I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to reveal the fastest-growing housing markets in Wisconsin from 2016 to 2025. These towns showcase remarkable wealth generation across diverse communities throughout the state.
What’s striking is how smaller communities have outpaced larger metro areas, delivering triple-digit returns that rival stock market performance. Investors who recognized these patterns early captured significant equity gains in markets once overlooked.
The financial insights below highlight not just percentage growth, but practical implications for buyers, sellers, and property investors looking to capitalize on Wisconsin’s evolving real estate landscape.
25. Manitowoc
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 112.51%
- Home value in 2016: $101,713
- Home value in 2017: $103,501
- Home value in 2018: $107,947
- Home value in 2019: $116,030
- Home value in 2020: $126,435
- Home value in 2021: $140,985
- Home value in 2022: $156,829
- Home value in 2023: $173,349
- Home value in 2024: $194,395
- Home value in 2025: $216,150
Your investment would have more than doubled in Manitowoc, yielding an impressive $114,437 in pure equity. This coastal community’s steady 10-15% annual appreciation offers a stability rarely found in more volatile markets. With values still below state averages, you’re looking at a market with continued upside potential and strong rental demand from manufacturing and healthcare workers.
24. Almena
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 113.16%
- Home value in 2016: $99,843
- Home value in 2017: $108,319
- Home value in 2018: $115,956
- Home value in 2019: $121,663
- Home value in 2020: $131,075
- Home value in 2021: $148,269
- Home value in 2022: $173,209
- Home value in 2023: $179,231
- Home value in 2024: $187,604
- Home value in 2025: $212,824
Almena’s sub-$100K entry point in 2016 transformed into a $212K asset, representing an outstanding ROI for early investors. The rural community’s growth accelerated dramatically post-2020, when remote work made these affordable northwestern neighborhoods suddenly viable. Your dollar stretches significantly further here than in nearby Minneapolis metro areas, making it an excellent arbitrage opportunity for income property investors.
23. Nekoosa
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 114.13%
- Home value in 2016: $116,408
- Home value in 2017: $119,940
- Home value in 2018: $131,522
- Home value in 2019: $140,383
- Home value in 2020: $150,074
- Home value in 2021: $161,819
- Home value in 2022: $198,211
- Home value in 2023: $209,930
- Home value in 2024: $225,287
- Home value in 2025: $249,266
Nekoosa’s housing market netted investors a 12.7% annualized return, significantly outperforming traditional investment vehicles. The remarkable 22.5% jump between 2021-2022 signals a fundamental shift in market dynamics, not just pandemic-related distortion. This central Wisconsin town near Wisconsin Rapids offers tremendous value with its proximity to outdoor recreation, making it a hidden gem for both primary residences and vacation properties.
22. Blanchardville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 114.41%
- Home value in 2016: $91,841
- Home value in 2017: $96,450
- Home value in 2018: $106,756
- Home value in 2019: $116,454
- Home value in 2020: $125,132
- Home value in 2021: $141,413
- Home value in 2022: $161,019
- Home value in 2023: $171,484
- Home value in 2024: $176,153
- Home value in 2025: $196,914
You’d have pocketed over $105K in equity growth in Blanchardville, which translates to nearly doubling your initial investment. The southwestern village experienced its strongest growth phase during 2020-2022, with property values surging by 28.7%. Its location within commuting distance to Madison makes this an attractive target for investors looking to capitalize on the growing remote work trend while maintaining access to urban amenities.
21. Green Bay
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 114.63%
- Home value in 2016: $118,705
- Home value in 2017: $127,629
- Home value in 2018: $137,709
- Home value in 2019: $147,147
- Home value in 2020: $155,541
- Home value in 2021: $173,471
- Home value in 2022: $193,471
- Home value in 2023: $211,354
- Home value in 2024: $231,645
- Home value in 2025: $254,772
Green Bay’s consistent appreciation pattern reflects a market with strong economic fundamentals beyond just the Packers influence. Your $118K investment in 2016 would now command $254K, providing both substantial equity gain and reliable rental income potential. Unlike smaller markets on this list, Green Bay offers the liquidity advantage of a mid-sized city, meaning you can more easily exit your investment when timing is optimal.
