Sizable increases for Wisconsin tax levies, property values
Sep. 25, 2025
Gross property tax levies across Wisconsin increased 4.2% in 2024, the second largest increase since 2009.
Gross property tax levies across Wisconsin increased 4.2% in 2024, the second largest increase since 2009.
The overall quality of bridges in Wisconsin exceeds the national average, with a higher percentage of bridges rated in good condition.
Student assessment scores have not yet recovered from their decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s newly updated School DataTool shows.
Total operating spending across all Wisconsin cities and villages increased sharply in 2023 after a period of high inflation, the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s 2025 Municipal DataTool shows.
During the past 45 years, Wisconsin has seen a dramatic increase in damage caused by flooding, as the climate has warmed, extreme rains have become more common, and urban development has continued.
Participation in Wisconsin’s registered and youth apprenticeship programs soared to record high levels in 2024 – a welcome development at a time when many industries report shortages of qualified workers.
After retaining robust budget reserves the last five years, Wisconsin leaders are trading much of that fiscal cushion for an “all of the above” state budget that cuts income taxes, increases special education aid to schools, and boosts funding for transportation projects, child care, and the University of Wisconsin System.
Spending per pupil by Wisconsin public schools has lagged inflation in recent years and fallen further behind the U.S. average.
More Wisconsin high school students than ever before are participating in dual enrollment programs that offer them both high school and college credit.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin school districts received about $2.3 billion in one-time federal relief funds to address the effects of the pandemic and boost student recovery.