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Overall Rating: 88/100 · 331,340 veterans (7.4% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Wisconsin veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Full exemption of all military retirement pay with no age restrictions or dollar limits
2.3% average effective rate
Full (refundable credit)
100% service-connected or 100% IU: refundable credit = 100% of property tax on primary residence + 1 acre. Residency rules apply. Nothing below 100%.
Source ↗No veteran sales tax exemptions
$180,896
VA Medical Center
5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295-1000
414-384-2000
Emergency care (24/7), primary care, mental health, surgery, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, rehabilitation, audiology, dental, vision, pharmacy, laboratory, imaging, women's health
State Tuition Benefit
Wisconsin resident veterans (90+ days wartime or 2+ years peacetime active duty) and dependents of 100% disabled/deceased veterans
4-year value: $52,584
Median Home
$400,000
1BR Rent
$1,650/mo
COL Index
108
Unemployment
2.8%
Major employers: Epic Systems, UW-Madison, State of Wisconsin, American Family Insurance, Exact Sciences, Sub-Zero Group, Madison VA Healthcare System
Pros: #3 nationally for veterans, highest veteran median income ($60,000), lowest veteran unemployment (2.8%), excellent VA medical center, top-tier UW-Madison with Wisconsin GI Bill, strong diverse job market, high quality of life, large veteran community (18,000+), safe
Cons: Highest housing costs in Wisconsin ($400,000 median), highest property taxes ($9,200/year), high rent ($1,797 average), cold winters with significant snow, liberal political environment, traffic congestion growing, competitive job market
Most veterans considering Wisconsin for relocation pair this with one of these next steps:
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Buying a home
$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Wisconsin grants eligible veterans (and spouses) a hiring preference for initial state employment, applied to competitive exam or rating scores.
Official source ↗Veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected VA disability rating can apply for state jobs through Wisc.Jobs without competing through the traditional hiring process.
Official source ↗Veterans rated 50% or more service-connected disabled pay just $7 for a card providing fishing, small game, state park vehicle admission, and a state trail pass.
Official source ↗Resident disabled veterans (70%+ or individually unemployable) and former POWs receive free state park vehicle admission and a trail pass, certified through a County Veteran Service Officer.
Official source ↗Honorably discharged veterans can add a 'Veteran' identifier to their WI driver license or state ID after WDVA verification, easing proof of status for benefits.
Official source ↗Veterans with a qualifying mobility-impairing disability may obtain Disabled Veteran plates, which authorize disabled-space parking and free metered parking (subject to 30+ minute limits).
Official source ↗WDVA operates three homes providing 24-hour skilled nursing care to eligible veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents; veterans rated 70%+ service-connected pay nothing for their care.
Official source ↗An unremarried surviving spouse receiving DIC (or of a 100% disabled or line-of-duty-deceased veteran) may claim a refundable credit for 100% of property taxes on the primary residence (up to one acre).
Official source ↗Spouses, unremarried surviving spouses, and dependent children (ages 17-25) can receive full tuition remission at UW System and Wisconsin technical colleges for up to 8 semesters or 128 credits.
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.