20. Racine
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 115.23%
- Home value in 2016: $88,786
- Home value in 2017: $88,535
- Home value in 2018: $94,005
- Home value in 2019: $112,984
- Home value in 2020: $118,801
- Home value in 2021: $131,831
- Home value in 2022: $145,708
- Home value in 2023: $154,302
- Home value in 2024: $171,852
- Home value in 2025: $191,094
Racine represents a remarkable revival story, with its 115% value growth demonstrating how undervalued this lakefront market was in 2016. The steep 20.2% jump between 2018-2019 coincided with Foxconn’s manufacturing investment announcements, showing how macroeconomic factors can rapidly accelerate growth. Your initial sub-$90K investment would now fetch over $191K, while benefiting from Racine’s strategic location between Milwaukee and Chicago.
19. Mauston
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 117.50%
- Home value in 2016: $108,511
- Home value in 2017: $117,506
- Home value in 2018: $123,707
- Home value in 2019: $132,657
- Home value in 2020: $142,475
- Home value in 2021: $161,754
- Home value in 2022: $189,971
- Home value in 2023: $199,400
- Home value in 2024: $213,677
- Home value in 2025: $236,011
Mauston’s $127,500 equity gain represents a wealth-building opportunity that outpaced inflation by nearly 5x during this period. The dramatic 17.4% single-year surge between 2021-2022 signaled the market’s transition from steady growth to explosive appreciation. This central Wisconsin community offers exceptional value compared to Wisconsin Dells vacation properties, while providing year-round livability with access to recreational lakes and forests.
18. Suring
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 118.24%
- Home value in 2016: $103,530
- Home value in 2017: $107,851
- Home value in 2018: $114,787
- Home value in 2019: $122,995
- Home value in 2020: $130,675
- Home value in 2021: $146,346
- Home value in 2022: $173,651
- Home value in 2023: $193,693
- Home value in 2024: $207,990
- Home value in 2025: $225,946
Suring delivered a remarkable 118% return, transforming a modest $103K investment into nearly $226K of real estate equity. The northeastern village saw its most dramatic appreciation phase during 2021-2023, with a stunning 32.4% increase in just two years. Your investment here benefits from proximity to Green Bay and the Door Peninsula tourist corridor, creating both rental potential and strong resale prospects.
17. Oconto
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 118.79%
- Home value in 2016: $97,854
- Home value in 2017: $103,689
- Home value in 2018: $110,969
- Home value in 2019: $117,621
- Home value in 2020: $127,779
- Home value in 2021: $144,270
- Home value in 2022: $170,406
- Home value in 2023: $182,954
- Home value in 2024: $199,818
- Home value in 2025: $214,095
Oconto’s waterfront location on Green Bay propelled its values from under $100K to over $214K, representing a phenomenal wealth-building vehicle. The substantial 18.1% single-year growth between 2021-2022 illustrates how coastal proximity amplifies appreciation during market booms. Your investment benefits from Oconto’s unique position offering affordability compared to Door County while still providing access to prime fishing, boating and outdoor recreation that drives Wisconsin’s vacation property market.
16. Gillett
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 119.03%
- Home value in 2016: $95,186
- Home value in 2017: $99,260
- Home value in 2018: $107,096
- Home value in 2019: $119,014
- Home value in 2020: $124,716
- Home value in 2021: $140,475
- Home value in 2022: $170,596
- Home value in 2023: $177,865
- Home value in 2024: $190,110
- Home value in 2025: $208,488
Gillett exemplifies the investment potential of Wisconsin’s small markets, delivering a 119% ROI that transformed a $95K purchase into a $208K asset. The remarkable 21.4% jump between 2021-2022 demonstrates how rural properties can experience sudden value surges when urban migration patterns shift. Located in northeastern Wisconsin’s Oconto County, your investment here captures both affordability and accessibility to Green Bay’s employment center just 30 minutes away.
