Sticker shock does not have to be part of your Wautoma home search. If you are weighing a first place, a move-up home, or a quieter base with access to lakes and parks, you can still find options that fit a range of budgets. This guide breaks down what “affordable” looks like right now, how far different price points go, and the tradeoffs to expect in Waushara County’s small but varied market. You will walk away with clear numbers, local context, and next steps to shop smart. Let’s dive in.
Wautoma market snapshot
Wautoma’s modelled typical home value sits around $275,100 as of late January 2026. That number reflects a “typical” home value, not what is currently for sale on any given day. Active inventory is limited and varies by source, with recent portal counts ranging from the high 20s to low 40s in the city and ZIP 54982. Days on market typically land near 50 to 55 days, which signals a balanced pace rather than a rush.
At the county level, Waushara’s recent median listing price is near $259,900 with roughly 170 active listings across communities. Keep in mind that a handful of premium lakefront or large-acreage listings can push local medians up in any single month. In a small market, what is on the market right now matters as much as long-term trends.
What your budget buys in Wautoma
Under $150k
You will find smaller in-town houses, 1 to 2 bedrooms, and some fixer candidates. Footprints are modest and lots are typically small. These can be good entry points if you are handy or comfortable making updates. Move quickly on well-kept homes in this band because competition is real when condition is strong.
$150k to $300k
This is the core range for many first-time and downsizing buyers. Expect 2 to 3 bedroom single-family homes, some with small yard acreage of a quarter-acre to a couple of acres. You will see a mix of dated interiors and occasional refreshed homes. Waterfront is uncommon in this bracket, but proximity to town amenities is typical.
$300k to $500k
Options widen to larger homes, recent remodels, and small acreage properties. You start to see select listings with water views or secondary lake access. This is a practical range for move-up buyers seeking more space without going into luxury territory.
$500k and up
Premium waterfront and larger acreage properties live here. Lakefront around Porters Lake and other area lakes commonly market in the $500k to mid-$600k range and higher depending on frontage, condition, and setting. These listings are a big reason ZIP-level medians can sit above the typical value in certain months.
How Wautoma compares nearby
- Oshkosh’s typical home value trends lower than Wautoma’s and benefits from a larger, more stable inventory. If you need more listing variety and a bigger job base, it is a fair comparison.
- Waupaca trends higher than Wautoma on typical value and has its own lake and recreation dynamics.
- Wisconsin Dells sits in a similar band to Wautoma on typical value, but tourist and vacation-home influences can make short-term medians swing quickly.
For buyers, this means Wautoma often strikes a middle ground: more affordable than many marquee lake markets, with a mix of entry-level houses and premium pockets.
Key tradeoffs to consider
Waterfront premiums and small-sample swings
Waterfront and large-acreage listings command meaningful premiums. Because the number of those properties is small, a few active lakefront listings can raise the apparent median in the ZIP even if most in-town homes remain more affordable. Always compare the typical home value to what is actively listed right now.
Schools and upcoming district changes
If school assignments matter to you, note that the Wautoma Area School District has a board-approved consolidation and reconfiguration plan, including closing Riverview Elementary after the 2025 to 2026 school year. Review the district’s announcement for timing and grade changes so you can plan moves around future attendance boundaries. See the district’s update on the board-approved consolidation plan.
Healthcare and everyday services
Local acute care is available at the Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital, a nearby critical-access facility connected to regional systems. Explore services and providers on the hospital’s page to understand routine and specialty options. Learn more about the Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital.
Recreation and lifestyle access
Waushara County is dotted with small lakes and sits within easy reach of parks and trails. For day trips and trail networks, Hartman Creek State Park is a popular regional destination. Get park details from the Hartman Creek State Park information page.
Commute and regional reach
Wautoma is a rural hub with typical drives of about 40 to 50 minutes to Stevens Point and roughly 45 to 75 minutes to the Oshkosh or Appleton areas, depending on starting point and route. Model your commute from each home you tour, as rural road networks can add time. Check estimated drive times using a reference like the Wautoma to Stevens Point distance overview.
Ownership costs: taxes and examples
Property taxes vary by municipality, school district portion, and equalized assessed value. A useful shorthand is to model an effective rate of about 1.2 to 1.4 percent for Waushara County. The Wautoma Area School District reports a school levy rate of about $5.20 per $1,000 of equalized value for 2025 to 2026, which is a component of your overall tax bill.
Here is a quick example using round numbers:
- Assessed value: $275,000
- Estimated countywide effective rate at 1.3 percent: about $3,575 per year
- School levy component at $5.20 per $1,000: 275 x $5.20 = about $1,430 of the total bill
Actual bills differ based on your property’s assessment and local levies. For context on county trends, review Waushara data from Ownwell’s Wisconsin property tax trends.
Smart strategies by buyer type
First-time buyers
- Get preapproved and be ready to tour quickly. The best-condition homes under $200k draw attention.
- Budget for updates. Older homes can be excellent values if you plan for repairs and improvements.
- Use inspection and financing guidance. A local agent can help you shape contingencies that keep your offer competitive without taking on avoidable risk.
Move-up buyers
- Target the $300k to $500k range if you want more space or small acreage without jumping to luxury pricing.
- Decide if waterfront is a must-have or a want. You can gain more house and land by choosing near-lake locations instead of direct frontage.
- Compare commute and services. In-town homes trade some land for shorter drives and easier access to shops and schools.
Retirees and amenity-seekers
- If single-level living is a priority, focus searches on ranch plans and in-town lots first, then weigh proximity to lakes and parks.
- Waterfront at lower budgets is rare. Consider quiet non-waterfront streets near recreation to balance lifestyle and price.
- Check nearby healthcare options and travel times to regional specialties to align with your needs.
Bottom line: Is Wautoma still affordable?
Yes, for many buyers. Wautoma continues to offer in-town homes in the low to mid $100ks and a healthy band of options through the $200ks and $300ks. At the same time, premium lakefront and larger-acreage properties command higher prices, often $400k and up, which can lift monthly median stats. Read the numbers in context: look at the typical home value alongside what is actively for sale right now, and match your wish list to the realities of this small but opportunity-rich market.
If you want a clear plan, local listings that fit your budget, and eyes on upcoming opportunities, connect with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Special Properties. Our team-based approach gives you fast coverage, on-the-ground guidance, and a calm, data-informed path to your next home.
FAQs
Is Wautoma affordable for first-time buyers in 2026?
- Many entry-level homes remain under $200k, though well-kept listings in that band can move quickly, so preparation and speed matter.
How far does a $250k budget go in Wautoma?
- You can typically find a 2 to 3 bedroom in-town home or a modest place on small acreage, while direct waterfront usually sits above that range.
Are waterfront homes in Waushara County affordable compared to in-town homes?
- Waterfront carries a clear premium, commonly reaching $400k to $650k or more depending on frontage, condition, and setting.
How long do homes take to sell in Wautoma right now?
- Recent months show a typical 50 to 55 days on market, indicating a balanced pace rather than rapid bidding.
What should I know about Wautoma schools when buying a home?
- The district has a board-approved consolidation and grade reconfiguration beginning after 2025 to 2026, so check official updates for future attendance changes.
