DSCR Loans in Wisconsin
Last updated: May 2026
Wisconsin offers a mix of affordable entry points and solid rental fundamentals across a range of metros, from Milwaukee's value-priced inner-city properties to Madison's tight, university-driven rental market. Property taxes are above average, but moderate insurance costs and a ban on rent control keep the overall operating-expense picture manageable.
Property Tax
1.68%
State Income Tax
3.50-7.65%
Landlord Friendly
Moderate
Eviction Timeline
4-7 weeks
Property Taxes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin property taxes are higher than the national average but have been restrained by state-imposed levy limits on municipalities. Milwaukee County effective rates average about 2.15%, Dane County (Madison) runs near 1.85%, and Brown County (Green Bay) sits around 1.78%. The state's levy limits provide some predictability for multi-year underwriting.
Insurance Costs
Typical investment property insurance in Wisconsin runs $1,200/yr. Wisconsin's insurance costs are among the lowest in the Midwest, benefiting from distance from the worst of tornado alley and moderate Great Lakes weather. Snow-load and ice-dam claims are the primary seasonal risk for older roofs in the northern part of the state.
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Wisconsin bans rent control statewide (enacted 2011) and provides a structured eviction process. A five-day notice is required for nonpayment, followed by a court filing; hearings are typically scheduled within two to three weeks. However, Wisconsin's ATCP 134 administrative code imposes detailed requirements on security-deposit handling, move-in inspections, and withholding documentation that landlords must follow precisely to avoid penalty.
Top Investment Markets in Wisconsin
Milwaukee
SFRs in the $80K-$160K range on the north and south sides can achieve DSCR ratios well above 1.25 with Section 8 or market-rate tenants.
Madison
Ultra-low vacancy rates driven by UW-Madison and state-government employment; higher prices ($300K+) but premium rents.
Green Bay
Stable manufacturing and healthcare employment; SFRs in the $140K-$200K range with rents of $1,000-$1,400/mo.
Racine/Kenosha
Commuter proximity to Chicago and the Foxconn/Microsoft development create rental demand at prices well below Chicago suburbs.
Appleton/Oshkosh
Fox Valley metros with low unemployment, affordable housing stock under $180K, and consistent occupancy.
DSCR Considerations in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's statewide rent-control ban gives investors confidence in long-term rent-growth projections, which is a positive signal for DSCR underwriting. Milwaukee's low acquisition costs make it possible to hit DSCR thresholds even with the state's above-average property taxes. Be sure to comply with ATCP 134 deposit rules, as violations can result in double-damages penalties that eat into returns.
Run the numbers for Wisconsin
Use our free DSCR calculator to see if your Wisconsin investment property pencils out.
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