I’ve analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index data to identify trends in Wisconsin’s residential real estate market from 2010 to 2025. The findings show pronounced wealth concentration in two major regions: Madison’s Dane County and the affluent Milwaukee suburbs in Waukesha County. The data reveals that luxury lakefront communities and exclusive suburban enclaves have experienced extraordinary appreciation, with Oconomowoc Lake leading the state at an average home value of $1.77 million – more than triple the state median.
What strikes me is the geographic distribution of Wisconsin’s premium housing markets, with 10 of the top 25 towns located in Dane County around Madison, and 11 towns within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area. This concentration reflects the economic strength of these regions, with tech growth around Madison’s university ecosystem and established wealth in Milwaukee’s western suburbs. Lake communities show particularly impressive growth, with towns like Fontana on Geneva Lake seeing the highest five-year appreciation at 62.26%.
The average home value among the top 25 Wisconsin towns now stands at $691,892, representing a 44.68% increase in just five years. This rapid appreciation outpaces wage growth and raises affordability concerns, though it also indicates strong confidence in Wisconsin’s premium markets. What’s particularly notable is how many communities have seen their values double since 2011, with Maple Bluff near Madison showing an extraordinary 118.53% appreciation over that period.
25. Middleton
- January 2025 Home Value: $550,222
- January 2020 Home Value: $380,958
- January 2015 Home Value: $303,089
- January 2011 Home Value: $273,173
- Change 2020-2025: 44.43%
- Change 2015-2025: 81.54%
- Change 2011-2025: 101.42%
Your investment in Middleton real estate would have doubled since 2011, with property values increasing from $273,173 to $550,222. This thriving suburb within the Madison metro area has seen consistent 44.43% growth just in the last five years. Situated just west of Madison, Middleton regularly ranks among the best places to live in America, offering residents an ideal blend of small-town charm with proximity to the state capital’s economic opportunities and the University of Wisconsin’s intellectual capital.
24. Waunakee
- January 2025 Home Value: $556,873
- January 2020 Home Value: $383,764
- January 2015 Home Value: $299,897
- January 2011 Home Value: $280,152
- Change 2020-2025: 45.11%
- Change 2015-2025: 85.69%
- Change 2011-2025: 98.78%
Your dollar has stretched less far in Waunakee with each passing year, as home values have nearly doubled since 2011. This northern Dane County community within the Madison metro area has experienced a solid 45.11% growth since 2020. Located just 13 miles north of downtown Madison, Waunakee combines excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to both Madison’s urban amenities and the natural beauty of Wisconsin’s lakes and parks.
23. Vienna
- January 2025 Home Value: $557,398
- January 2020 Home Value: $398,983
- January 2015 Home Value: $307,043
- January 2011 Home Value: $283,893
- Change 2020-2025: 39.70%
- Change 2015-2025: 81.54%
- Change 2011-2025: 96.34%
Your property investment in Vienna would have provided steady returns, with values increasing 39.70% in the past five years. This rural Dane County township within the Madison metro area has seen home prices rise from $283,893 in 2011 to $557,398 in 2025. Located northwest of Madison, Vienna offers residents a country lifestyle with larger land parcels while still providing reasonable commuting distance to Madison’s employment centers and cultural amenities.
22. Verona
- January 2025 Home Value: $567,448
- January 2020 Home Value: $382,981
- January 2015 Home Value: $306,619
- January 2011 Home Value: $275,726
- Change 2020-2025: 48.17%
- Change 2015-2025: 85.07%
- Change 2011-2025: 105.80%
Your financial portfolio would have benefited from Verona’s real estate market, with property values more than doubling since 2011. This growing Dane County city within the Madison metro area has experienced a strong 48.17% appreciation since 2020. Home to the Epic Systems corporate campus, Verona has transformed from a small farming community into a thriving suburb with new housing developments, improved amenities, and a strong local economy driven by healthcare IT and proximity to Madison.
21. Springdale
- January 2025 Home Value: $573,006
- January 2020 Home Value: $405,506
- January 2015 Home Value: $336,155
- January 2011 Home Value: $313,301
- Change 2020-2025: 41.31%
- Change 2015-2025: 70.46%
- Change 2011-2025: 82.89%
Your investment in Springdale would have yielded solid returns with property values appreciating 41.31% since 2020. This rural Dane County township within the Madison metro area has seen home values climb from $313,301 in 2011 to $573,006 in 2025. Located west of Madison in the scenic driftless area, Springdale offers residents larger rural properties and natural beauty while maintaining reasonable proximity to Madison’s employment and cultural opportunities.
