Analysis of Wisconsin’s housing markets through 2024-2025 reveals distinctive patterns in home values and growth projections according to Zillow’s Home Value Index data. Overall, Wisconsin’s home values are projected to grow well compared to the national average. No town in the data is expected to have home values lose value. Specifically, Madison maintains its position as the most expensive market at $391,871, while Marinette represents the most affordable option at $177,992. Notably, the Fox Valley region shows remarkable strength, with Green Bay, Appleton, and Fond du Lac all projecting growth rates above 3.8%. University towns present a mixed picture, with Whitewater and Menomonie showing strong growth above 3.2%, while traditional educational powerhouses like Madison and La Crosse project more modest gains below 2.8%. The state’s largest city, Milwaukee, sits near the bottom of growth projections at 2.4%, while its satellite communities like Watertown and Beaver Dam show stronger growth potential. Tourism-driven markets like Wisconsin Dells neighbor Baraboo project the lowest growth at 1.9%.
Geographic location appears to play a crucial role in growth projections, with northeastern Wisconsin communities showing the strongest outlook – all four major Fox Valley communities project growth above 3.3%. Lake Michigan coastal communities display varying fortunes, with Marinette’s 4.1% growth contrasting sharply with Racine’s 2.8%. Perhaps most surprising is the relatively modest growth projected for the state capital region, while industrial centers like Green Bay and Janesville lead growth projections. The data suggests potential market shifts favoring mid-sized manufacturing centers over larger urban areas, with communities under 100,000 population generally showing stronger growth projections than their larger counterparts.
FYI, the U.S. average projected home value growth rate is 2.6%.
1. Green Bay, WI
Green Bay is located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It blends its famous football heritage with a robust industrial port economy. The city anchors northeastern Wisconsin as its third-largest metropolitan area, offering residents a mix of urban amenities and waterfront charm. Current home values stand at $252,445, with the highest projected growth rate in the study at 4.4% pushing values to $263,552 by 2025.
2. Appleton, WI
Located along the Fox River between Green Bay and Lake Winnebago, Appleton serves as a cultural and educational hub with Lawrence University at its core. The city’s position in the Fox Cities makes it a vital part of Wisconsin’s paper-making industry. Housing values currently reach $268,526, with a strong 4.1% growth trajectory suggesting an increase to $279,535 in 2025.
3. Janesville, WI
Positioned along the Rock River in southern Wisconsin, Janesville combines manufacturing heritage with evolving economic diversity. The city’s location near the Illinois border provides easy access to Chicago’s northern suburbs while maintaining its distinct Wisconsin character. Home values currently sit at $263,547, with a projected 4.1% increase pushing prices to $274,353 by 2025.
4. Marinette, WI
Located on the southern bank of the Menominee River at the border of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marinette thrives on its shipbuilding industry and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city’s deep-water port and proximity to Green Bay make it a crucial maritime hub for the region. Housing values show strength at $177,992, with a robust 4.1% growth suggesting an increase to $185,290 in 2025.
5. Fond du Lac, WI
Nestled at the foot of Lake Winnebago, Fond du Lac serves as a gateway to Wisconsin’s northern recreational areas. The city’s position at the intersection of major highways makes it a convenient hub for both commerce and tourism. Current home values reach $237,596, with a 3.8% growth rate projecting to $246,625 by 2025.
6. Whitewater, WI
Home to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, this city sits near the Kettle Moraine State Forest in southeastern Wisconsin. The surrounding glacial topography provides unique outdoor recreation opportunities while the university drives cultural and economic growth. Property values currently stand at $305,505, with a 3.6% increase suggesting growth to $316,503 in 2025.
7. Beaver Dam, WI
Centered around its namesake lake in Dodge County, Beaver Dam combines agricultural heritage with modern manufacturing. The city’s position between Madison and Milwaukee creates a strategic location for both industry and commuters. Housing values reach $261,827, with a projected 3.5% growth pushing prices to $270,991 by 2025.
8. Eau Claire, WI
Located at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers in western Wisconsin, Eau Claire has evolved into a thriving arts and technology hub. The city’s university presence and growing music scene have earned it recognition as a cultural capital of the Chippewa Valley. Current home values stand at $289,937, with a 3.4% growth rate suggesting an increase to $299,795 in 2025.
