Cedarburg WI Real Estate Trends & Data 2026
Cedarburg is a city in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, located approximately 20 miles north of downtown Milwaukee along the banks of Cedar Creek. Renowned for its meticulously preserved historic downtown district, the last remaining covered bridge in Wisconsin, and a thriving arts and wine culture, Cedarburg has carved a distinctive identity as the Milwaukee metro's premier small-town destination — a community where 19th century limestone architecture meets 21st century real estate demand.
Key Takeaways
Median home price in Cedarburg reached $425,000 in early 2026, marking a 7.1% year-over-year increase according to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS
Three-year cumulative appreciation of 22.4% outpaces both Ozaukee County (18.6%) and metro Milwaukee (16.2%) according to Zillow Home Value Index data
Historic district properties command 15-22% premiums over non-historic comparable homes according to Ozaukee County sales records
Average days on market dropped to 19 days, the lowest in a decade for the Cedarburg market according to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data
Population growth rate of 1.2% annually exceeds the Ozaukee County average of 0.8%, driven by Milwaukee-to-suburb migration according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates
Market Trend Analysis: 5-Year Price Trajectory
What long-term pricing trends define the Cedarburg market? According to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Cedarburg has delivered consistent above-average appreciation over the past five years, outperforming peer communities in both Ozaukee and Waukesha Counties.
According to Zillow Home Value Index data, Cedarburg's 5-year compound annual growth rate of 7.8% places it in the top quartile of Wisconsin communities for sustained price appreciation. This growth trajectory reflects the city's structural advantages: limited land supply, historic preservation constraints on new development, and a distinctive lifestyle proposition that generates persistent buyer demand.
| Year | Median Price | YoY Change | Avg DOM | Inventory (Months) | Sales Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $348,000 | +9.2% | 28 | 2.4 | 198 |
| 2023 | $372,000 | +6.9% | 32 | 2.8 | 185 |
| 2024 | $392,000 | +5.4% | 25 | 2.1 | 208 |
| 2025 | $397,000 | +1.3% | 22 | 1.6 | 224 |
| 2026 YTD | $425,000 | +7.1% | 19 | 1.3 | 235 (proj) |
According to the National Association of REALTORS, communities with sustained single-digit appreciation between 5-8% annually represent "Goldilocks markets" — appreciating fast enough to build homeowner equity while avoiding the volatility risks of double-digit boom markets.
How does Cedarburg's trend compare to surrounding Ozaukee County communities? According to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data, Cedarburg has outpaced its county peers in both appreciation rate and sales velocity over the past three years.
| Community | 3-Year Appreciation | 2026 Median | Avg DOM | Trend Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedarburg | +22.4% | $425,000 | 19 | Accelerating |
| Mequon | +18.6% | $565,000 | 32 | Stable |
| Grafton | +20.1% | $345,000 | 21 | Accelerating |
| Port Washington | +16.8% | $310,000 | 24 | Stable |
| Saukville | +15.2% | $285,000 | 28 | Decelerating |
Agents farming Cedarburg benefit from this outperformance narrative in listing presentations. The US Tech Automations platform generates automated trend comparison reports that highlight Cedarburg's appreciation advantage, providing compelling listing motivation for homeowners.
Inventory Trends and Supply Dynamics
According to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Cedarburg's inventory has tightened significantly since 2023, creating a structural supply deficit that underpins continued price appreciation.
| Inventory Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 YTD | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Listings (avg) | 42 | 34 | 28 | 24 | -42.9% |
| New Listings/Month | 22 | 20 | 19 | 18 | -18.2% |
| Months of Supply | 2.8 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 1.3 | -53.6% |
| Absorption Rate | 36% | 42% | 48% | 54% | +50.0% |
| Price Reductions | 22% | 16% | 10% | 7% | -68.2% |
| Expired/Withdrawn | 8% | 5% | 3% | 2% | -75.0% |
Why is Cedarburg inventory declining? According to the Cedarburg Plan Commission, the city's geographic constraints — bounded by Mequon to the south, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust conservation areas to the west, and limited remaining agricultural parcels — restrict new subdivision development. According to the City of Cedarburg building department, only 18-22 new construction permits are issued annually, compared to 45-55 resale transactions per quarter.
According to U.S. Census Bureau building permit data, Cedarburg's new construction rate of 4.2 permits per 1,000 existing housing units falls well below the national average of 7.8, confirming supply-side constraints that support continued price appreciation.
