Colorado Property Tax Calculator
Calculate your Colorado property tax using the split assessment method — separate rates for school districts (7.05%) and local government (6.25%). Covers all 64 counties including Denver, El Paso, Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Adams.
Quick answer: For a $500,000 home in Colorado — School Tax = $500,000 × 7.05% × (school mill levy ÷ 1,000). Local Tax = ($500,000 × 90%) × 6.25% × (local mill levy ÷ 1,000). Add both for your total annual bill. Use the calculator below to get your estimate in seconds.
Colorado property tax exemptions (senior homestead, disability, veteran) have complex eligibility rules and calculation methods that vary by county and individual circumstance. This calculator does not include exemptions to avoid providing misleading estimates.
For official figures, contact your County Assessor or Treasurer.
Full Tax Guide → · Find County Portal →
How Colorado Property Tax Is Calculated
Quick answer: Colorado uses a split assessment system — two different rates for two different purposes. School districts get 7.05% applied to your full actual value. Local government gets 6.25% applied to your adjusted value (after the 10% reduction). You pay both, added together.
Most states use one flat assessment rate. Colorado does not. Since 2024, state law requires two separate calculations — one funding K-12 schools and one funding county government, cities, fire districts, and special districts. This split structure means you need two mill levies to get your complete tax bill.
Calculate Two Assessed Values
Every Colorado residential property gets assessed twice. The school assessed value uses your property’s full actual (market) value. The local government assessed value uses an adjusted value — the 10% reduction removes up to $70,000 from the first $700,000 of actual value, capping the tax savings for higher-value homes.
Example — $600,000 home in Lakewood (Jefferson County):
School AV = $600,000 × 7.05% = $42,300
Local AV = ($600,000 − $60,000) × 6.25% = $540,000 × 6.25% = $33,750
Apply Mill Levies to Each Assessed Value
A mill levy is the tax rate set by each local authority. One mill = $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Your school district sets one mill levy; your county, city, and special districts set another. In Jefferson County, school mill levies typically range from 40 to 55 mills; local government mill levies run 50 to 70 mills.
Continuing the Lakewood example with 48 school mills and 62 local mills:
School Tax = $42,300 × (48 ÷ 1,000) = $2,030.40
Local Tax = $33,750 × (62 ÷ 1,000) = $2,092.50
Add Both Taxes for Your Annual Bill
For the Lakewood example: $2,030.40 + $2,092.50 = $4,122.90 annual tax on a $600,000 home. Effective rate: 0.69% of actual value. Pay in two installments (February 28 and June 15) or in full by April 30.
Where to find your mill levies: Your county assessor’s portal shows the mill levy for your specific parcel. In Denver County, search denvergov.org/Property. In El Paso County, search the El Paso Assessor. Or use our Property Search Guide for direct links to all 64 county portals.
Real Colorado Property Tax Examples
Quick answer: A $450,000 home in Aurora (Arapahoe County) pays roughly $2,880/year. A $650,000 home in Fort Collins (Larimer County) pays roughly $4,550/year. A $350,000 condo in Denver pays roughly $2,050/year. All estimates — use the calculator above for your specific parcel’s mill levy.
| Location | Home Value | School AV | Local AV | Est. Annual Tax | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, Arapahoe Co. | $450,000 | $31,725 | $26,250 | ~$2,880 | ~0.64% |
| Fort Collins, Larimer Co. | $650,000 | $45,825 | $35,313 | ~$4,550 | ~0.70% |
| Denver (condo) | $350,000 | $24,675 | $19,688 | ~$2,050 | ~0.59% |
| Castle Rock, Douglas Co. | $750,000 | $52,875 | $43,750 | ~$5,200 | ~0.69% |
| Colorado Springs, El Paso | $420,000 | $29,610 | $23,625 | ~$2,450 | ~0.58% |
| Grand Junction, Mesa Co. | $320,000 | $22,560 | $18,000 | ~$1,760 | ~0.55% |
Estimates based on typical mill levies for each area. Your actual bill depends on your specific parcel’s mill levy combination — use the calculator above for precision.
All 64 Colorado Counties — Illustrative Effective Tax Rates
Quick answer: Colorado county effective rates range from roughly 0.31% to 0.81% based on typical combined mill levies. These are illustrative estimates — your actual rate depends on your specific parcel’s location and which school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and special districts apply. All 64 counties follow the same payment schedule.
