County property tax calculator
Property Tax Calculator for Chaffee County
Chaffee County is among the lowest property tax jurisdictions in the United States. At 0.278%, the effective rate runs roughly half the 1.07% national average — a rare position that gives homeowners a structurally lower carrying cost. The annual tax on a median home of $598,500 comes to just $1,664, or about $139 per month in escrow. Local revenue here is often supplemented through sales tax, tourism, or state programs rather than property tax. For buyers comparing jurisdictions, the difference compounds year after year: over a decade, a lower rate can save tens of thousands in total tax paid. The trade-off, if any, is worth checking against local services and school funding before making a purchase decision. Long-term owners here can often offset a modestly higher purchase price against a higher-tax market through accumulated savings alone. Chaffee County's median home value of $598,500 falls roughly in line with the Colorado state median. This is a balanced market — neither stretched at the top nor unusually affordable at the bottom. Buyers see a mix of entry-level homes, mid-range move-up inventory, and occasional higher-end listings. Financing flexibility is broad: conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA programs all apply depending on the buyer's profile and the property's location. For budgeting, the county-level median gives a reasonable anchor, though actual pricing varies block by block. Long-term ownership here typically follows the broader regional market rather than running far ahead or behind it.
Property Tax Details
National average is 1.07%
Used to project future tax burden
Annual Property Tax
$0
Insights
Property Tax Landscape in Chaffee County
Chaffee County taxes at 0.278%, below Colorado's average of 0.48%. The difference saves roughly $1,209 per year on a median-valued home compared with the state figure. Buyers moving within Colorado may notice the savings in escrow — the monthly payment is lower by a corresponding amount. Local jurisdictions here often operate on a leaner tax base or supplement revenue through other sources. The lower rate does not necessarily mean lower services; county budgets vary. Buyers comparing options should weigh the tax savings against other factors like commute, school district, and access to amenities. Within Colorado, Chaffee County ranks as the 9th lowest of 64 counties by effective property tax rate.
Chaffee County's median home value of $598,500 falls roughly in line with the Colorado state median. This is a balanced market — neither stretched at the top nor unusually affordable at the bottom. Buyers see a mix of entry-level homes, mid-range move-up inventory, and occasional higher-end listings. Financing flexibility is broad: conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA programs all apply depending on the buyer's profile and the property's location. For budgeting, the county-level median gives a reasonable anchor, though actual pricing varies block by block. Long-term ownership here typically follows the broader regional market rather than running far ahead or behind it. Household income in Chaffee County runs well below the Colorado average at $70,909. FHA, USDA, and down-payment assistance programs typically play a larger role in the financing mix here than in higher-income counties. The price-to-income ratio of 8.4x signals a market where buyers stretch to enter — households at the median allocate a larger share of take-home pay toward housing than in most US markets. Median gross rent runs $1,514 per month, giving renters a baseline to compare against ownership costs in the same market.
Property Tax Scenarios — Chaffee County
These scenarios cover a range of purchase prices that reflect the county's balanced housing mix. Whether buying near the median or stretching toward the upper end, the tax component follows the same effective rate. Use the table below to compare annual and monthly impact across realistic price points.
| Home Value | Annual Tax | Monthly Escrow | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $834 | $70 | $8,340 |
| $450,000 | $1,251 | $104 | $12,510 |
| $600,000 | $1,668 | $139 | $16,680 |
| $900,000 | $2,502 | $209 | $25,020 |
| $1,195,000 | $3,322 | $277 | $33,221 |
Frequently asked questions
In a county with one of the lowest tax rates in the country, questions tend to focus on how the lower rate affects long-term ownership cost and what to expect in escrow. Answers below use Chaffee County-specific figures.
What is the property tax rate in Chaffee County?
Chaffee County has an effective property tax rate of 0.278%, among the lowest in the country (national average: 1.07%). On a median home of $598,500, that's about $1,664 per year, or $139 monthly through escrow.
How much are property taxes on a home in Chaffee County?
At the county median of $598,500, annual property taxes run roughly $1,664, collected through mortgage escrow at about $139 per month.
How does Chaffee County compare to Colorado?
Chaffee County's 0.278% rate is moderately below Colorado's statewide average of 0.48%. The difference equals about $1,209 per year on a median home.
What is the median income in Chaffee County?
Median household income in Chaffee County is $70,909 (Census ACS 2023). Median gross rent runs $1,514 per month.
Are property taxes deductible in Chaffee County?
Yes, property taxes are deductible on federal returns when you itemize, subject to the SALT cap ($10,000 for most filers). Chaffee County homeowners paying $1,664 annually may benefit if their combined state and local tax burden exceeds the standard deduction.
How are property taxes calculated in Chaffee County?
The county assessor multiplies your home's assessed value by the local tax rate. On a $598,500 home at the county's effective rate of 0.278%, the annual bill is approximately $1,664.
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Disclaimer: This calculator and the content on this page are for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, loan limits, and eligibility criteria vary by lender, location, and borrower profile. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making borrowing decisions. CalcPier is independent and not affiliated with any lender listed on this page.
