Colorado vs Nebraska
Property‑Tax Comparison: Colorado vs. Nebraska
Both Colorado and Nebraska levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ markedly in the effective tax rate they apply to residential property and in the resulting annual tax bills for typical homeowners. The following comparison uses the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Colorado | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.49 % | 1.50 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $223,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $3,350 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $3,742 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $7,485 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $74,985 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax
Colorado has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.49 % vs. 1.50 %).
- Rate difference: 1.01 percentage points, which is a 67.4 % lower rate relative to Nebraska’s rate.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,523 less in Colorado.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $5,047 less in Colorado.
Because the tax burden is directly tied to the effective rate, Colorado’s lower rate translates into smaller annual payments for comparable home values. For that reason, Colorado is identified as the winner in a straight comparison of property‑tax rates.
Who May Benefit Most from This Comparison
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how the tax rate affects the total cost of owning a home of a given value. |
| Retirees | Property taxes can be a significant component of fixed‑income budgets; a lower rate may preserve more discretionary income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower tax rates improve cash‑flow projections for rental properties or long‑term holdings. |
| Policy analysts & local officials | The data provide a benchmark for evaluating state‑level tax structures against peer states. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate state‑specific exemptions, credits, or assessment practices that could affect individual taxpayers. Readers should consult the detailed guidance on each state’s tax code for a complete picture.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Colorado’s property‑tax system: Colorado property tax
- Detailed information on Nebraska’s property‑tax system: Nebraska property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Colorado’s property‑tax rate is lower than Nebraska’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills 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.