Colorado vs Wisconsin
Colorado vs. Wisconsin – Property‑Tax Comparison
Short introduction
Both Colorado and Wisconsin levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. Using the same data source— the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates)—the two states show markedly different effective tax rates, median home values, and average tax bills. Colorado’s effective rate is below 0.5 %, while Wisconsin’s exceeds 1.5 %. The following sections present the key numbers side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower tax burden, and note the homeowner groups that may benefit most from the comparison.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Colorado | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.49 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $502,200 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,448 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,219 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,438 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $92,470 | $75,670 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): Colorado
- Effective‑rate gap: Colorado’s 0.49 % vs. Wisconsin’s 1.51 % → a difference of 1.03 %, which represents a 67.8 % lower effective rate for Colorado (based on the relative difference).
- Annual tax on a $250 k home: Colorado $1,219 vs. Wisconsin $3,785 → $2,566 less in Wisconsin.
- Annual tax on a $500 k home: Colorado $2,438 vs. Wisconsin $7,571 → $5,133 less in Wisconsin.
Because the effective rate is the primary determinant of the tax burden, Colorado consistently yields lower annual payments across comparable home values.
Who is likely to benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Homeowners assessing the ongoing cost of staying in or moving to a state will see that Colorado’s lower effective rate translates into smaller yearly tax bills, even though median home values are higher. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers weighing affordability should consider both the tax rate and home‑price levels. Colorado’s lower tax rate may offset its higher median home price for some budgets, while Wisconsin’s lower median home price could still result in higher tax payments due to the higher rate. |
| Retirees | Retirees on fixed incomes often prioritize lower recurring expenses. The lower effective tax rate in Colorado can reduce property‑tax outlays, although overall cost of living and housing prices must also be evaluated. |
| Investors | Investors comparing cash‑flow projections will note that, all else equal, Colorado properties generate lower tax expenses, potentially improving net operating income relative to Wisconsin properties. |
The analysis is purely tax‑rate based; other factors such as state income taxes, sales taxes, and local service levels are outside the scope of this comparison.
References
- According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) provides the figures used above.
- For additional state‑specific details, see the internal pages: Colorado property tax and Wisconsin property tax.
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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.