15. Arkdale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 119.32%
- Home value in 2016: $98,529
- Home value in 2017: $107,121
- Home value in 2018: $114,986
- Home value in 2019: $122,560
- Home value in 2020: $125,588
- Home value in 2021: $146,592
- Home value in 2022: $178,819
- Home value in 2023: $187,193
- Home value in 2024: $197,080
- Home value in 2025: $216,096
Arkdale’s 119.3% appreciation demonstrates how recreational areas experienced accelerated growth during pandemic-era migration shifts. The dramatic 22% single-year surge between 2021-2022 shows the timing advantage that market-savvy investors captured. Your investment here benefits from Arkdale’s position near Castle Rock Lake and the Wisconsin Dells, making it an attractive option for both vacation rentals and permanent residency amid central Wisconsin’s natural amenities.
14. Newark
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 119.46%
- Home value in 2016: $182,129
- Home value in 2017: $195,432
- Home value in 2018: $210,342
- Home value in 2019: $228,132
- Home value in 2020: $248,272
- Home value in 2021: $280,170
- Home value in 2022: $318,571
- Home value in 2023: $343,110
- Home value in 2024: $369,627
- Home value in 2025: $399,693
Newark’s impressive trajectory from $182K to nearly $400K represents one of the largest absolute dollar gains in our analysis at $217,564. The consistent 13.7% annual growth since 2020 indicates a fundamental market shift rather than a temporary anomaly. Located in Rock County, your investment benefits from Newark’s position in southern Wisconsin’s economic corridor between Madison and the Illinois border, capturing value from both states’ growth patterns.
13. Twin Lakes
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 119.65%
- Home value in 2016: $160,771
- Home value in 2017: $179,084
- Home value in 2018: $198,540
- Home value in 2019: $220,888
- Home value in 2020: $236,970
- Home value in 2021: $261,700
- Home value in 2022: $293,489
- Home value in 2023: $311,004
- Home value in 2024: $331,569
- Home value in 2025: $353,133
Twin Lakes delivered an exceptional $192,362 absolute gain while maintaining impressive 119.7% percentage growth despite its higher starting valuation. The waterfront community’s strongest period came during 2017-2019, with a remarkable 23.3% two-year surge preceding pandemic influences. Your investment benefits from Twin Lakes’ strategic location on the Illinois border, capturing overflow demand from Chicago’s northern suburbs while offering authentic lakefront recreation at a fraction of comparable properties in northern Wisconsin.
12. Como
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.15%
- Home value in 2016: $154,724
- Home value in 2017: $159,841
- Home value in 2018: $174,669
- Home value in 2019: $184,899
- Home value in 2020: $198,213
- Home value in 2021: $229,280
- Home value in 2022: $267,069
- Home value in 2023: $304,784
- Home value in 2024: $313,105
- Home value in 2025: $342,178
Como’s lakefront location fueled its remarkable 121.2% appreciation, transforming a $154K investment into a $342K asset yielding $187,454 in equity growth. The explosive 33% surge between 2021-2023 demonstrates how water-adjacent properties commanded premium value during recent market cycles. Located in Walworth County near Lake Geneva, your investment benefits from Como’s position in Wisconsin’s premier lake district, offering both vacation rental income potential and strong appreciation prospects due to limited waterfront inventory.
11. Sobieski
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 121.50%
- Home value in 2016: $197,177
- Home value in 2017: $210,167
- Home value in 2018: $224,706
- Home value in 2019: $239,359
- Home value in 2020: $255,204
- Home value in 2021: $285,515
- Home value in 2022: $333,314
- Home value in 2023: $368,533
- Home value in 2024: $401,507
- Home value in 2025: $436,742
Sobieski delivered both impressive percentage gains (121.5%) and the highest absolute dollar increase ($239,565) among Wisconsin’s top performers. The dramatic 29.1% surge between 2021-2023 demonstrates how suburban communities near mid-sized cities captured exceptional value during recent housing cycles. Your investment benefits from Sobieski’s strategic position near Green Bay, offering the perfect blend of suburban space with convenient access to urban amenities and employment centers.
