Property values in Wisconsin's northwest grew faster than anywhere else in the state over the past year. The top eight counties with the largest increases in values are in the northwest—and in the Ninth District. St. Croix, the top county overall, had a 16 percent change in property values. Burnett and Sawyer counties followed, posting changes of 14.2 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively. Of the 26 counties within the district, 20 saw increases of 6 percent or greater, and 14 counties had increases above 9 percent.
Many officials declared this robust growth in property values a sign of economic stability—and a benefit to communities and individuals. One county official, however, added that increased values may also bring problems. While higher values mean homes and properties are worth more, increased assessed values could also mean higher taxes.
The cause of the northwest's ascending values? Easy, say many leaders and locals: Twin Cities residents' eagerness to buy lakefront and undeveloped land across the state border.
—Benjamin Knelman
