When you’re buying a home in the Denver metro area, it’s easy to focus on the big numbers — like purchase price and mortgage rate. But one cost that often surprises new homeowners is property taxes.
The good news? Colorado has some of the lowest property tax rates in the country, and Denver real estate buyers benefit from that advantage. Still, property tax rates vary from county to county across the metro, and those differences can impact your monthly budget.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about property taxes in Denver and the surrounding areas.
Property Taxes in Denver County
Denver County has an effective property tax rate of around 0.48% of a home’s assessed value.
That means if you purchase a home for $600,000 in Denver, you can expect an annual property tax bill of roughly $2,800 to $3,000. Compared to the national average property tax rate of about 0.99%, Denver’s rate is less than half.
This is one of the reasons why many buyers are attracted to Denver real estate — low ongoing tax costs make homeownership more affordable long-term.
How Surrounding Counties Compare
While Denver County sits near the middle of the pack, surrounding counties vary slightly. Here’s how property tax rates look across the metro:
|
County |
Effective Tax Rate |
Example: $600,000 Home |
|
Denver |
~0.48% |
$2,880 |
|
Arapahoe |
~0.50% |
$3,000 |
|
Jefferson |
~0.49% |
$2,940 |
|
Douglas |
~0.42% |
$2,520 |
|
Adams |
~0.55% |
$3,300 |
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Douglas County is the lowest in the Denver metro, which can make a meaningful difference in affordability.
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Adams County tends to be the highest, so buyers looking there should account for slightly higher annual taxes.
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Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties are right in line with Denver County, keeping things fairly consistent for most buyers.
Why Property Taxes Vary in Colorado
Property taxes in Colorado aren’t set in stone — they’re reassessed every two years. Your bill can change based on:
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Assessed home value (which may rise in strong real estate markets like Denver)
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Mill levies from local governments and school districts
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Ballot measures that voters approve for funding community projects
This means even if your home’s value stays steady, local ballot measures can slightly increase or decrease your property taxes.
What This Means for Denver Home Buyers
For buyers entering the Denver real estate market, property taxes are an important line item in your budget. They’re typically included in your monthly mortgage payment through escrow, so they directly impact your affordability.
Here are a few takeaways:
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Don’t just compare home prices — compare counties. The difference between Douglas County and Adams County could mean $700–$800 a year in savings.
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Factor in reassessments. In hot Denver neighborhoods where values are rising quickly, your tax bill may adjust every two years.
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Ask your agent (👋 that’s us!) for a custom estimate on property taxes for any home you’re considering.
Bottom Line
Compared to most states, Colorado’s property taxes are refreshingly low. That said, even small differences between Denver-area counties can affect your budget and long-term homeownership costs.
If you’re curious about how property taxes impact your buying power — or you want to compare taxes in different Denver neighborhoods — our team at Denver Group Real Estate can help. We’ll walk you through the numbers and make sure your next move fits your financial goals.
👉 Ready to explore Denver homes with confidence? Contact us today.
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