You might be surprised to learn that according to the Zillow Home Value Index, Wisconsin offers some remarkably affordable housing options that have remained hidden gems in the Midwest. The data reveals fascinating patterns across the state’s least expensive communities, with many located in the northern counties where natural beauty abounds but economic opportunities may be more limited.
You’ll notice that many of these affordable towns have experienced significant value growth since 2010, with some properties more than doubling in value over the 15-year period. This suggests that while these communities remain affordable relative to Wisconsin’s larger cities, they’re steadily appreciating – potentially offering both livability and investment potential.
You should pay particular attention to the communities in Iron, Forest, and Marinette counties, which feature prominently in this list of affordable options. These towns frequently show dramatic percentage increases from 2020 to 2025, indicating that even remote Wisconsin communities weren’t immune to the nationwide housing boom that followed the pandemic.
1. Owen
- 2025 Value: $161,404.46
- 2020 Value: $110,553.74
- 2015 Value: $80,998.88
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 99.27%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 46.00%
You’ll find Owen nestled in Clark County in central Wisconsin. This small community has experienced remarkable growth with property values nearly doubling, increasing 99.27% from 2015 to 2025. Starting at just $80,999 in 2015, home values rose to $110,554 by 2020, then surged to $161,404 by 2025, showing a substantial 46% increase in just five years. Despite this impressive appreciation, Owen remains among Wisconsin’s 25 most affordable towns, offering value in a rural central Wisconsin setting.
2. Grand View
- 2025 Value: $160,973.67
- 2020 Value: No data available
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
You can experience the northwoods lifestyle in Grand View, situated in Bayfield County in northern Wisconsin near Lake Superior. With homes averaging $160,974 in 2025, it ranks as Wisconsin’s second most expensive of the affordable towns on our list. While historical data isn’t available to track its growth trajectory, Grand View’s presence on this list indicates it remains relatively affordable compared to many Wisconsin communities.
3. Laona
- 2025 Value: $158,813.87
- 2020 Value: $108,539.75
- 2015 Value: $88,477.31
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 79.50%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 46.32%
You’ll be surrounded by forests in Laona, located in Forest County in northern Wisconsin. This community has experienced substantial growth with home values increasing 79.50% from 2015 to 2025. Starting at $88,477 in 2015, values rose to $108,540 by 2020, then climbed significantly to $158,814 by 2025, showing a robust 46.32% increase in just five years.
4. Cassville
- 2025 Value: $157,539.71
- 2020 Value: $109,933.04
- 2015 Value: $88,910.20
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 77.19%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 43.31%
You might be captivated by Cassville’s scenic setting along the Mississippi River in Grant County, part of the Platteville, WI metropolitan area. This community has seen impressive growth with property values increasing 77.19% from 2015 to 2025. Starting at $88,910 in 2015, values rose to $109,933 by 2020, then climbed substantially to $157,540 by 2025, showing a robust 43.31% increase in the last five years.
5. Sheldon
- 2025 Value: $157,389.01
- 2020 Value: $142,176.88
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 10.70%
You’ll find Sheldon nestled in Rusk County in northwestern Wisconsin. This small community has experienced modest growth with property values increasing 10.70% from 2020 to 2025. Home values rose from $142,177 in 2020 to $157,389 by 2025, showing more moderate appreciation than many other communities on this list. The relatively slower growth rate might suggest a more stable market that hasn’t seen the dramatic increases experienced elsewhere in the state, potentially making Sheldon an option for those seeking affordable housing with less price volatility in a rural northwestern Wisconsin setting.
6. Dunbar
- 2025 Value: $156,790.76
- 2020 Value: No data available
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
You can explore the northwoods charm of Dunbar, located in Marinette County as part of the Marinette, WI-MI metropolitan area. With homes averaging $156,791 in 2025, it ranks at number 6 on our list of affordable Wisconsin towns. Unfortunately, historical data isn’t available to track its growth trajectory, but Dunbar’s presence on this list indicates it remains relatively affordable compared to many Wisconsin communities.
7. Ladysmith
- 2025 Value: $156,542.73
- 2020 Value: $103,063.43
- 2015 Value: $81,664.25
- 2010 Value: $75,988.43
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 106.01%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 91.69%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 51.89%
You’ll be intrigued by Ladysmith’s impressive growth trajectory in Rusk County in northwestern Wisconsin. This community has experienced remarkable appreciation with home values more than doubling, increasing 106.01% from 2010 to 2025. Starting at $75,988 in 2010, values rose to $81,664 by 2015, climbed to $103,063 by 2020, and then surged to $156,543 by 2025, showing a substantial 51.89% increase in just the last five years.
