Colorado vs Louisiana
Property Tax Comparison: Colorado vs. Louisiana
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Colorado and Louisiana differ noticeably in their effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and household incomes. The data below summarizes the key metrics that affect how much a homeowner would pay in property taxes in each state.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | Colorado | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.49 % | 0.55 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $208,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $1,146 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $1,373 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $2,746 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $60,023 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state has the lower property‑tax burden?
Based on the effective property‑tax rate, Colorado has the lower rate at 0.49 %, compared with 0.55 % in Louisiana.
- Rate difference: 0.06 percentage points, which is an 11.22 % relative difference.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $1,373 (LA) – $1,219 (CO) = $154.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $2,746 (LA) – $2,438 (CO) = $308.
Thus, for comparable home values, Colorado owners pay slightly less in property tax than Louisiana owners.
Who is this comparison most relevant for?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The effective tax rate directly influences the annual cost of owning a home. Buyers can use the figures to estimate property‑tax expenses for homes at typical price points in each state. |
| Retirees | Retirees often consider property taxes when budgeting fixed incomes. Colorado’s lower rate may result in lower annual outlays, though overall cost of living and median home values also affect affordability. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors evaluating cash‑flow and holding costs can compare the tax burden alongside median home values and household incomes to gauge market dynamics. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures differ, providing a baseline for broader fiscal or equity analyses. |
Summary
- Winner (lower tax rate): Colorado.
- Reason: Colorado’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.49 % is 0.06 percentage points (11.22 %) lower than Louisiana’s 0.55 % rate, translating into modest annual savings of $154 on a $250,000 home and $308 on a $500,000 home.
For readers seeking more detail on each state’s property‑tax framework, see the dedicated pages: Colorado property tax and Louisiana property tax.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.