10. Port Edwards
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 122.57%
- Home value in 2016: $83,083
- Home value in 2017: $84,500
- Home value in 2018: $91,576
- Home value in 2019: $100,552
- Home value in 2020: $110,681
- Home value in 2021: $117,069
- Home value in 2022: $132,714
- Home value in 2023: $144,684
- Home value in 2024: $165,835
- Home value in 2025: $184,916
Port Edwards exemplifies how smaller markets delivered outsized returns, with its 122.6% growth transforming a modest $83K investment into nearly $185K. The market’s strongest momentum occurred between 2019-2020 and 2023-2024, with two separate 10% annual growth spurts. Nestled along the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin, your investment benefits from both affordability and quality of life factors that increasingly drive housing decisions in post-pandemic markets.
9. Necedah
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 123.38%
- Home value in 2016: $92,981
- Home value in 2017: $98,463
- Home value in 2018: $107,865
- Home value in 2019: $116,330
- Home value in 2020: $124,985
- Home value in 2021: $144,594
- Home value in 2022: $170,669
- Home value in 2023: $179,928
- Home value in 2024: $188,984
- Home value in 2025: $207,701
Necedah’s 123.4% growth rate translated a modest $93K investment into a $207K asset, delivering exceptional ROI rarely found in traditional investment vehicles. The market’s dramatic 18% single-year surge between 2021-2022 demonstrates how rural communities suddenly captured premium value during pandemic migration shifts. Located near the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in central Wisconsin, your investment benefits from both affordability and increasing demand for properties with access to outdoor recreation.
8. Abrams
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 124.45%
- Home value in 2016: $161,432
- Home value in 2017: $170,170
- Home value in 2018: $178,320
- Home value in 2019: $193,993
- Home value in 2020: $206,654
- Home value in 2021: $238,926
- Home value in 2022: $276,036
- Home value in 2023: $307,688
- Home value in 2024: $335,069
- Home value in 2025: $362,340
Abrams delivered exceptional returns, with 124.5% appreciation generating over $200,000 in equity growth for savvy investors. The remarkable 29% surge between 2021-2023 shows how rural communities near mid-sized cities captured exceptional value during recent housing cycles. Your investment benefits from Abrams’ location in Oconto County northeast of Green Bay, offering larger lot sizes and rural character while maintaining reasonable commuting distance to urban employment centers.
7. Ixonia
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 126.74%
- Home value in 2016: $187,417
- Home value in 2017: $201,982
- Home value in 2018: $218,220
- Home value in 2019: $234,257
- Home value in 2020: $250,158
- Home value in 2021: $277,492
- Home value in 2022: $319,840
- Home value in 2023: $345,971
- Home value in 2024: $383,810
- Home value in 2025: $424,940
Ixonia’s impressive 126.7% growth translates to a substantial $237,524 absolute gain, ranking among the highest dollar increases in Wisconsin. The market’s acceleration became particularly pronounced between 2020-2022, with values surging 27.9% during that two-year window. Located in Jefferson County between Madison and Milwaukee, your investment benefits from Ixonia’s strategic position within commuting distance to both major employment centers while maintaining its rural character.
6. Sheboygan
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 129.49%
- Home value in 2016: $104,202
- Home value in 2017: $112,171
- Home value in 2018: $124,713
- Home value in 2019: $135,483
- Home value in 2020: $143,997
- Home value in 2021: $163,437
- Home value in 2022: $177,463
- Home value in 2023: $193,523
- Home value in 2024: $216,948
- Home value in 2025: $239,129
Sheboygan’s lakefront location helped fuel an impressive 129.5% appreciation, turning a modest $104K investment into a $239K asset yielding $135K in equity. The city experienced consistent growth across all years, but saw particular acceleration between 2020-2021 and 2023-2024 with two separate 13.5% annual jumps. Your investment benefits from Sheboygan’s stable manufacturing base, Lake Michigan recreation, and growing reputation as an affordable alternative to Milwaukee’s higher-priced suburbs.
