Baileys Harbor property taxes vs Fish Creek: Save $1,000+ Per Year

Baileys Harbor property taxes vs Fish Creek: Save $1,000+ Per Year

When you buy a multi-million dollar second home, even a small difference in the tax rate adds up. Smart investors do not just look at the price tag; they look at the carrying costs. A common question we get is: “Are taxes cheaper on the quiet side?” Today we compare Baileys Harbor property taxes vs Fish Creek property taxes.

The short answer is Yes. Baileys Harbor generally offers a lower mill rate than Fish Creek (Town of Gibraltar). This guide breaks down the numbers so you can see exactly where the savings come from.

The Mill Rate Breakdown: What You Pay Per $1,000

Property taxes are calculated using a “Mill Rate” (the amount of tax you pay for every $1,000 of assessed home value). Baileys Harbor property taxes vs Fish Creek can be quite different.

  • Baileys Harbor: Historically has a lower mill rate. For the 2024 tax year, the net tax rate is approximately $7.64 per $1,000 of value.
  • Fish Creek (Town of Gibraltar): Has a higher mill rate. The net tax rate is approximately $8.16 per $1,000 of value.

The “Luxury” Savings Example

If you own a $2,000,000 waterfront estate, that difference matters.

  • In Baileys Harbor: Your estimated tax bill (based on assessed value) is roughly $15,280.
  • In Fish Creek: Your estimated tax bill is roughly $16,320.
  • The Savings: You save over $1,000 per year just by crossing the peninsula. That covers your annual winter utility bills.

The “School District Equalizer”

Many buyers think the tax difference is because of the schools. This is a myth.

Both Baileys Harbor and Fish Creek are in the Gibraltar School District.

  • Why this matters: The “School Tax” portion of your bill is identical in both towns. You are paying for the same high-quality education and facilities.
  • The Real Difference: The price gap comes from the Municipal Levy (Town Tax). Fish Creek (Gibraltar) has a busier downtown, more sidewalks, streetlights, and public infrastructure to maintain. In Baileys Harbor, you pay less because you are not funding as much heavy municipal infrastructure.

The Room Tax Myth (For STR Investors)

If you plan to rent your home out, you might wonder if the Short-Term Rental (Room) Tax is different.

It is not.

  • Uniform Rate: The Door County Tourism Zone Commission sets a uniform tax rate of 8% across all member municipalities.
  • No Loophole: Whether you buy in Sister Bay, Fish Creek, or Baileys Harbor, your guests pay the same 8% tax on their stay.

The Verdict: You cannot save money on Room Tax by switching towns, but you CAN save money on Property Tax by choosing Baileys Harbor.

Final Thoughts

Baileys Harbor gives you a financial edge. You get the same school district and the same Lake Michigan views, but you keep more of your money in your pocket every year.

Request a “Total Carry Cost” Analysis

Taxes are just one part of the equation. You need to see the full picture.

Request our Private Financial Report: “Side-by-Side Carry Cost Analysis: Fish Creek vs. Baileys Harbor.”

We will calculate:

  • The exact property tax difference for your budget range.
  • The insurance cost difference (Lake Michigan vs. Green Bay side).
  • The projected net income after all expenses.

Invest with your eyes open. Contact us today for your custom analysis.

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Market Insights Eric Hegwer