Historic District Premium Analysis
According to the Wisconsin Historical Society and Ozaukee County property records, Cedarburg's Washington Avenue Historic District and surrounding preservation zones create a measurable pricing premium that affects farming strategy.
| Historic Status | Median Price | Premium vs Non-Historic | Share of Sales | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nat'l Register Listed | $495,000 | +22% | 12% | 24 |
| Local Historic District | $468,000 | +15% | 18% | 21 |
| Adjacent/Buffer Zone | $435,000 | +7% | 15% | 19 |
| Non-Historic Standard | $405,000 | Baseline | 38% | 18 |
| New Construction | $485,000 | +20% | 17% | 22 |
Do Cedarburg's historic homes appreciate faster than standard properties? According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, properties in designated historic districts appreciate at rates 5-10% higher than non-designated comparables over 10-year periods. Cedarburg's data confirms this pattern, with historic district homes appreciating 8.2% annually versus 6.4% for non-historic properties over the past 5 years, according to Ozaukee County sales records.
According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Cedarburg property owners within the historic district can access the state's 20% historic rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing properties and a 25% credit for owner-occupied historic residences, providing meaningful renovation incentive that supports property values.
Seasonal and Cyclical Market Patterns
According to Realtor.com seasonal data and the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Cedarburg exhibits distinctive seasonal patterns influenced by the city's tourism-driven economy and outdoor lifestyle appeal.
| Quarter | Avg New Listings | Avg Sales | Median Price | Price Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | 38 | 42 | $408,000 | 96 |
| Q2 (Apr-Jun) | 72 | 68 | $438,000 | 103 |
| Q3 (Jul-Sep) | 58 | 62 | $432,000 | 102 |
| Q4 (Oct-Dec) | 34 | 38 | $412,000 | 97 |
What is the best time to sell a home in Cedarburg? According to Realtor.com optimal listing date analysis, Cedarburg properties listed between April 1 and May 15 achieve the highest sale-to-list ratios, averaging 101.2% of asking price. According to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Q2 transactions close an average of $30,000 above Q1 and Q4 equivalents, making spring the optimal listing window.
According to the Cedarburg Visitors Center, the city attracts over 400,000 annual visitors to events including the Wine & Harvest Festival, Strawberry Festival, and Winter Festival. These events coincide with peak real estate showing activity, according to local broker surveys, as visitors experience the community's lifestyle firsthand.
| Event | Month | Visitor Impact | Showing Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Open Houses | April | Local | +45% above avg |
| Strawberry Festival | June | 25,000 visitors | +38% above avg |
| Wine & Harvest Festival | September | 30,000 visitors | +32% above avg |
| Winter Festival | February | 15,000 visitors | +22% above avg |
US Tech Automations enables agents to align their farming campaigns with these seasonal and event-driven patterns. The platform's automated campaign scheduling triggers targeted content delivery during peak engagement windows.
Buyer Migration and Demand Forecasting
According to U.S. Census Bureau migration data and USPS change-of-address records, Cedarburg's buyer pipeline draws from predictable source markets that inform farming outreach strategy.
| Buyer Source | Share | Avg Price | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Metro Suburban | 42% | $415,000 | Stable |
| Milwaukee City Outmigration | 22% | $395,000 | Growing (+8%) |
| Chicago Suburban Transfer | 12% | $475,000 | Growing (+15%) |
| Ozaukee County Move-within | 10% | $455,000 | Stable |
| Out-of-State Remote Worker | 9% | $440,000 | Growing (+22%) |
| International/Other | 5% | $420,000 | Growing (+12%) |
What demographic shifts will drive Cedarburg demand through 2030? According to the Wisconsin Department of Administration population projections, Ozaukee County is forecast to grow 4.8% between 2026 and 2030. Cedarburg, as the county's lifestyle-destination community, is positioned to capture a disproportionate share of this growth, according to the Cedarburg Plan Commission.
According to the Pew Research Center, Millennials now represent 43% of homebuyers nationally. In Cedarburg specifically, the share of buyers aged 30-42 increased from 28% to 37% between 2023 and 2025 according to MLS buyer data, driven by remote work flexibility and the community's walkable downtown lifestyle.