20. Ottawa
- January 2025 Home Value: $575,893
- January 2020 Home Value: $416,735
- January 2015 Home Value: $330,949
- January 2011 Home Value: $307,991
- Change 2020-2025: 38.19%
- Change 2015-2025: 74.01%
- Change 2011-2025: 86.98%
Your property in Ottawa would have appreciated nearly 87% since 2011, with values rising from $307,991 to $575,893. This rural Waukesha County township within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has experienced a solid 38.19% growth since 2020. Located in southwestern Waukesha County surrounded by the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Ottawa offers residents a perfect blend of natural amenities with larger land parcels while still providing access to Milwaukee’s urban conveniences.
19. La Grange
- January 2025 Home Value: $579,041
- January 2020 Home Value: $393,280
- January 2015 Home Value: $308,033
- January 2011 Home Value: $298,422
- Change 2020-2025: 47.23%
- Change 2015-2025: 87.98%
- Change 2011-2025: 94.03%
Your real estate holdings in La Grange would have performed admirably, with values increasing 47.23% in the past five years alone. This Walworth County township within the Whitewater metro area has seen property values rise from $298,422 in 2011 to $579,041 in 2025. Home to the popular Lauderdale Lakes and situated in Wisconsin’s lake country, La Grange attracts both permanent residents and vacation homeowners seeking waterfront properties and outdoor recreation opportunities.
18. Okauchee
- January 2025 Home Value: $579,042
- January 2020 Home Value: $394,223
- January 2015 Home Value: $310,076
- January 2011 Home Value: $308,905
- Change 2020-2025: 46.88%
- Change 2015-2025: 86.74%
- Change 2011-2025: 87.45%
Your investment in Okauchee would have grown substantially, with property values increasing by nearly 87% since 2011. This Waukesha County lake community within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen home values rise from $308,905 in 2011 to $579,042 in 2025. Built around Okauchee Lake, this community offers residents and vacation homeowners waterfront living with boating and fishing opportunities while maintaining reasonable proximity to Milwaukee’s employment centers.
17. Whitefish Bay
- January 2025 Home Value: $580,918
- January 2020 Home Value: $413,146
- January 2015 Home Value: $356,263
- January 2011 Home Value: $318,531
- Change 2020-2025: 40.61%
- Change 2015-2025: 63.06%
- Change 2011-2025: 82.37%
Your financial fortunes would have improved with Whitefish Bay real estate, which has appreciated 40.61% since 2020. This prestigious Milwaukee County suburb within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen home values climb from $318,531 in 2011 to $580,918 in 2025. Located along Lake Michigan just north of downtown Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay is known for its excellent schools, historic architecture, and walkable village center, offering residents an upscale urban lifestyle with easy access to downtown Milwaukee.
16. Bristol
- January 2025 Home Value: $581,078
- January 2020 Home Value: $402,637
- January 2015 Home Value: $314,132
- January 2011 Home Value: $283,648
- Change 2020-2025: 44.32%
- Change 2015-2025: 84.98%
- Change 2011-2025: 104.86%
Your real estate investment in Bristol would have more than doubled since 2011, growing from $283,648 to $581,078. This rural Dane County township within the Madison metro area has experienced a solid 44.32% appreciation since 2020. Located north of Madison, Bristol offers residents a country atmosphere with larger land parcels and agricultural heritage while still providing reasonable commuting distance to Madison’s employment opportunities and amenities.
15. Mequon
- January 2025 Home Value: $595,765
- January 2020 Home Value: $480,363
- January 2015 Home Value: $408,994
- January 2011 Home Value: $403,044
- Change 2020-2025: 24.02%
- Change 2015-2025: 45.67%
- Change 2011-2025: 47.82%
Your property holdings in Mequon would have seen the most modest appreciation among the top 25 towns at 24.02% since 2020. This upscale Ozaukee County suburb within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has experienced more moderate growth, with values increasing from $403,044 in 2011 to $595,765 in 2025. Covering 46 square miles, Mequon is Wisconsin’s largest city by land area and offers residents large properties with rural character while still providing convenient access to Milwaukee via I-43.
14. Hartland
- January 2025 Home Value: $598,636
- January 2020 Home Value: $445,167
- January 2015 Home Value: $357,576
- January 2011 Home Value: $330,041
- Change 2020-2025: 34.47%
- Change 2015-2025: 67.42%
- Change 2011-2025: 81.38%
Your investment in Hartland would have yielded substantial returns, with home values appreciating 81.38% since 2011. This Waukesha County village within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen property values rise from $330,041 in 2011 to $598,636 in 2025. Located in the Lake Country area of western Waukesha County, Hartland offers residents access to numerous lakes, outdoor recreation, and a charming downtown while providing easy commuting to Milwaukee via I-94.
