Colorado vs Puerto Rico
Property Tax Comparison: Colorado vs. Puerto Rico
Introduction
Both Colorado and Puerto Rico levy property taxes that are based on the assessed value of real‑estate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property tax rates and the resulting tax amounts differ modestly between the two jurisdictions. This article presents the key metrics side‑by‑side, identifies which jurisdiction has the lower rate, and notes the groups for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado | Puerto Rico |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.49 % | 0.50 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $124,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $627 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $1,258 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $2,516 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $25,096 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Who Wins on Property Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower effective rate): Colorado
- Rate difference: 0.02 % (approximately a 3.12 % relative difference)
The lower effective rate in Colorado translates into slightly smaller tax bills for comparable home values:
| Home value | Annual tax difference (Colorado vs. Puerto Rico) |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $39 less in Colorado |
| $500,000 | $78 less in Colorado |
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the calculations use the listed effective rates applied to the stated home values.
Implications for Different Audiences
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how property tax burdens differ can inform decisions about relocating or refinancing. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective rate helps gauge ongoing costs beyond the purchase price, especially when comparing markets with disparate home values. |
| Retirees | Property tax levels affect fixed‑income budgeting; the lower rate in Colorado may be advantageous, though overall cost of living and income levels also matter. |
| Investors | Tax rate differentials influence cash‑flow projections; Colorado’s lower rate yields marginally lower expenses on high‑value properties. |
The comparison is purely tax‑rate based; it does not account for other fiscal factors such as sales taxes, income taxes, or local service fees.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Colorado’s property‑tax structure: Colorado property tax
- Detailed information on Puerto Rico’s property‑tax structure: Puerto Rico property tax
All figures reflect the 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year) data released by the U.S. Census Bureau. No editorial opinions are presented.
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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.