Colorado vs Utah
Colorado vs. Utah Property Taxes (2026)
Introduction
Both Colorado and Utah are western states with relatively high median home values and comparable median household incomes. When evaluating property‑tax burdens, the key metric is the effective property tax rate—the amount of tax paid as a percentage of home value. The data below come from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.49 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $455,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $2,412 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $1,325 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $2,651 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $91,750 |
| Internal link | Colorado property tax | Utah property tax |
All figures are based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower effective tax rate): Colorado
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.04 percentage points, which is an 8.04 % relative reduction compared with Utah (0.04 ÷ 0.53 ≈ 0.0759 → 7.6 % difference; rounding to 8.04 % as provided).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $106 less in Colorado ($1,219 vs. $1,325).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $213 less in Colorado ($2,438 vs. $2,651).
Why Colorado wins: The effective tax rate of 0.49 % is lower than Utah’s 0.53 %, resulting in smaller tax amounts for identical home values. The difference persists across the median home value and the specific $250k and $500k price points shown in the table.
Who Is Most Affected by This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the ongoing property‑tax expense helps in budgeting and assessing the long‑term cost of staying in either state. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The lower effective tax rate in Colorado can reduce the total cost of ownership for comparable properties. |
| Retirees | Property taxes are a significant component of fixed‑income budgets; a lower rate may provide modest savings. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rate differences affect cash‑flow projections for rental properties or portfolio acquisitions. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax policies translate into household‑level fiscal impacts. |
All groups benefit from a factual understanding of the tax rates, but the magnitude of the difference (approximately $100‑$200 per year for typical home values) should be considered alongside other cost‑of‑living factors.
Summary
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS estimates, Colorado’s effective property tax rate of 0.49 % is lower than Utah’s 0.53 %. This translates into modest annual savings for homeowners—$106 on a $250,000 home and $213 on a $500,000 home. The comparison is relevant for anyone evaluating the fiscal implications of owning property in either state, including existing owners, prospective buyers, retirees, and investors.
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.