Mortgage payment estimates, closing cost breakdowns, and homebuying data for Appleton, Wisconsin.
Median Home Price
$255K
Population
76K
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,080
Property Tax Rate
1.76% *
* Property tax shown is the Wisconsin state average effective rate. Actual rates vary by county, city, and school district — check with your local assessor for exact rates in Appleton.
Appleton vs Wisconsin Median
The median home price in Appleton is $255,000, which is 9% below the Wisconsin state median of $280,000.
Mortgage Calculator — Appleton, WI
Pre-filled with Appleton median home price and Wisconsin tax/insurance rates. Adjust for your property.
Three down payment scenarios for a $255K home using Wisconsin's 1.76% tax rate and $1,300/yr insurance.
5% Down
$2,155/mo
Down: $12,750
Loan: $242K
P&I: $1,531
Tax: $374
Insurance: $108
PMI: $141
10% Down
$2,067/mo
Down: $25,500
Loan: $230K
P&I: $1,451
Tax: $374
Insurance: $108
PMI: $134
20% Down (No PMI)
$1,772/mo
Down: $51,000
Loan: $204K
P&I: $1,289
Tax: $374
Insurance: $108
Income needed (28% rule): $76K/year with 20% down, $89K/year with 10% down.
Rent vs Buy in Appleton
Rent
$1,080/mo
vs
Buy (10% down)
$2,067/mo
Price-to-rent ratio: 19.7 — A ratio between 15-20 means the rent vs buy decision in Appleton depends heavily on your timeline. If you plan to stay 5+ years, buying likely wins. For shorter stays, renting preserves flexibility.
The median home price in Appleton is $255,000, 9% below the Wisconsin state median of $280,000. With a population of 75,644, Appleton is a smaller market where home prices tend to be more accessible than in many parts of Wisconsin.
Property taxes in Wisconsin average 1.76% annually. This higher-than-average tax rate means a $255,000 home in Appleton would carry roughly $374/month in property taxes alone — plan accordingly. Homeowners insurance in Wisconsin runs approximately $1,300 per year. This is within the normal range nationally.
Average rent in Appleton is $1,080/month. The price-to-rent ratio in Appleton is moderate, meaning the buy-vs-rent decision depends heavily on how long you plan to stay.
Appleton presents moderate affordability. The $255K median puts homeownership within reach for median-income households, though down payment savings and closing costs require planning.
Run a Rent vs Buy analysis
Compare total costs of renting vs buying in Appleton.