Colorado vs Oregon
Property Tax Comparison – Colorado vs. Oregon
Intro
Both Colorado and Oregon levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Colorado’s effective property tax rate is lower than Oregon’s, resulting in lower annual tax payments for comparable home values. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify the lower‑tax state, and discuss which types of taxpayers may be more affected by the differences.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Colorado | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.49 % | 0.83 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $454,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $3,767 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $2,074 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $4,147 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $80,426 |
| Internal link (state‑specific) | Colorado property tax | Oregon property tax |
Which State Wins on Property Taxes?
Winner (lower tax rate): Colorado
- Rate difference: Colorado’s effective rate of 0.49 % is 0.34 % points lower than Oregon’s 0.83 %—a 41.22 % relative reduction.
- Annual tax impact: For a $250,000 home, the Colorado property tax is $855 less per year than in Oregon. For a $500,000 home, the difference widens to $1,709 per year.
The lower rate in Colorado stems from the state’s assessment and levy practices, which result in a smaller proportion of home value being taxed compared with Oregon.
Who Might Benefit More from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Lower Property Tax |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Existing Colorado homeowners pay less each year than comparable Oregon owners, which can affect cash‑flow and budgeting. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers evaluating affordability will see a lower ongoing tax burden in Colorado for similar‑priced homes. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees may prefer the lower tax liability in Colorado, though they should also consider other cost‑of‑living factors (e.g., sales tax, income tax). |
| Investors | Investors analyzing net operating income will generally find Colorado properties generate higher after‑tax cash flow due to the lower property tax expense. |
| Policy analysts | The rate differential provides a clear example of how state‑level tax structures can influence overall housing costs. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Colorado’s effective property tax rate of 0.49 % is substantially lower than Oregon’s 0.83 %. This translates into lower annual tax payments for median‑priced homes and for the $250k and $500k price points examined. The comparison is most pertinent to homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and real‑estate investors who factor property tax costs into their financial planning. All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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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.