The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 53520 sells for about $220,000, or $172 per square foot.
Prices are down 15.4% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 47 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $769 a month.
ZIP 53520 — Brodhead
The housing market in 53520 is currently experiencing a correction, with median prices declining year-over-year as inventory levels remain tight. While sales volume is steady, the market is shifting toward a more balanced state compared to the rapid appreciation seen in previous years. Buyers are finding slightly more leverage, though affordability remains a key factor for local residents.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and individuals seeking a small-town lifestyle with more affordable housing options compared to the Madison urban core.
Median prices moved down 15.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 47 days on market with 1.6 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
16% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 100.1% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.3% · poverty 9.4% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 4.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 53520
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Brodhead maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to larger urban centers in the Madison metro area, with property crime being the primary concern.
The area is served by the Brodhead School District, which generally receives average ratings for student performance and college readiness.
The region faces moderate risks from severe thunderstorms and occasional flooding near the Sugar River, with standard insurance coverage typically available.
Economic momentum is driven by local manufacturing and agricultural support services, with proximity to Madison providing access to a broader regional job market.
Property taxes are levied by the city, county, and school district, with rates determined by annual millage adjustments and local assessment cycles.
Commuting to Madison typically requires a 45-60 minute drive via state highways, as there is limited public transit connectivity to the employment core.
Residents enjoy access to the Sugar River State Trail for biking and hiking, along with local parks and community-focused recreational facilities.
The rental market is characterized by low vacancy rates and steady demand, with limited new multi-family construction keeping upward pressure on rents.
The local economy is anchored by manufacturing, agriculture, and small-scale retail, with many residents commuting to the larger Madison metro area for professional services.
Transportation is primarily automobile-dependent, with reliance on state highways for regional connectivity.
Development is focused on modest residential infill and small-scale commercial improvements within the city limits.
Parcels are subject to standard municipal, county, and school district tax levies.
Property insurance premiums are stable, though coverage for wind and storm damage remains a standard consideration for homeowners.
Data retrieved from census.gov ZCTA profiles.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Coral Cove Family Fun Center4.316.3 mi
- Rotary Botanical Gardens4.818.5 mi
- Blackhawk Farms Raceway4.812.7 mi
- Winnebago County Fairgrounds4.417.6 mi
- Historic Attractions4.918.3 mi
- Glen Erin Golf Club4.615.6 mi
- Crazy Horse Campground4.44.5 mi
- Magnolia Bluff Park4.811.2 mi
- Beckman Mill Park4.89.5 mi
- Headgates Park4.76.1 mi
- Historic Attractions4.918.3 mi
- Beckman Mill4.89.6 mi
- Kelch Aviation Museum52.6 mi
- Lincoln-Tallman Museum4.817.7 mi
- Turner Hall of Monroe4.615.3 mi
- Magnolia Bluff Park4.811.2 mi
- Beckman Mill Park4.89.5 mi
- Sugar River Forest Preserve4.59.1 mi
- Headgates Park4.76.1 mi
- Bass Creek Golf Club4.68.9 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A popular multi-use trail for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling.
A general aviation airport that hosts community events.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.