13. Elm Grove
- January 2025 Home Value: $602,954
- January 2020 Home Value: $427,203
- January 2015 Home Value: $332,364
- January 2011 Home Value: $311,559
- Change 2020-2025: 41.14%
- Change 2015-2025: 81.41%
- Change 2011-2025: 93.53%
Your real estate portfolio would have performed impressively with Elm Grove properties, which have appreciated 93.53% since 2011. This affluent Waukesha County village within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen home values climb from $311,559 in 2011 to $602,954 in 2025. Consistently ranked among Wisconsin’s most desirable suburbs, Elm Grove offers residents tree-lined streets with historic homes on larger lots, excellent schools, and a charming village center while being just minutes from downtown Milwaukee.
12. Springfield
- January 2025 Home Value: $618,467
- January 2020 Home Value: $430,455
- January 2015 Home Value: $355,194
- January 2011 Home Value: $320,461
- Change 2020-2025: 43.68%
- Change 2015-2025: 74.12%
- Change 2011-2025: 92.99%
Your financial position would have strengthened considerably with Springfield real estate, which has appreciated nearly 93% since 2011. This rural Dane County township within the Madison metro area has seen property values rise from $320,461 in 2011 to $618,467 in 2025. Located northwest of Madison in picturesque countryside, Springfield offers residents larger parcels with agricultural heritage while maintaining reasonable commuting distance to Madison’s employment centers and the growing Middleton corridor.
11. Fontana
- January 2025 Home Value: $620,708
- January 2020 Home Value: $382,528
- January 2015 Home Value: $317,175
- January 2011 Home Value: $341,841
- Change 2020-2025: 62.26%
- Change 2015-2025: 95.70%
- Change 2011-2025: 81.58%
Your investment in Fontana would have yielded the highest five-year returns among the top 25 towns, with an exceptional 62.26% growth since 2020. This Walworth County village within the Whitewater metro area has seen home values surge from $341,841 in 2011 to $620,708 in 2025. Located on the western shore of Geneva Lake, Fontana offers residents and vacation homeowners premium lakefront properties, resort amenities, and a charming downtown in one of Wisconsin’s most prestigious vacation destinations.
10. Manitowish Waters
- January 2025 Home Value: $637,590
- January 2020 Home Value: $432,785
- January 2015 Home Value: $397,572
- January 2011 Home Value: N/A
- Change 2020-2025: 47.32%
- Change 2015-2025: 60.37%
- Change 2011-2025: N/A
Your vacation property in Manitowish Waters would have appreciated 47.32% in just five years. This Vilas County town in northern Wisconsin has seen home values climb from $397,572 in 2015 to $637,590 in 2025. Located in Wisconsin’s Northwoods region, Manitowish Waters is known for its chain of ten connected lakes, offering residents and vacation homeowners premium waterfront properties, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a peaceful retreat surrounded by forests and pristine waters.
9. Vermont
- January 2025 Home Value: $650,698
- January 2020 Home Value: $451,182
- January 2015 Home Value: N/A
- January 2011 Home Value: N/A
- Change 2020-2025: 44.22%
- Change 2015-2025: N/A
- Change 2011-2025: N/A
Your property investment in Vermont township would have grown by 44.22% since 2020. This rural Dane County community within the Madison metro area has seen home values rise to $650,698 by 2025. Located in Wisconsin’s driftless region west of Madison, Vermont offers residents spectacular natural beauty with hills, valleys, and the Black Earth Creek watershed while providing larger parcels and rural living within a reasonable distance to Madison’s amenities and employment opportunities.
8. Nashotah
- January 2025 Home Value: $658,123
- January 2020 Home Value: $466,326
- January 2015 Home Value: $371,655
- January 2011 Home Value: $322,961
- Change 2020-2025: 41.13%
- Change 2015-2025: 77.08%
- Change 2011-2025: 103.78%
Your real estate holdings in Nashotah would have more than doubled since 2011, appreciating from $322,961 to $658,123. This Waukesha County village within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen a solid 41.13% growth since 2020. Located in the heart of Lake Country between Oconomowoc and Delafield, Nashotah offers residents proximity to several lakes including Nagawicka Lake and Upper Nashotah Lake, combining natural beauty with upscale living just 30 minutes from downtown Milwaukee.
7. Linn
- January 2025 Home Value: $662,130
- January 2020 Home Value: $445,653
- January 2015 Home Value: $335,996
- January 2011 Home Value: $343,345
- Change 2020-2025: 48.58%
- Change 2015-2025: 97.06%
- Change 2011-2025: 92.85%
Your investment dollars would have performed exceptionally well in Linn township, with property values nearly doubling since 2011. This Walworth County community within the Whitewater metro area has seen home values surge from $343,345 in 2011 to $662,130 in 2025. Encompassing the south shore of Geneva Lake including the exclusive community of Lake Geneva, Linn offers residents and vacation homeowners premium waterfront properties and country estates in one of Wisconsin’s most prestigious resort areas.
