Home Values in Madison, Wisconsin — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Seller's Market | +3.6% YoY
The median home value in Madison, Wisconsin is $355,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Madison have increased by 3.6% over the past year and 19.3% over the last five years. With a population of 269,840 and a median household income of $65,332, the price-to-income ratio stands at 5.4x, making Madison affordable for the average household.
Madison Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Madison | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $355,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +3.6% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +19.3% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $111 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 49 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 2.3 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 100.1% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 247 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.23% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Madison
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $297,569 five years ago in Madison would have gained approximately $57,431 in equity, representing a 19.3% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $12,336 in home equity.
Affordability in Madison, WI
With a median household income of $65,332 and a median home price of $355,000, the price-to-income ratio in Madison is 5.4x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $1,992 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $2,207 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 1.11. In Madison, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Madison
The effective property tax rate in Wisconsin is 1.76%. On a home valued at $355,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $6,248, or approximately $521/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Madison is 104.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are near the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Madison, WI?
The median home value in Madison, Wisconsin is $355,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +3.6% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 19.3%.
Is Madison a buyer's or seller's market?
Madison is currently a seller's market with 2.3 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 49 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 100.1%. Low inventory gives sellers an advantage.
Are home values going up in Madison?
Yes, home values in Madison have increased by 3.6% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 19.3%, meaning a home worth $297,569 five years ago is now worth $355,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Madison?
The average monthly rent in Madison is $1,992, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $2,207. The price-to-rent ratio is 14.9. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Home Values in Other Wisconsin Cities
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Madison, 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.