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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Arapahoe County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Arapahoe County, CO. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.4% to 0.8% of actual market value, varies by special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Arapahoe County's property tax system funds essential local services including county government operations, schools, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the majority going toward education and local government functions. The county maintains one of the lowest property tax mill levies in Colorado and is one of 13 counties constrained by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR).

Your actual property tax rate depends on your specific location within Arapahoe County, as different areas are served by various special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, library districts, and metropolitan districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.4% to 0.8% of actual market value, though this varies significantly based on your property's assessment rate and local district participation. All property owners should verify their specific tax obligations through the county's official assessment and payment portals.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/LevyDescription
County General Fund15.855 millsBasic county services, health programs, human services
Residential Assessment Rate6.25%Applied to actual value for 2025 tax year
School DistrictsVaries by districtK-12 education funding (largest component)
Fire Protection DistrictsVaries by districtEmergency services and fire protection
Library DistrictsVaries by districtPublic library services
Water/Sanitation DistrictsVaries by districtWater and sewer services
Metropolitan DistrictsVaries by districtInfrastructure and maintenance
Regional TransportationVaries by locationPublic transit and transportation improvements

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2025 (payable in 2026). Your total mill levy depends on which special districts serve your property location. Contact the Arapahoe County Assessor for your specific district combination and total mill levy.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Arapahoe County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Arapahoe County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the regular assessment date, the county calculates additional taxes based on the increased assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in September, the county will assess the improvement and calculate supplemental taxes from the completion date through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated by applying your area's mill levy to 6.25% of the improvement value, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. These supplemental bills are issued separately from regular tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (6.25%): $18,750
  • Less: Senior Property Tax Exemption (if qualified): -$6,250
  • Net Taxable Value: $12,500
  • Annual Tax (assuming 65 mills total): $812.50
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $67.71

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (6.25%): $37,500
  • Less: Senior Property Tax Exemption (if qualified): -$6,250
  • Net Taxable Value: $31,250
  • Annual Tax (assuming 65 mills total): $2,031.25
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $169.27

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (6.25%): $62,500
  • Less: Senior Property Tax Exemption (if qualified): -$6,250
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,250
  • Annual Tax (assuming 65 mills total): $3,656.25
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $304.69

Note: Senior exemption requires application and eligibility verification. Actual mill levies vary by location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly mortgage payments include 1/12 of your estimated annual property taxes. Your lender deposits these funds into an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Arapahoe County when due. The lender must provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances.

Property taxes are collected on a split-payment schedule: first half due March 2nd and second half due June 15th, or full payment due April 30th. Lenders typically make payments before these deadlines to avoid penalties. You should verify that your lender has made timely payments by checking your account status at https://www.arapahoegov.com/119/Treasurer. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making direct payments to the county treasurer by the due dates.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Arapahoe County? A: For Tax Year 2025, first half payments are due March 2, 2026, second half payments due June 15, 2026, or full payment due April 30, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Senior Property Tax Exemption for qualifying seniors age 65+, which exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value. This requires annual application and income verification through the county assessor's office.

Q: How does the senior exemption work? A: Unlike assessment caps, this is a true exemption that reduces your taxable assessed value. You must apply annually and meet age, residency, and income requirements. It's not automatic.

Q: How often are properties assessed? A: Colorado conducts property assessments every two years. Arapahoe County follows the statewide schedule, with the most recent assessment for the 2025-2026 tax cycle.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can appeal during the protest period, typically May 1 through June 8. File your appeal with the County Board of Equalization through the assessor's office.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Interest accrues monthly, and properties can eventually face tax lien sales for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the treasurer's website at https://www.arapahoegov.com/119/Treasurer with various payment options including e-check and credit card.

Q: Why do property taxes vary within Arapahoe County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special districts (school, fire, library, metropolitan districts), each with their own mill levies, creating location-specific total tax rates.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts provide specific services and levy their own property taxes. Your total bill includes county taxes plus all applicable district taxes based on your property's location and the services provided.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Arapahoe County Property Tax Cards Mailedarapahoeco.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxesarapahoeco.gov
03
Treasurerarapahoeco.gov
04
County
Arapahoe County property tax bills delayedarapahoeco.gov
05
County
Arapahoe County Property Tax deadline approachingarapahoeco.gov
06
Tax Doc
Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemptionarapahoeco.gov
07
Tax Doc
Senior Property Tax Exemption Long Form and Instructionsfiles.arapahoeco.gov
08
2024 Report - recovery planarapahoeco.gov
09
Centennial Connection Newsletter Winter 2025centennialco.gov
10
Frequently Asked Questionsarapahoeco.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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