lincoln, Phelps and Plum Lake at 6%.

Vilas’ Residential and Commercial real estate both were responsible for an 8% increase in values.
In Oneida County, the latest numbers show a 10% increase to nearly $14.7 billion in real estate. Residential real estate saw a 12% increase overall, while Commercial fell by 2%. Town real estate values increased by 12% over last year, compared to city totals which fell by 10%.

Sugar Camp saw a 16% increase in total values bringing the value to more than $838 million, while Three Lakes increased by 19% to almost $2.3 billion.

Other towns seeing significant jumps included Crescent at 18%, Newbold at 20%, Pine Lake at 19%. The city of Rhinelander decreased by 10%, from 2025’s $989 million to just under $886 million in 2026. Compare that to last year, when the city of Rhinelander had the largest increase in equalized values at 20%.

In Forest County, Residential real estate increased by 10%, and Commercial by 3%. Total real estate was valued in the county at more than $2.3 billion, a 10% increase from the $2.1 billion in 2025’s report.

State values

The report shows Wisconsin’s total statewide equalized property value as of Jan. 1, 2026, was $1.06 trillion — a $74.6 billion (8%) increase from 2025. That includes $56.55 billion due to market value increases (6%) and $16.43 billion due to new construction (2%). That’s about level with last year, when market value increases accounted for 7% of the growth, and new construction 2%.

The DOR report showed increases in all property classes, with Ag Forest and Forest leading at 13%.

Taxes not affected

According to state officials, the total property taxes paid in Wisconsin are not necessarily affected by changes in equalized values.

The DOR detailed that equalized values are calculated each year to ensure statewide fairness and equity in property distribution. Equalized value represents an estimate of a taxation district’s total taxable value, and provides the fair appointment of taxation district levies including school districts and counties to each municipality.

State officials added that the only way overall taxes can rise is when local units of government increase their own tax levies.

Ultimately, changes in equalized values result in a redistribution of the tax burden in a city or town after the local assessor completes a revaluation that reflects changes between property types.

The certified equalized value reports are available for public access at revenue.wi.gov.