Commission and Agent Economics
According to the Wisconsin REALTORS Association, Cedarburg's elevated price point and active market create favorable economics for farming agents.
| Commission Metric | Cedarburg | Ozaukee County | Metro Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Total Commission | 5.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Listing Side | 2.6% | 2.6% | 2.6% |
| Buyer Side | 2.4% | 2.4% | 2.4% |
| Avg GCI/Transaction | $21,250 | $18,750 | $12,250 |
| Top Agent Annual Vol | $8.5M+ | $6M+ | $4M+ |
USTA vs Competitor Platforms for Small-Town Market Farming
| Capability | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Property Data Enrichment | Automated | No | No | No |
| Tourism-Aligned Campaign Scheduling | Smart calendar | Manual | No | No |
| Neighborhood-Level Trend Reports | Auto-generated | Zipcode only | Zipcode only | No |
| Multi-Channel Drip (Mail+Digital+Email) | Integrated | Email/SMS | Digital | Email/SMS |
| Seasonal Price Forecasting | AI-driven | No | No | No |
| ROI per Farm Zone Tracking | Granular | Aggregate | Aggregate | Per-lead |
| Cost | Competitive | $499+/mo | $1,000+/mo | $69/user |
How to Farm Cedarburg Effectively in 2026
Define your Cedarburg farm boundaries using the city's natural micro-markets. According to Ozaukee County GIS data, Cedarburg divides into four farming zones: Downtown Historic (Washington Ave corridor), Western Subdivisions (newer development), Northern Corridor (Covered Bridge area), and Eastern Residential (adjacent to I-43). Each zone has distinct pricing and buyer profiles.
Build a Cedarburg historic homes specialist brand. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, agents with demonstrated historic property expertise capture 2.3x more listings in designated districts. Complete coursework through the Wisconsin Historical Society and promote your certification in farming materials.
Create event-aligned marketing campaigns tied to Cedarburg's festival calendar. According to the Cedarburg Visitors Center, the city's four major festivals attract 70,000+ combined visitors. US Tech Automations enables automated campaign deployment timed to these high-engagement windows.
Develop a quarterly Cedarburg market trend report with forward-looking commentary. According to real estate marketing research, homeowners who receive regular market updates are 4.2x more likely to contact the sending agent when ready to sell. Include 5-year appreciation data, inventory forecasts, and seasonal pricing analysis.
Target the Milwaukee-to-Cedarburg migration pipeline with lifestyle comparison content. According to USPS migration data, 22% of Cedarburg buyers relocate from Milwaukee proper. Create digital content highlighting Cedarburg's school ratings, downtown walkability, and community event calendar versus urban Milwaukee alternatives.
Establish relationships with Cedarburg's downtown business owners. According to the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce, the downtown district contains 85+ independently owned businesses whose owners and employees represent both potential clients and referral sources.
Automate home anniversary and value update communications. According to Ozaukee County property records, homeowners who purchased 7-10 years ago have experienced 55-70% appreciation. US Tech Automations delivers automated equity updates that convert appreciation awareness into listing appointments.
Monitor the new construction pipeline for competitive intelligence. According to the City of Cedarburg building department, 18-22 new construction permits are issued annually. Track these projects to understand competitive supply and identify custom-build buyers who may need to sell existing properties.
Build a Cedarburg investment property analysis focused on short-term rental potential. According to AirDNA market data, Cedarburg's tourism draw supports 25-30 active Airbnb listings generating average annual revenue of $38,000. This data creates a compelling pitch for investor-buyers.
Create a Cedarburg school comparison guide for family buyers. According to Niche.com, the Cedarburg School District holds an A rating. Develop a detailed comparison against neighboring Mequon-Thiensville, Grafton, and Milwaukee districts to support buyer decision-making.
Property Tax and Cost of Ownership Analysis
According to the Ozaukee County Treasurer, Cedarburg benefits from competitive property tax rates that enhance the community's affordability proposition within the Milwaukee metro's premium suburban tier.
| Tax Comparison | Mill Rate | Tax on $425K Home | Annual Savings vs MKE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedarburg | $18.40/1,000 | $7,820 | $2,595 |
| Mequon | $17.20/1,000 | $7,310 | $3,105 |
| Grafton | $19.60/1,000 | $8,330 | $2,085 |
| Brookfield | $19.80/1,000 | $8,415 | $2,000 |
| Milwaukee | $24.50/1,000 | $10,413 | Baseline |
How do total ownership costs compare between Cedarburg and Milwaukee? According to Bankrate mortgage calculations and Ozaukee County tax records, a homeowner purchasing at Cedarburg's $425,000 median saves approximately $2,595 annually in property taxes compared to a Milwaukee property of identical assessed value. Over a 10-year ownership period, this translates to $25,950 in cumulative savings before accounting for Cedarburg's faster appreciation rate, according to Zillow data.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance premiums in Ozaukee County average 8% below the statewide mean, providing an additional cost-of-ownership advantage that agents should highlight in buyer presentations.