8. Antigo
- 2025 Value: $155,737.02
- 2020 Value: $108,932.73
- 2015 Value: $86,041.18
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 81.00%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 42.97%
You might appreciate Antigo’s central position in Langlade County, part of the Wausau-Weston, WI metropolitan area. This community has seen substantial growth with property values increasing 81.00% from 2015 to 2025. Home values rose from $86,041 in 2015 to $108,933 by 2020, then climbed significantly to $155,737 by 2025, showing a robust 42.97% increase in the last five years.
9. Niagara
- 2025 Value: $154,988.00
- 2020 Value: $102,170.10
- 2015 Value: $85,036.34
- 2010 Value: $82,944.90
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 86.86%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 82.26%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 51.70%
You’ll discover Niagara perched on the Wisconsin-Michigan border in Marinette County, part of the Marinette, WI-MI metropolitan area. This community has experienced impressive growth with home values increasing 86.86% from 2010 to 2025. Starting at $82,945 in 2010, values showed modest growth to $85,036 by 2015, accelerated to $102,170 by 2020, and then surged to $154,988 by 2025, demonstrating a substantial 51.70% increase in the last five years.
10. Humbird
- 2025 Value: $154,453.79
- 2020 Value: $117,370.27
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 31.60%
You can find Humbird situated in Clark County in central Wisconsin. This small community has seen solid growth with property values increasing 31.60% from 2020 to 2025. Home values rose from $117,370 in 2020 to $154,454 by 2025, demonstrating healthy appreciation while remaining among the state’s more affordable options.
11. Clintonville
- 2025 Value: $153,895.77
- 2020 Value: $88,560.33
- 2015 Value: $68,080.87
- 2010 Value: $61,698.87
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 149.43%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 126.05%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 73.78%
You’ll be impressed by Clintonville’s remarkable transformation in Waupaca County in east-central Wisconsin. This community has seen extraordinary growth with home values increasing 149.43% from 2010 to 2025. Starting from a modest $61,699 in 2010, values rose to $68,081 by 2015, climbed to $88,560 by 2020, and then surged to $153,896 by 2025, showing a dramatic 73.78% increase in just the last five years.
12. Pembine
- 2025 Value: $151,819.09
- 2020 Value: $88,582.33
- 2015 Value: $70,637.89
- 2010 Value: $60,675.90
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 150.21%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 114.93%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 71.39%
You might be astounded by Pembine’s extraordinary growth story in Marinette County, part of the Marinette, WI-MI metropolitan area. This small community has experienced phenomenal appreciation with home values increasing an impressive 150.21% from 2010 to 2025. Starting from just $60,676 in 2010, values climbed to $70,638 by 2015, rose to $88,582 by 2020, and then skyrocketed to $151,819 by 2025, showing a remarkable 71.39% surge in the last five years alone.
13. Prentice
- 2025 Value: $149,936.26
- 2020 Value: $102,916.25
- 2015 Value: $91,231.48
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 64.35%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 45.69%
You can experience small-town living in Prentice, located in Price County in north-central Wisconsin. This community has seen remarkable growth with property values increasing 64.35% from 2015 to 2025. Starting at $91,231 in 2015, values rose to $102,916 by 2020, then jumped dramatically to $149,936 by 2025, showing a robust 45.69% increase in just five years.
14. Argonne
- 2025 Value: $145,077.91
- 2020 Value: $112,286.76
- 2015 Value: $98,850.42
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 46.77%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 29.20%
You’ll be charmed by Argonne’s forestland setting in Forest County in northern Wisconsin. This small community has experienced steady growth with property values increasing 46.77% from 2015 to 2025. Home values climbed from $98,850 in 2015 to $112,287 by 2020, then rose to $145,078 by 2025, showing a 29.20% increase in the last five years.
15. Armstrong Creek
- 2025 Value: $135,269.63
- 2020 Value: $105,175.30
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 28.61%
You’ll find Armstrong Creek nestled in Forest County, part of the Iron Mountain, MI-WI metropolitan area in northeastern Wisconsin. This small community has seen solid growth with home values increasing 28.61% from 2020 to 2025. Property values rose from $105,175 in 2020 to $135,270 by 2025, showing healthy appreciation while maintaining relative affordability.
16. Lohrville
- 2025 Value: $133,485.77
- 2020 Value: $93,385.26
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 42.94%
You might be intrigued by Lohrville’s rural charm in Waushara County in central Wisconsin. This small community has experienced robust growth with home values increasing 42.94% from 2020 to 2025. Property values rose from $93,385 in 2020 to $133,486 by 2025, showing strong appreciation while remaining among Wisconsin’s most affordable towns.
