Colorado vs Montana
Colorado vs. Montana – Property‑Tax Comparison
Both Colorado and Montana levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ in overall tax rates, median home values, and household incomes. The following comparison uses the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Key Metrics (2023 ACS 5‑year estimates)
| Metric | Colorado | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.49 % | 0.75 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $338,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $2,535 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $1,875 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $3,749 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $69,922 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Colorado
- Rate difference: 0.26 percentage points (Colorado 0.49 % vs. Montana 0.75 %).
- Relative difference: 34.98 % lower effective rate in Colorado.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $656 less in Colorado.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $1,311 less in Colorado.
Because the effective property‑tax rate is lower in Colorado, homeowners paying the same assessed value will generally owe less in property taxes than in Montana.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Colorado’s Lower Rate | Relevance of Montana’s Context |
|---|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Potentially lower annual tax bills if purchasing or refinancing in Colorado. | May face higher taxes despite lower median home values. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Lower tax burden can improve affordability, especially for higher‑priced homes. | Higher tax rates could offset the lower median home price for some buyers. |
| Retirees | Lower ongoing property‑tax expenses may help stretch fixed incomes. | Higher rates may be a consideration, though Montana’s generally lower cost of living could offset this. |
| Investors | Lower tax rates can improve cash‑flow calculations for rental properties. | Higher tax rates increase operating costs, requiring higher rents or yields. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals evaluating the total cost of home ownership, including tax obligations, in either state.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Colorado’s property‑tax structure: Colorado property tax
- Detailed information on Montana’s property‑tax structure: Montana property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Colorado’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Montana’s, resulting in lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
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.