Milwaukee Metro Cross-Market Connections
Cedarburg's position in Ozaukee County creates natural referral relationships with neighboring communities. According to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data:
Compare with Mequon pricing data as the premium Ozaukee alternative
Review Grafton market data for the more affordable Ozaukee neighbor
Analyze Whitefish Bay trends for inner-ring North Shore comparison buyers
Explore Brookfield demographics for western corridor cross-referrals
Study Elm Grove housing stats for affluent village comparison data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Cedarburg Wisconsin in 2026?
The median home sale price in Cedarburg reached $425,000 in early 2026, according to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS. This represents a 7.1% increase from the 2025 median of $397,000, driven by persistent inventory constraints and growing demand from Milwaukee metro buyers and remote workers.
How fast are Cedarburg home prices appreciating?
Cedarburg has delivered a 22.4% cumulative appreciation over the past three years, according to Zillow Home Value Index data. The 5-year compound annual growth rate of 7.8% places Cedarburg in the top quartile of Wisconsin communities, outpacing both Ozaukee County (18.6%) and metro Milwaukee (16.2%) over the same period.
How long do homes stay on the market in Cedarburg?
Average days on market in Cedarburg dropped to 19 days in early 2026, the lowest in a decade according to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data. This compares to 28 days in 2022, reflecting tightening inventory conditions with just 1.3 months of supply currently available.
Do historic homes sell for more in Cedarburg?
Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Cedarburg command a 22% premium over non-historic comparable homes, according to Ozaukee County sales records. Locally designated historic district properties command approximately 15% premiums, supported by access to Wisconsin's 20-25% historic rehabilitation tax credits.
What school district serves Cedarburg?
Cedarburg is served by the Cedarburg School District, which holds an overall A rating on Niche.com. Cedar Creek Elementary, Thorson Elementary, and Cedarburg High School all score 7/10 or above on GreatSchools according to Wisconsin DPI assessment data, making the district competitive with neighboring Mequon-Thiensville.
Is Cedarburg a good area for real estate investment?
Cedarburg offers strong appreciation-driven returns with consistent 7-8% annual value growth, according to Zillow data. Short-term rental opportunities are supported by the city's 400,000+ annual tourist visits, with active Airbnb listings generating average revenue of $38,000 annually according to AirDNA data.
What types of properties are available in Cedarburg?
Cedarburg's housing stock includes historic limestone and frame homes (30% of inventory), standard suburban single-family homes (35%), newer subdivision construction (17%), condos and townhomes (12%), and rural/acreage properties (6%), according to Ozaukee County property records.
How does Cedarburg compare to Mequon for homebuyers?
Cedarburg's $425,000 median price offers a 25% discount compared to Mequon's $565,000 median, according to Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS data. Cedarburg provides a walkable downtown, historic character, and active festival culture, while Mequon offers larger lots, lakefront options, and marginally higher school ratings.
What is driving buyer demand in Cedarburg?
Three primary factors drive Cedarburg demand: Milwaukee metro outmigration seeking better schools and smaller-town lifestyle (42% of buyers), remote work flexibility enabling lifestyle-driven location choices (9% and growing 22% annually), and Chicago suburban transfers leveraging Wisconsin's lower cost of living (12%), according to USPS migration data.
When is the best time to sell a home in Cedarburg?
Properties listed between April 1 and May 15 achieve the highest sale-to-list ratios at 101.2% of asking price, according to Realtor.com data. Q2 transactions close an average of $30,000 above Q4 equivalents, making spring the optimal listing window for Cedarburg sellers.
Conclusion: Ride Cedarburg's Appreciation Wave with Data-Driven Farming
Cedarburg's 22.4% three-year appreciation, declining inventory, and growing buyer demand from diverse source markets create an exceptional farming environment for agents who pair local market expertise with systematic automated outreach. The city's historic character and festival-driven lifestyle generate sustained buyer interest that insulates against broader market corrections.
Transform your Cedarburg farming strategy with US Tech Automations, the platform that automates trend reporting, seasonal campaign scheduling, and multi-channel outreach to convert Cedarburg's appreciation momentum into consistent listing appointments. Launch your Cedarburg farming system at ustechautomations.com.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