17. Glidden
- 2025 Value: $127,247.88
- 2020 Value: $98,681.13
- 2015 Value: $85,285.78
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 49.20%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 28.95%
You’ll discover Glidden tucked away in Ashland County in northern Wisconsin. This small northwoods community has seen significant growth in property values, increasing 49.20% from 2015 to 2025. Starting at $85,286 in 2015, values rose to $98,681 by 2020, then climbed to $127,248 by 2025, reflecting a 28.95% increase in the last five years.
18. Long Lake
- 2025 Value: $124,012.25
- 2020 Value: $92,638.05
- 2015 Value: $74,218.86
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 67.09%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 33.87%
You’ll be drawn to Long Lake’s natural beauty in Forest County, part of the Iron Mountain, MI-WI metropolitan area. This lakeside community has seen impressive property value growth, increasing 67.09% from 2015 to 2025. Home values rose from $74,219 in 2015 to $92,638 in 2020, then climbed to $124,012 by 2025. The acceleration of 33.87% in the last five years demonstrates growing interest in this affordable waterfront community.
19. Bagley
- 2025 Value: $120,693.27
- 2020 Value: $88,937.65
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 35.71%
You might be enchanted by Bagley’s picturesque setting along the Mississippi River in Grant County, southwestern Wisconsin. Part of the Platteville metro area, this small village saw home values increase by 35.71% from 2020 to 2025. Property values rose from $88,937 in 2020 to $120,693 by 2025, showing healthy appreciation while maintaining affordability.
20. Hawkins
- 2025 Value: $120,096.51
- 2020 Value: $83,538.99
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 43.76%
You can find Hawkins nestled in Rusk County in northwestern Wisconsin. This small community has experienced significant growth with property values increasing 43.76% from 2020 to 2025. Starting from $83,539 in 2020, home values climbed to $120,096 by 2025, demonstrating strong appreciation while still remaining one of Wisconsin’s most affordable towns.
21. Goodman
- 2025 Value: $119,909.65
- 2020 Value: No data available
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
You’ll encounter the quiet community of Goodman in Marinette County, part of the Marinette, WI-MI metropolitan area in northeastern Wisconsin. Homes averaged $119,910 in 2025, and while historical data isn’t available to track its growth trajectory, Goodman’s location near the Michigan border and within the Marinette metro area suggests it offers small-town affordability with access to cross-border amenities.
22. Tigerton
- 2025 Value: $119,712.19
- 2020 Value: $73,204.02
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 63.53%
You might be surprised by Tigerton’s remarkable growth story, situated in Shawano County in east-central Wisconsin. This small village saw an extraordinary 63.53% increase in home values in just five years, jumping from $73,204 in 2020 to $119,712 by 2025. While earlier data isn’t available, this dramatic growth rate makes Tigerton stand out among Wisconsin’s affordable communities.
23. Mellen
- 2025 Value: $113,653.94
- 2020 Value: No data available
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
You’ll discover Mellen tucked away in Ashland County in Wisconsin’s northwoods region. This small community appears on the affordable housing radar with an average home value of $113,653 in 2025. Unfortunately, historical data isn’t available to track growth patterns over time, but its current position as one of Wisconsin’s most affordable towns makes it worthy of consideration.
24. Hurley
- 2025 Value: $109,656.32
- 2020 Value: $84,532.40
- 2015 Value: $71,201.67
- 2010 Value: $68,218.67
- % Change 2010 to 2025: 60.74%
- % Change 2015 to 2025: 54.01%
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 29.72%
You can experience the charm of the northwoods in Hurley, located in Iron County on the Wisconsin-Michigan border. This historical mining town has seen impressive property value growth, with home values increasing over 60% from 2010 to 2025. Starting from a modest $68,218 in 2010, values climbed steadily to $71,201 by 2015, then accelerated to $84,532 in 2020, and reached $109,656 by 2025. The most dramatic growth occurred in the last five years with nearly 30% appreciation, suggesting Hurley is increasingly being discovered as an affordable option with access to outdoor recreation.
25. Montreal
- 2025 Value: $107,193.76
- 2020 Value: $92,037.86
- 2015 Value: No data available
- 2010 Value: No data available
- % Change 2020 to 2025: 16.47%
You’ll find Montreal nestled in Iron County in northern Wisconsin. This small community has shown steady growth in property values since 2020, with homes increasing by 16.47% over five years. While data isn’t available for earlier periods, the current average home value of just over $107,000 makes it the least expensive town in Wisconsin on our list according to the Zillow Home Value Index. The modest growth rate suggests a stable market that hasn’t experienced the dramatic swings seen in some other communities.
