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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rio Blanco County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rio Blanco 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
Varies by location due to overlapping special taxing districts with different mill levy rates
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rio Blanco County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, parks and recreation, and county operations. Property taxes in Rio Blanco County are calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the applicable mill levy rates, which vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts.

For residential properties in tax year 2025, the assessment rate is 6.4% of actual value for most local government mill levies, with a separate assessment calculation for school district levies. This rate will increase to 6.95% beginning in 2026. Your total effective tax rate depends on which fire district, library district, and other special districts serve your property location. Rates can vary considerably between areas served by different combinations of districts such as Meeker Regional Library versus Rangely Regional Library, or Rio Blanco Fire versus Rangely Rural Fire districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
School DistrictsVariesMill levy for local school funding (uses separate assessment calculation)
Rio Blanco Fire2.573Fire protection services for unincorporated areas
Rangely Rural Fire2.000Fire protection for Rangely rural area
RB Park & Recreation8.750County parks and recreation services
Meeker Regional Library0.500Library services for Meeker area residents
Rangely Regional Library0.500Library services for Rangely area residents
Meeker Cemetery0.867Cemetery maintenance and operations
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations

Rates shown are for levy year 2025. Your actual total rate depends on which specific districts serve your property location. Contact the Rio Blanco County Assessor for your property's exact mill levy combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rio Blanco 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 Rio Blanco County are triggered when property changes ownership or when new construction increases a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property's new value or ownership status.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current mill levy rates to the difference in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the triggering event. For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously under-assessed, you may receive a supplemental tax bill covering the assessment difference for the remainder of that tax year. The supplemental amount is added to your regular property tax obligation and follows the same payment schedule and penalty structure as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $19,200
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $18,200
  • Annual Tax (assuming 45 mills total): $819
  • Monthly Escrow: $68

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $38,400
  • Less: Disabled Veteran Credit (if applicable): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $36,900
  • Annual Tax (assuming 45 mills total): $1,661
  • Monthly Escrow: $138

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $64,000
  • Less: Applied Credits: $0 (no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $64,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 45 mills total): $2,880
  • Monthly Escrow: $240

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Mill rates vary by specific district combination serving your property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rio Blanco County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12 of your annual property tax obligation plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Rio Blanco County are typically due in mid-October each year. Your mortgage servicer will pay these taxes directly to the Rio Blanco County Treasurer's Office from your escrow account before the due date. Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were applied and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or mill levy changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. You can verify your tax payments were received by checking with the Rio Blanco County Treasurer's Office at 555 Main Street, Meeker, CO 81641.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

When are property taxes due in Rio Blanco County? Property taxes for fiscal year 2025 are typically due in mid-October 2025. Delinquent notices are sent in early July if taxes remain unpaid, and tax sales are held in mid-November for properties with unpaid taxes.

What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? Rio Blanco County offers several tax credits including the Senior Citizen Homestead Credit and Disabled Veterans Credit. All credits require annual application through the County Assessor's office and are not automatically applied to your property.

How does the Homestead Credit work? The Homestead Credit does not reduce your home's market value but instead limits the annual increase in your property's assessed value for tax purposes, typically capping increases at a certain percentage. You must file an application to receive this benefit.

When are properties reassessed? Colorado conducts property reassessments every two years. The assessment schedule and current values can be verified through the Rio Blanco County Assessor's office.

What are the penalties for late payment? Properties with unpaid taxes after the October due date begin accruing interest and penalties. Contact the County Treasurer for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Can I pay my property taxes online? Check the Rio Blanco County Treasurer's website or call their office at 555 Main Street, Meeker, CO 81641 for current online payment options and accepted methods.

How do special district taxes work? Your total property tax bill includes levies from multiple overlapping districts (fire, library, parks) that serve your specific location. Districts like Meeker Regional Library versus Rangely Regional Library create different tax rates for properties in different areas.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Rio Blanco County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically in May and June following the assessment notice.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
HB 24B-1001 - Final Fiscal Notecontent.leg.colorado.gov
02
County
Property Taxes | Rio Blanco County, COrbc.us
03
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQrioblanco.gov
04
Traffic Citation Paymentsrbc.us
05
County
Treasurer | Rio Blanco County, COrbc.us
06
County
Form Center • Rio Blanco County CORA Formrbc.us
07
County
Site • Rio Blanco County, CO • CivicEngageco.rio-blanco.co.us
08
County
Exemptions | Rio Blanco County, COrbc.us
09
County
Property Database | Rio Blanco County, COrbc.us
10
1994 abstract of assessmentrioblanco.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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