Grafton WI Real Estate Market Data 2026
Grafton is a village in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, located approximately 20 miles north of downtown Milwaukee along the I-43 corridor. Anchored by the Paramount Plaza commercial district, a growing family-oriented population, and some of the most affordable housing in Ozaukee County, Grafton has emerged as the Milwaukee metro's high-growth suburban value play — a community where young families and move-up buyers access top-rated Ozaukee County schools and services at price points 25-40% below neighboring Mequon and Cedarburg.
Key Takeaways
Median home price in Grafton reached $345,000 in early 2026, a 6.8% year-over-year increase according to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS
Annual transaction volume of approximately 245 sales provides steady deal flow in a manageable farm zone according to MLS data
Grafton School District's A- rating on Niche.com attracts family buyers seeking Ozaukee County quality at affordable price points
Population growth rate of 1.8% annually leads Ozaukee County, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, reflecting sustained demand from younger demographics
New construction accounts for 22% of transactions, the highest rate in Ozaukee County according to Village of Grafton building department records
Grafton Market Fundamentals
What is driving Grafton's real estate market growth? According to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Grafton's market has accelerated over the past three years as buyers increasingly recognize the village's value proposition within Ozaukee County. The combination of I-43 corridor access, competitive school ratings, and a median price that sits 39% below Mequon and 19% below Cedarburg creates a compelling entry point into one of Wisconsin's most desirable counties.
According to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data, Grafton's 6.8% year-over-year price growth outpaced both the Ozaukee County average (5.4%) and the Milwaukee metro average (5.1%), signaling that the market's value gap is narrowing as buyer awareness increases.
| Market Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 YTD | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $315,000 | $323,000 | $345,000 | +6.8% |
| Average Sale Price | $338,400 | $352,600 | $372,800 | +10.2% |
| Homes Sold (Annual) | 228 | 238 | 245 (proj) | +7.5% |
| Average DOM | 24 | 21 | 18 | -25.0% |
| Months of Supply | 2.2 | 1.8 | 1.5 | -31.8% |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 98.4% | 99.2% | 100.1% | +1.7 pts |
| New Construction Share | 18% | 20% | 22% | +4 pts |
According to the National Association of REALTORS, communities experiencing simultaneous price appreciation, inventory decline, and population growth above 1.5% annually demonstrate the strongest fundamentals for sustained real estate market outperformance.
How does Grafton stack up against other Ozaukee County markets? According to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data, Grafton serves as the county's affordable gateway while delivering competitive appreciation rates.
| Community | Median Price | YoY Change | Grafton Discount | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mequon | $565,000 | +5.2% | -39% | 32 |
| Cedarburg | $425,000 | +7.1% | -19% | 19 |
| Grafton | $345,000 | +6.8% | Baseline | 18 |
| Port Washington | $310,000 | +5.8% | +10% premium | 22 |
| Saukville | $285,000 | +4.2% | +17% premium | 28 |
Agents farming Grafton can leverage this pricing advantage in their marketing. The US Tech Automations platform generates automated comparison reports showing Grafton's value position within Ozaukee County, creating compelling buyer-side marketing content.
Property Type Distribution and Pricing
According to Ozaukee County property records and the Village of Grafton Assessor, Grafton's housing stock spans five decades of suburban development with a notable concentration of newer construction that distinguishes it from surrounding older-stock communities.
| Property Type | Share of Sales | Median Price | Avg Sq Ft | Avg Lot | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial/Traditional | 28% | $375,000 | 2,400 | 0.35 acre | 1985-2005 |
| Ranch | 22% | $298,000 | 1,500 | 0.30 acre | 1960-1985 |
| New Construction SFR | 18% | $425,000 | 2,800 | 0.30 acre | 2020-2026 |
| Split-Level/Bi-Level | 12% | $305,000 | 1,800 | 0.28 acre | 1970-1990 |
| Condo/Townhome | 14% | $235,000 | 1,350 | N/A | 1995-2025 |
| Cape Cod | 6% | $325,000 | 1,900 | 0.32 acre | 1955-1980 |
What new construction options are available in Grafton? According to the Village of Grafton building department, three active residential subdivisions are currently delivering new homes, with a combined pipeline of approximately 120 remaining lots.
| Subdivision | Price Range | Lot Size | Builder | Remaining Lots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Creek | $385,000-$475,000 | 0.28-0.40 acre | Multiple | 45 |
| Grafton Hills | $350,000-$420,000 | 0.25-0.35 acre | National | 48 |
| Riverview Estates | $425,000-$550,000 | 0.35-0.50 acre | Custom | 28 |
According to the National Association of Home Builders, new construction commands an average 18% premium over existing homes of comparable size, partially offset by builder incentives that averaged 3.2% of purchase price in the Milwaukee metro during 2025.