6. Delafield
- January 2025 Home Value: $671,146
- January 2020 Home Value: $487,711
- January 2015 Home Value: $397,860
- January 2011 Home Value: $378,986
- Change 2020-2025: 37.61%
- Change 2015-2025: 68.69%
- Change 2011-2025: 77.09%
Your property portfolio in Delafield would have appreciated 77.09% since 2011, with values climbing from $378,986 to $671,146. This Waukesha County city within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen a solid 37.61% growth since 2020. Situated along the shores of Lake Nagawicka in the Lake Country region, Delafield offers residents a blend of historic downtown charm, upscale residential neighborhoods, and natural amenities while providing easy access to Milwaukee via I-94.
5. Summit
- January 2025 Home Value: $674,830
- January 2020 Home Value: $493,081
- January 2015 Home Value: $410,872
- January 2011 Home Value: $378,972
- Change 2020-2025: 36.86%
- Change 2015-2025: 64.24%
- Change 2011-2025: 78.07%
Your real estate investment in Summit would have grown by 78.07% since 2011, with values rising from $378,972 to $674,830. This Waukesha County town within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has experienced steady appreciation of 36.86% just in the last five years. Situated between Oconomowoc and Delafield and encompassing parts of Upper and Lower Nemahbin Lakes, Summit offers residents upscale lake living with larger properties while maintaining convenient access to Milwaukee via I-94.
4. River Hills
- January 2025 Home Value: $859,607
- January 2020 Home Value: $613,206
- January 2015 Home Value: $574,018
- January 2011 Home Value: $537,320
- Change 2020-2025: 40.18%
- Change 2015-2025: 49.75%
- Change 2011-2025: 59.98%
Your investment in River Hills would have provided consistent growth, with property values increasing nearly 60% since 2011. This exclusive Milwaukee County village within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen home values rise from $537,320 in 2011 to $859,607 in 2025. As Milwaukee’s wealthiest suburb with a five-acre minimum lot size requirement, River Hills offers residents privacy and exclusivity in a wooded setting along the Milwaukee River while remaining just minutes from downtown Milwaukee.
3. Maple Bluff
- January 2025 Home Value: $931,396
- January 2020 Home Value: $581,910
- January 2015 Home Value: $446,627
- January 2011 Home Value: $426,202
- Change 2020-2025: 60.06%
- Change 2015-2025: 108.54%
- Change 2011-2025: 118.53%
Your property in Maple Bluff would have more than doubled in value since 2011, showing the highest long-term appreciation rate among the top 25 towns at 118.53%. This prestigious Dane County village within the Madison metro area has seen home values surge from $426,202 in 2011 to $931,396 in 2025. Home to the Wisconsin Governor’s Mansion and situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Mendota, Maple Bluff offers residents waterfront luxury, historic estates, and an exclusive country club while being just minutes from downtown Madison.
2. Shorewood Hills
- January 2025 Home Value: $1,039,439
- January 2020 Home Value: $646,849
- January 2015 Home Value: $543,691
- January 2011 Home Value: $496,609
- Change 2020-2025: 60.69%
- Change 2015-2025: 91.18%
- Change 2011-2025: 109.31%
Your investment in Shorewood Hills would have more than doubled since 2011, with values rising from $496,609 to over $1 million by 2025. This exclusive Dane County village within the Madison metro area has experienced impressive 60.69% growth in just the last five years. Nestled between Lake Mendota and the University of Wisconsin campus, Shorewood Hills offers residents upscale homes, many with mid-century architectural pedigrees, in a parklike setting with private beach access while being just minutes from downtown Madison.
1. Oconomowoc Lake
- January 2025 Home Value: $1,774,900
- January 2020 Home Value: $1,116,950
- January 2015 Home Value: $972,144
- January 2011 Home Value: $951,420
- Change 2020-2025: 58.91%
- Change 2015-2025: 82.58%
- Change 2011-2025: 86.55%
Your real estate holdings in Oconomowoc Lake would have been the most valuable in Wisconsin, with average home values approaching $1.8 million in 2025. This exclusive Waukesha County village within the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area has seen property values nearly double since 2011. Built around the pristine shores of Oconomowoc Lake, this community offers Wisconsin’s most luxurious residences, many on multi-acre estates with private lake frontage, attracting the region’s most affluent homebuyers while still providing reasonable access to Milwaukee via I-94.
