Colorado vs South Carolina
Colorado vs. South Carolina – Property‑Tax Comparison
Intro
Both Colorado and South Carolina levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. Using the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states show similar effective tax rates but differ in home values, median household incomes, and the resulting annual tax bills. The table below places the key metrics side by side.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Colorado | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.49 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $1,199 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $1,266 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $66,818 |
| Reference link | Colorado property tax | South Carolina property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Tax?
Winner (lower effective tax rate): Colorado
- Effective tax‑rate difference: Colorado’s rate of 0.49 % is 0.02 percentage points lower than South Carolina’s 0.51 %.
- Relative difference: This represents a 3.75 % lower rate for Colorado.
- Annual tax impact on a $250k home: Colorado owners pay $1,219 versus $1,266 in South Carolina – a $47 difference.
- Annual tax impact on a $500k home: Colorado owners pay $2,438 versus $2,532 in South Carolina – a $94 difference.
Because the effective tax rate is the primary factor that determines the proportion of a property’s value that goes to tax, Colorado is the lower‑tax option in this comparison.
Which Audience Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The effective tax rate, median home values, and example tax amounts show how much of a home’s purchase price will be allocated to yearly taxes in each state. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax burden directly affects fixed‑income budgets; the lower rate in Colorado may be advantageous despite higher home values. |
| Real‑estate investors | Understanding tax differentials helps estimate cash‑flow and total cost of ownership across states. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The side‑by‑side presentation of Census‑derived metrics enables objective comparison of fiscal environments. |
The comparison is factual and does not account for other tax categories (e.g., income or sales tax), cost‑of‑living variations, or state‑specific exemptions that could affect individual decisions.
Conclusion
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Colorado’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.49 % is marginally lower than South Carolina’s 0.51 %. For individuals whose primary concern is the proportion of property value paid annually in taxes, Colorado emerges as the lower‑tax jurisdiction, though the higher median home price and household income also influence the overall financial picture.
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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.