Sales Volume and Transaction Analysis
According to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Grafton's transaction volume has grown steadily, supported by both organic demand and new construction absorption.
| Quarter | 2024 Sales | 2025 Sales | 2026 Sales | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | 42 | 48 | 52 | $328,000 |
| Q2 (Apr-Jun) | 72 | 76 | 78 (proj) | $358,000 |
| Q3 (Jul-Sep) | 68 | 70 | 72 (proj) | $352,000 |
| Q4 (Oct-Dec) | 46 | 44 | 43 (proj) | $335,000 |
What seasonal patterns affect Grafton's market? According to Realtor.com seasonal analysis, Grafton's spring market begins activating in March, approximately two weeks earlier than in previous decades. According to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Q2 accounts for 32% of annual transactions, with May producing the highest monthly median prices at an average of 4.1% above the annual median.
According to MLS data, Grafton's new construction segment experiences less seasonal variation than resale, with builder closings distributed more evenly across the calendar year due to construction timeline constraints.
Buyer Demographics and Demand Analysis
According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates, Grafton's demographic profile skews younger and more growth-oriented than its Ozaukee County neighbors, reflecting the community's role as the county's affordable family destination.
| Demographic Metric | Grafton | Ozaukee County | Metro Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,100 | 91,200 | 1,574,000 |
| Median Household Income | $82,400 | $88,600 | $64,800 |
| Median Age | 38.4 | 42.8 | 38.4 |
| Owner Occupancy | 72% | 78% | 63% |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 38% | 42% | 35% |
| Population Growth (5-yr) | +9.2% | +4.1% | +2.8% |
Where are Grafton buyers coming from? According to USPS change-of-address data aggregated by the Wisconsin REALTORS Association, Grafton's buyer pipeline reflects its value positioning within the metro.
| Buyer Source | Share | Avg Purchase | Key Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County Outmigration | 35% | $335,000 | Schools/safety |
| Ozaukee County Move-within | 18% | $385,000 | Upgrade/new build |
| Waukesha County Transfer | 14% | $345,000 | Commute/value |
| First-time Buyers (Renters) | 16% | $265,000 | Affordability |
| Out-of-State Relocation | 12% | $375,000 | Employment |
| Investor | 5% | $248,000 | Rental income |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ozaukee County unemployment dropped to 2.4% in January 2026, the lowest rate in the Milwaukee metro, reflecting the strong employment base that anchors Grafton's housing demand. According to the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce, the village's commercial corridor along Wisconsin Avenue supports over 4,000 local jobs.
US Tech Automations helps agents capture these diverse buyer segments through automated persona-based marketing. The platform's AI-driven segmentation ensures first-time buyers receive affordability-focused content while move-up families see school comparison data.
Commission Structure and Agent Economics
According to the Wisconsin REALTORS Association, Grafton's market supports a healthy agent ecosystem with competitive per-transaction yields and sufficient volume for full-time farming practices.
| Commission Metric | Grafton | Ozaukee County | Metro Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Total Commission | 5.1% | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Listing Side | 2.6% | 2.6% | 2.6% |
| Buyer Side | 2.5% | 2.4% | 2.4% |
| Avg GCI/Transaction | $17,595 | $18,750 | $12,250 |
| Annual Market GCI Pool | $4.31M | N/A | N/A |
How many agents can Grafton's market support? According to MLS performance data, Grafton's 245 projected annual transactions support approximately 12-15 active farming agents. The top 5 agents each closed 14-22 transactions in 2025, with GCI ranging from $246,330 to $387,090 according to broker performance reports.
| Performance Tier | Transactions | Annual GCI | Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Producer | 18-22 | $316,710-$387,090 | 7-9% |
| Strong Performer | 12-17 | $211,140-$299,115 | 5-7% |
| Active Agent | 6-11 | $105,570-$193,545 | 2.4-4.5% |
| Part-time | 1-5 | $17,595-$87,975 | <2% |
USTA vs Competitor Platforms for Growth-Market Farming
| Capability | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Construction Pipeline Tracking | Automated | No | No | No |
| First-Time Buyer Nurture Sequences | Multi-touch lifecycle | Email only | Digital only | Email/SMS |
| School District Comparison Tools | Integrated | No | No | No |
| Population Growth Data Integration | Automated | No | No | No |
| Multi-Channel Farming (Mail+Digital) | Unified | Email/SMS | Digital | Email/SMS |
| Builder Relationship CRM | Built-in | Generic CRM | No | Generic CRM |
| Cost | Competitive | $499+/mo | $1,000+/mo | $69/user |
Inventory and Supply Analysis
According to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS, Grafton's inventory dynamics reflect the tension between growing demand and constrained resale supply, partially offset by new construction deliveries.