| County | Illustrative Rate ⓘ | Main Cities | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | ~0.65% | Thornton, Westminster, Brighton | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Alamosa | ~0.44% | Alamosa | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Arapahoe | ~0.64% | Aurora, Englewood, Centennial | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Archuleta | ~0.33% | Pagosa Springs | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Baca | ~0.52% | Springfield | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Bent | ~0.77% | Las Animas | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Boulder | ~0.55% | Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Broomfield | ~0.58% | Broomfield | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Chaffee | ~0.38% | Salida, Buena Vista | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Cheyenne | ~0.43% | Cheyenne Wells | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Clear Creek | ~0.47% | Idaho Springs, Georgetown | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Conejos | ~0.48% | Conejos | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Costilla | ~0.42% | San Luis | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Crowley | ~0.81% | Ordway | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Custer | ~0.34% | Westcliffe | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Delta | ~0.43% | Delta, Montrose area | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Denver | ~0.48% | Denver (city-county) | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Dolores | ~0.33% | Dove Creek | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Douglas | ~0.61% | Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Eagle | ~0.36% | Vail, Avon, Edwards | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| El Paso | ~0.46% | Colorado Springs, Fountain | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Elbert | ~0.51% | Elizabeth, Kiowa | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Fremont | ~0.49% | Canon City, Florence | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Garfield | ~0.41% | Glenwood Springs, Rifle | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Gilpin | ~0.37% | Black Hawk, Central City | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Grand | ~0.34% | Winter Park, Granby | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Gunnison | ~0.34% | Gunnison, Crested Butte | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Hinsdale | ~0.31% | Lake City | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Huerfano | ~0.49% | Walsenburg | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Jackson | ~0.35% | Walden | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Jefferson | ~0.49% | Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Wheat Ridge | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Kiowa | ~0.54% | Eads | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Kit Carson | ~0.64% | Burlington | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| La Plata | ~0.31% | Durango | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Lake | ~0.49% | Leadville | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Larimer | ~0.58% | Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Las Animas | ~0.54% | Trinidad | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Lincoln | ~0.59% | Hugo, Limon | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Logan | ~0.64% | Sterling | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Mesa | ~0.45% | Grand Junction, Fruita | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Mineral | ~0.31% | Creede | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Moffat | ~0.47% | Craig | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Montezuma | ~0.41% | Cortez | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Montrose | ~0.41% | Montrose | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Morgan | ~0.58% | Fort Morgan | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Otero | ~0.75% | La Junta | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Ouray | ~0.35% | Ouray, Ridgway | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Park | ~0.43% | Fairplay, Bailey | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Phillips | ~0.61% | Holyoke | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Pitkin | ~0.31% | Aspen, Snowmass Village | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Prowers | ~0.69% | Lamar | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Pueblo | ~0.68% | Pueblo | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Rio Blanco | ~0.41% | Rangely, Meeker | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Rio Grande | ~0.47% | Del Norte, Monte Vista | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Routt | ~0.37% | Steamboat Springs | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Saguache | ~0.49% | Saguache | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| San Juan | ~0.39% | Silverton | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| San Miguel | ~0.36% | Telluride, Mountain Village | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Sedgwick | ~0.73% | Julesburg | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Summit | ~0.32% | Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Teller | ~0.41% | Woodland Park, Cripple Creek | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Washington | ~0.57% | Akron | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Weld | ~0.56% | Greeley, Windsor, Longmont (E) | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
| Yuma | ~0.59% | Wray | Feb 28 / June 15 (or Apr 30) |
Use the calculator above to estimate your specific property’s tax — or search your county’s assessor portal directly: All 64 County Portals →
Important: These are illustrative effective rates based on typical combined mill levies for each county. Actual rates vary by parcel because mill levies differ by school district, municipality, fire district, water district, and other taxing authorities. Always verify your specific rate with your county assessor or treasurer.
Colorado Property Tax Exemptions — Who Qualifies
Quick answer: The senior homestead exemption (C.R.S. § 39-3-203) is the most impactful — 50% off the first $200,000 of actual value for homeowners age 65+ who have owned and lived in the property for at least 10 consecutive years. Apply by July 15 through your county assessor.
A homeowner in Thornton (Adams County) who qualifies for the senior exemption saves roughly $4,500 per year on a $450,000 home — the 50% exemption on $200,000 of actual value reduces the taxable base significantly. In Denver, the same exemption saves approximately $3,200 annually. These savings compound year over year for qualifying seniors on fixed incomes.
- Senior Homestead Exemption (C.R.S. § 39-3-203): 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value. Age 65+ and 10-year consecutive ownership required. Apply to your county assessor by July 15. Survives after the senior homeowner passes — surviving spouse may qualify.
- Primary Residence: Some Colorado counties and municipalities offer a homestead or primary residence classification that may reduce assessed value. Benefits, eligibility, and application processes vary by county — contact your county assessor directly for details specific to your property and location.
- Disabled Veterans Exemption (C.R.S. § 39-3-203.5): Available to qualifying veterans with a service-connected disability rated 100% by the VA, or surviving spouses. Provides an exemption on 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value — same as the senior homestead exemption but with different eligibility criteria. Apply through your county assessor.
- Veteran Exemption: Up to $5,000 reduction for eligible Colorado veterans. Requires DD-214 or similar documentation. Apply through your county assessor’s office.
⚠️ Exemption estimates are approximate. Eligibility rules, reduction amounts, and calculation methods vary by county and individual circumstance. The calculator provides an estimate for planning only. Contact your county assessor to confirm your specific exemption amount before filing.
⚠️ Application deadlines matter. Missing the July 15 deadline for the senior exemption means waiting until the following year. The exemption is not retroactive. Contact your county assessor early — the Jefferson County Assessor (Lakewood), Arapahoe County Assessor (Centennial), and Denver Assessor all accept applications online.
How to Appeal Your Colorado Property Tax Assessment
Quick answer: File a Notice of Protest with your county assessor. The standard deadline is June 8 (C.R.S. § 39-5-122), but the window typically opens when your Notice of Valuation is mailed — commonly around May 1. You are protesting the assessed value, not the mill levy. If denied, appeal to the County Board of Equalization by July 15 (C.R.S. § 39-8-106). Full process detailed in our Property Tax Guide.
When a Notice of Valuation arrives in May showing your home’s assessed value jumped — as happened to many Colorado Springs and Pueblo homeowners in 2024-2025 — the first step is checking whether the assessor’s record is accurate. Errors in square footage, bedroom count, or year built directly inflate assessed values. Pull your property record first to verify the data on file.
For the full step-by-step appeal process, evidence gathering tips, and CBOE hearing preparation, see our Colorado Property Tax Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
HB24B-1001
current split assessment rates (7.05% / 6.25%)
C.R.S. § 39-3-203
Senior homestead exemption statute
C.R.S. § 39-5-122
Appeal deadline — June 8
Not affiliated with any government agency. Estimates only — not official tax figures. Last reviewed August 15, 2026.