9. Oshkosh, WI
Stretching along the western shore of Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh combines aviation heritage with educational excellence at UW-Oshkosh. The city’s famous airshow and manufacturing legacy make it a unique blend of industrial might and cultural significance. Housing values currently reach $232,028, with a 3.3% growth rate projecting to $239,685 by 2025.
10. Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Situated in the heart of central Wisconsin along the Wisconsin River, Wisconsin Rapids built its foundation on the paper industry. The city’s location amid cranberry bogs and forests creates a distinctive agricultural and industrial economy. Current home values sit at $203,453, with a 3.3% growth rate suggesting an increase to $210,167 in 2025.
11. Wausau, WI
Nestled along the Wisconsin River in the state’s north-central region, Wausau serves as a gateway to northern Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation. The city’s granite quarries and insurance industry headquarters create a diverse economic base while Rib Mountain offers year-round outdoor activities. Home values currently reach $215,158, with a 3.2% growth rate projecting to $222,043 by 2025.
12. Menomonie, WI
Home to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie combines historic charm with modern polytechnic education in western Wisconsin. The city’s location along Lake Menomin and proximity to the Twin Cities creates a unique blend of small-town atmosphere and metropolitan access. Current housing values stand at $290,643, with a 3.2% increase suggesting growth to $299,943 in 2025.
13. Watertown, WI
Straddling Jefferson and Dodge counties, Watertown flows along the Rock River between Madison and Milwaukee. The city’s historic downtown and manufacturing base create a balanced economy. Property values currently reach $286,514, with a 3.1% growth rate projecting to $295,396 by 2025.
14. Madison, WI
Wisconsin’s capital city spreads across an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, creating a unique urban landscape. The presence of state government and the University of Wisconsin flagship campus drives a knowledge-based economy while maintaining a strong focus on quality of life. Housing values lead many markets at $391,871, with a 2.8% growth rate suggesting an increase to $402,843 in 2025.
15. Racine, WI
Hugging the western shore of Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago, Racine combines industrial heritage with lakefront living. The city has a solid manufacturing base which creates a unique cultural landscape while maintaining strong connections to two major metropolitan areas. Current home values stand at $190,684, with a 2.8% growth rate projecting to $196,023 by 2025.
16. Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin’s largest city spreads along Lake Michigan’s western shore, blending industrial might with cultural diversity. The city’s brewing heritage and manufacturing base continue to evolve while maintaining its position as the economic engine of the state. Housing values currently reach $202,235, with a 2.4% increase suggesting growth to $207,088 in 2025.
17. Platteville, WI
Located just outside southwestern Wisconsin’s driftless area, Platteville combines mining heritage with educational excellence at UW-Platteville. The city’s unique topography and engineering focus create a distinctive community in the state’s corner where Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa meet. Current home values stand at $241,762, with a 2.4% growth rate projecting to $247,564 by 2025.
18. La Crosse, WI
Nestled between scenic bluffs along the Mississippi River, La Crosse serves as one of western Wisconsin’s largest cities. The convergence of three rivers and three states creates a unique geographic position while three colleges drive cultural and economic growth. Property values currently reach $251,525, with a 2.3% increase suggesting growth to $257,310 in 2025.
19. Stevens Point, WI
Centered along the Wisconsin River in the heart of the state, Stevens Point balances paper industry heritage with educational innovation at UW-Stevens Point. The city’s position as a historic transportation hub creates a diverse economic base. Housing values currently stand at $252,601, with a 2.2% growth rate projecting to $258,158 by 2025.
20. Baraboo, WI
Situated among the Baraboo Hills just south of Wisconsin Dells, Baraboo combines circus heritage as the historic home of Ringling Brothers with natural beauty. The city’s proximity to Devil’s Lake State Park and the International Crane Foundation creates a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. Current home values reach $294,180, with a modest 1.9% growth rate suggesting an increase to $299,769 by 2025.
I find it fascinating how Wisconsin’s housing market is projected to grow, especially in places like Green Bay. What do you think about the trend of smaller towns outpacing the big cities?