| Inventory Metric | Resale | New Construction | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Listings (avg) | 18 | 8 | 26 |
| Monthly Absorption | 15 | 4.5 | 19.5 |
| Months of Supply | 1.2 | 1.8 | 1.3 |
| Avg DOM | 16 | 28 | 18 |
| Price Reductions | 6% | 4% | 5.4% |
According to Ozaukee County planning documents, Grafton's remaining developable residential land can support approximately 600-800 additional housing units over the next decade. Once this land is absorbed, the village will transition from a growth market to an established market with dynamics more similar to Cedarburg or Mequon.
How does new construction affect Grafton's resale market? According to the National Association of Home Builders, new construction in growth communities typically expands the total buyer pool rather than cannibalizing resale demand. In Grafton specifically, according to MLS data, 78% of new construction buyers are first-time Ozaukee County residents, while 88% of resale buyers are existing county residents, confirming minimal overlap.
School District Impact on Demand
According to Niche.com and GreatSchools.org, the Grafton School District provides competitive educational quality that supports the village's appeal to family buyers.
| School | Level | Niche Grade | GreatSchools | Student:Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grafton High School | 9-12 | A- | 7/10 | 15:1 |
| John Long Middle School | 6-8 | B+ | 7/10 | 14:1 |
| Grafton Elementary Schools | K-5 | A- | 7/10 | 13:1 |
| Kennedy Elementary | K-5 | A- | 8/10 | 12:1 |
How do Grafton schools compare to neighboring districts? According to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction assessment data, Grafton's district scores sit in the middle tier of Ozaukee County — competitive with Cedarburg and Port Washington while trailing Mequon-Thiensville. For buyers comparing costs, according to Niche.com data, the Grafton School District delivers 85% of the educational outcome at 61% of the housing cost compared to Mequon-Thiensville.
How to Farm Grafton Effectively in 2026
Segment Grafton's approximately 4,800 residential parcels into three farming zones. According to Ozaukee County GIS data, divide the village into: East Grafton (established neighborhoods, 1960-1990 homes), West Grafton (newer subdivisions, 1990-2010), and New Development (active subdivisions, 2015-present). Each zone has distinct buyer profiles and pricing.
Develop a first-time buyer specialist brand leveraging Grafton's affordability advantage. According to MLS data, 16% of Grafton buyers are first-time purchasers — the highest rate in Ozaukee County. Create content addressing WHEDA down payment assistance, FHA eligibility, and first-time buyer tax benefits using data from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.
Build relationships with Grafton's active homebuilders for referral partnerships. According to the Village of Grafton building department, three active subdivisions with 120+ remaining lots will generate ongoing new construction transactions. Position yourself as the preferred resale agent for buyers who don't select new construction. US Tech Automations tracks builder activity and automates follow-up with prospects who visit model homes.
Create a monthly Grafton market report emphasizing appreciation trends. According to Zillow data, Grafton's 20.1% three-year appreciation outperforms Port Washington and Saukville. Automated trend reports through US Tech Automations highlight this performance in a format designed for social media sharing and email distribution.
Target the Milwaukee County-to-Grafton migration pipeline with comparison content. According to USPS data, 35% of Grafton buyers relocate from Milwaukee County. Create digital advertising campaigns that compare Grafton's school ratings, crime statistics, and property tax rates against Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Establish a Grafton investment property analysis practice. According to Zillow rental data, Grafton's average two-bedroom rent of $1,350 supports cap rates of 5.2-6.8% on condo and smaller single-family investments. This data creates a compelling pitch for the 5% of buyers who purchase for investment purposes.
Automate just-sold notifications within a 0.5-mile radius of every Grafton transaction. According to US Tech Automations platform analytics, homeowners receiving comparable sale notifications within their immediate vicinity are 3.8x more likely to request a home valuation within 90 days.
Monitor the Ozaukee Interurban Trail expansion for lifestyle marketing content. According to Ozaukee County Parks, the trail connecting Grafton to Mequon, Cedarburg, and Port Washington attracts 180,000+ annual users. Create trail-focused lifestyle content that positions Grafton as the county's most accessible trailhead community.