5. Milwaukee
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 130.02%
- Home value in 2016: $88,565
- Home value in 2017: $96,152
- Home value in 2018: $103,481
- Home value in 2019: $115,334
- Home value in 2020: $124,917
- Home value in 2021: $145,587
- Home value in 2022: $159,856
- Home value in 2023: $172,248
- Home value in 2024: $186,704
- Home value in 2025: $203,715
Milwaukee defies the stereotype that urban cores underperform, delivering a remarkable 130% growth while remaining Wisconsin’s most affordable major city. The 16.5% surge between 2020-2021 shows how urban revitalization and neighborhood transformation accelerated post-pandemic. Your investment here offers multiple exit strategies—appreciation through continued gentrification, strong rental yield from the city’s large renter population, or condo conversion potential in trending neighborhoods like Riverwest and Bay View.
4. Friendship
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 130.76%
- Home value in 2016: $84,463
- Home value in 2017: $90,797
- Home value in 2018: $100,862
- Home value in 2019: $107,063
- Home value in 2020: $112,003
- Home value in 2021: $129,854
- Home value in 2022: $156,393
- Home value in 2023: $165,651
- Home value in 2024: $177,733
- Home value in 2025: $194,908
Friendship exemplifies how smaller markets delivered exceptional returns, with 130.8% growth transforming an $84K investment into a $195K asset. The explosive 20.5% increase between 2021-2022 demonstrates how rural communities suddenly commanded premium prices during pandemic-era migration shifts. Situated in Adams County near Wisconsin Dells, your investment benefits from both affordability and access to recreational amenities that increasingly drive housing decisions in post-pandemic markets.
3. Clintonville
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 132.18%
- Home value in 2016: $66,282
- Home value in 2017: $72,353
- Home value in 2018: $80,054
- Home value in 2019: $85,302
- Home value in 2020: $88,560
- Home value in 2021: $100,311
- Home value in 2022: $114,014
- Home value in 2023: $120,254
- Home value in 2024: $137,207
- Home value in 2025: $153,896
Clintonville offered the lowest entry point among top performers, with its ultra-affordable $66K starting price enabling a remarkable 132.2% ROI. Despite the modest absolute gain of $87,614, this represents the highest percentage return on invested capital in our analysis. Located in Waupaca County in northeastern Wisconsin, your investment benefits from Clintonville’s small-town affordability combined with its proximity to both Green Bay and the Fox Cities employment centers.
2. Genoa City
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 133.57%
- Home value in 2016: $118,625
- Home value in 2017: $132,892
- Home value in 2018: $148,300
- Home value in 2019: $164,540
- Home value in 2020: $179,066
- Home value in 2021: $200,699
- Home value in 2022: $223,053
- Home value in 2023: $244,166
- Home value in 2024: $263,381
- Home value in 2025: $277,069
Genoa City’s strategic location on the Illinois border helped fuel its remarkable 133.6% appreciation, generating $158,444 in wealth for property owners. The market showed exceptional early momentum with 38.7% growth between 2016-2019, well before pandemic factors emerged. Your investment benefits from Genoa City’s unique position capturing overflow demand from Chicago’s northern suburbs while offering the tax advantages and lifestyle benefits of Wisconsin residency.
1. Beloit
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 154.05%
- Home value in 2016: $70,876
- Home value in 2017: $77,229
- Home value in 2018: $88,979
- Home value in 2019: $99,477
- Home value in 2020: $106,347
- Home value in 2021: $123,438
- Home value in 2022: $137,161
- Home value in 2023: $149,150
- Home value in 2024: $166,885
- Home value in 2025: $180,063
Beloit claims Wisconsin’s top spot with an astounding 154% growth rate, transforming a modest $71K investment into $180K and yielding $109K in equity. The city’s renaissance began early with a 25.5% surge between 2017-2019, driven by economic revitalization and strategic location. Your investment benefits from Beloit’s position on the Illinois border, capturing value from both states while offering superior affordability compared to nearby markets like Janesville, Madison, and Rockford.
