Colorado vs West Virginia
Property Tax Comparison: Colorado vs. West Virginia
Intro
Both Colorado and West Virginia levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ markedly in home values, household incomes, and effective tax rates. The following comparison uses the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) to present a side‑by‑side view of key property‑tax‑related metrics.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.49% | 0.54% |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $155,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $835 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $1,341 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $2,683 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $57,917 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax Rate?
Winner (lower tax rate): Colorado
- Effective tax‑rate difference: 0.05 percentage points (Colorado 0.49% vs. West Virginia 0.54%).
- Relative difference: Approximately 9.15% lower in Colorado.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $122 less in Colorado ($1,219 vs. $1,341).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $245 less in Colorado ($2,438 vs. $2,683).
Because the comparison is based on the effective property tax rate, Colorado is the lower‑tax jurisdiction despite its higher median home values.
Audience Considerations
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the tax burden on existing properties helps in budgeting and assessing potential resale costs. Colorado’s lower rate translates to modest annual savings per $250k–$500k property. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers weighing median home prices against tax obligations can see that, although Colorado homes are more expensive, the lower rate reduces the tax portion of total housing costs relative to West Virginia. |
| Retirees | Retirees often prioritize predictable, lower ongoing expenses. West Virginia’s lower median home values may offset its higher tax rate, while Colorado offers a lower rate but higher home price. The net effect depends on the price point of the chosen home. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how effective tax rates can diverge from absolute tax dollar amounts because of underlying home‑value differences. |
The comparison is most useful for anyone evaluating property‑tax exposure in relation to home price and income levels, such as homebuyers, existing owners considering relocation, and financial planners advising clients on real‑estate decisions.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Colorado’s property‑tax structure: Colorado property tax
- Detailed information on West Virginia’s property‑tax structure: West Virginia property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, these figures reflect statewide averages and may not capture local variations within each state.
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.