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Best Cities for Rental Property in Wisconsin

22 Wisconsin cities ranked by estimated cap rate. The average cap rate across Wisconsin markets is 1.8%, with median home prices averaging $309K and rents averaging $1,223/mo. Kenosha leads with a 4.4% cap rate at a $340K median price. Note that Wisconsin's average property tax rate of 1.88% is above the national average — factor this into your underwriting.

1.8%
Avg Cap Rate
$309K
Avg Price
$1,223/mo
Avg Rent
22
Cities Tracked

Wisconsin Rental Market Analysis

Wisconsin offers 22 investable rental markets tracked by CapRateCity. The state average cap rate of 1.8% is near the 3.81% national average. No cities pass the 1% rule at median prices, so value-add strategies are essential.

Prices and rents: Wisconsin home prices average $309K, which is 7% below the national average of $333K. Rents average $1,223/mo. The most affordable entry point is Marinette at $195K, while Kenosha offers the highest cap rate at 4.4%.

Taxes and costs: Property taxes average 1.88% across Wisconsin, above the 1.08% national average — investors should model tax expense carefully. Madison has the lowest rate at 1.85%.Vacancy averages 5.5%, tighter than the national average — favorable for landlords.

Growth outlook: Population growth across Wisconsin averages 0.51% per year, led by Madison at 1.2%. Home values are appreciating at 2.4% annually on average. Moderate growth provides a stable demand foundation.

Bottom line: Wisconsin is primarily an appreciation market. Cash flow investing requires below-median purchases or value-add strategies. Consider whether the growth and appreciation potential justifies tighter margins.

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How Wisconsin Compares to National Averages

Metric
Wisconsin
National Avg
Avg Cap Rate
1.8%
3.8%
Avg Home Price
$309K
$333K
Avg Rent
$1,223/mo
$1,524/mo
Property Tax
1.88%
1.08%
Vacancy Rate
5.5%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
0.51%/yr
0.92%/yr

Wisconsin Cities by Cap Rate Tier

4% – 5% (1)3% – 4% (1)Below 3% (20)

All 22 Wisconsin Cities Ranked

1
Kenosha, WI4.4% cap rate
$340K median$2,130/mo rent1.88% tax0.4% growth
2
Marinette, WI3.1% cap rate
$195K median$1,000/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
3
Janesville, WI2.3% cap rate
$280K median$1,230/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
4
Racine, WI2.3% cap rate
$300K median$1,340/mo rent1.92% tax0.1% growth
5
Wisconsin Rapids, WI2.2% cap rate
$220K median$950/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
6
Menomonie, WI2.1% cap rate
$300K median$1,260/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
7
Stevens Point, WI2.0% cap rate
$305K median$1,260/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
8
Milwaukee, WI1.8% cap rate
$370K median$1,480/mo rent1.91% tax0.4% growth
9
Beaver Dam, WI1.8% cap rate
$310K median$1,220/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
10
Wausau, WI1.8% cap rate
$255K median$1,000/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
11
Madison, WI1.7% cap rate
$435K median$1,660/mo rent1.85% tax1.2% growth
12
Fond du Lac, WI1.7% cap rate
$280K median$1,070/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
13
Oshkosh, WI1.6% cap rate
$290K median$1,100/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
14
La Crosse, WI1.5% cap rate
$320K median$1,190/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
15
Appleton, WI1.5% cap rate
$335K median$1,220/mo rent1.85% tax0.6% growth
16
Eau Claire, WI1.4% cap rate
$310K median$1,120/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
17
Manitowoc, WI1.4% cap rate
$250K median$900/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
18
Baraboo, WI1.3% cap rate
$325K median$1,150/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
19
Watertown, WI1.2% cap rate
$350K median$1,210/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
20
Whitewater, WI1.2% cap rate
$395K median$1,340/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
21
Green Bay, WI1.1% cap rate
$330K median$1,100/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth
22
Sheboygan, WI0.9% cap rate
$310K median$970/mo rent1.88% tax0.5% growth

Other Midwest States

Illinois (17 cities · 4.4% avg)Indiana (25 cities · 4.0% avg)Michigan (22 cities · 3.9% avg)Kansas (14 cities · 3.8% avg)Ohio (27 cities · 3.7% avg)Missouri (17 cities · 3.3% avg)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wisconsin a good state for rental property investing?
Wisconsin has an average cap rate of 1.8% across 22 cities. The best-performing city is Kenosha at 4.4%. Average home prices of $309K offer affordable entry points. Property taxes at 1.88% are a consideration.
What is the best city to buy rental property in Wisconsin?
Kenosha leads Wisconsin with a 4.4% cap rate, $340K median price, and $2,130/mo rent. The best city depends on your strategy — cash flow investors should look at the top of this ranking, while growth-focused investors may prefer Madison (1.2% population growth). Use the calculators on each city page to model specific deals.
What are property taxes like in Wisconsin?
Property taxes in Wisconsin average 1.88%, which is above the 1.08% national average. The lowest rate is in Madison at 1.85%. On an average-priced home of $309K, annual taxes are approximately $5,817.
How many Wisconsin cities pass the 1% rule?
0 of 22 Wisconsin cities (0%) pass the 1% rule at median prices. None pass at median prices, meaning investors should target below-median properties or use value-add strategies to improve returns. The 1% rule says monthly rent should be at least 1% of purchase price.

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