Home Values in Appleton, Wisconsin — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Balanced Market | +5.5% YoY
The median home value in Appleton, Wisconsin is $225,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Appleton have increased by 5.5% over the past year and 30.7% over the last five years. With a population of 75,644 and a median household income of $55,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 4.1x, making Appleton affordable for the average household.
Appleton Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Appleton | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $225,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +5.5% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +30.7% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $86 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 31 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 3.6 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 96.4% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 46 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.47% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Appleton
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $172,150 five years ago in Appleton would have gained approximately $52,850 in equity, representing a 30.7% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $11,730 in home equity.
Affordability in Appleton, WI
With a median household income of $55,250 and a median home price of $225,000, the price-to-income ratio in Appleton is 4.1x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $1,681 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $1,399 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.83. In Appleton, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Appleton
The effective property tax rate in Wisconsin is 1.76%. On a home valued at $225,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $3,960, or approximately $330/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Appleton is 88.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are below the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Appleton, WI?
The median home value in Appleton, Wisconsin is $225,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +5.5% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 30.7%.
Is Appleton a buyer's or seller's market?
Appleton is currently a balanced market with 3.6 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 31 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 96.4%. Supply and demand are relatively balanced.
Are home values going up in Appleton?
Yes, home values in Appleton have increased by 5.5% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 30.7%, meaning a home worth $172,150 five years ago is now worth $225,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Appleton?
The average monthly rent in Appleton is $1,681, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $1,399. The price-to-rent ratio is 11.2. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Appleton, Wisconsin is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.