Develop a Grafton schools guide for family buyer consultations. According to the Grafton School District, enrollment has grown 3.2% annually, reflecting the community's family-oriented growth. Provide enrollment projections, program highlights, and district investment data that support buying decisions.
Track Paramount Plaza and Wisconsin Avenue commercial development for community content. According to the Village of Grafton Economic Development office, the commercial corridor has attracted $28 million in new investment since 2023. Commercial growth enhances residential property values and provides content for community-focused farming materials.
Milwaukee Metro Cross-Market Connections
Grafton agents benefit from understanding the broader Ozaukee County and North Shore context. According to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data:
Compare with Cedarburg trends for the premium Ozaukee alternative
Review Mequon pricing as the luxury benchmark
Analyze Shorewood demographics for inner-ring comparison
Explore Washington Heights MKE housing data for Milwaukee value comparison
Study Whitefish Bay market trends for North Shore buyer cross-referral
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Grafton Wisconsin in 2026?
The median home sale price in Grafton reached $345,000 in early 2026, according to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS. This represents a 6.8% increase from the 2025 median of $323,000, outpacing both the Ozaukee County average (5.4%) and metro Milwaukee average (5.1%) appreciation rates.
How does Grafton compare to Cedarburg and Mequon in price?
Grafton's $345,000 median offers a 19% discount compared to Cedarburg ($425,000) and a 39% discount compared to Mequon ($565,000), according to Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS data. All three communities share Ozaukee County's lower property tax rates and access to top-rated schools, making Grafton the county's value entry point.
Is Grafton Wisconsin growing?
Grafton's population growth rate of 1.8% annually leads Ozaukee County and significantly exceeds the Milwaukee metro average of 0.6%, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. The village's 5-year population growth of 9.2% reflects sustained demand from Milwaukee County families and young professionals seeking affordable Ozaukee County access.
How long do homes stay on the market in Grafton?
Average days on market in Grafton dropped to 18 days in early 2026, according to the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS. Resale properties average 16 days while new construction averages 28 days due to longer closing timelines. The village's list-to-sale ratio exceeding 100% confirms a firm seller's market.
What school district serves Grafton?
Grafton is served by the Grafton School District, which earns an A- rating on Niche.com. Grafton High School scores A- on Niche and 7/10 on GreatSchools, according to Wisconsin DPI data. The district delivers competitive educational outcomes at 61% of the housing cost compared to neighboring Mequon-Thiensville.
What types of homes are available in Grafton?
Grafton's housing stock includes colonial/traditional homes (28% of sales), ranches (22%), new construction single-family (18%), condos/townhomes (14%), split-levels (12%), and Cape Cods (6%), according to Ozaukee County property records. Three active subdivisions offer new construction ranging from $350,000 to $550,000.
What is the average real estate commission in Grafton?
Total commission rates in Grafton average 5.1% of the sale price, according to Wisconsin REALTORS Association data. At the $345,000 median, this generates approximately $17,595 per transaction. Top-producing Grafton agents closing 18+ deals annually earn $316,000+ in gross commission income.
Is Grafton a good area for real estate investment?
Grafton supports investment returns with 6.8% annual appreciation and rental cap rates of 5.2-6.8% on condos and smaller single-family properties, according to Zillow data. The village's 1.8% annual population growth and ongoing new development provide both value appreciation and tenant demand fundamentals.
What new construction is available in Grafton?
Three active subdivisions — Highland Creek, Grafton Hills, and Riverview Estates — offer approximately 120 remaining lots with pricing from $350,000 to $550,000, according to the Village of Grafton building department. New construction represents 22% of current transactions, the highest rate in Ozaukee County.
How far is Grafton from Milwaukee?
Grafton is located approximately 20 miles north of downtown Milwaukee via I-43, with a typical drive time of 22-28 minutes according to Google Maps traffic data. The village offers Metra commuter access and proximity to the Ozaukee Interurban Trail for recreational commuting options.
Conclusion: Capitalize on Grafton's Growth Trajectory with Smart Farming
Grafton's combination of 6.8% appreciation, 1.8% population growth, affordable Ozaukee County pricing, and active new construction pipeline creates an ideal farming environment for agents seeking a growth-market opportunity. The village's trajectory from affordable entry point to established community is generating accelerating returns for homeowners and agents alike.
US Tech Automations provides the growth-market farming tools — new construction tracking, first-time buyer nurture sequences, and automated comparison reports — that help Grafton agents convert the village's momentum into consistent transaction volume. Start farming Grafton's growth story at ustechautomations.com.
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