Colorado Mortgage Calculator

Median home prices, property taxes, and monthly payment estimates for Colorado homeowners.

Colorado at a Glance

Median Home Price
$535,000
Property Tax Rate
0.49%
Median Household Income
$83,967
Annual Property Tax
$2,622

Sources: Zillow ZHVI (2024), Tax Foundation (2023), US Census ACS (2023)

Monthly Mortgage Payment in Colorado

Based on the Colorado median home price of $535,000 at 6.7% interest (30-year fixed):

Payment Breakdown 20% Down 5% Down
Loan Amount $428,000 $508,250
Principal and Interest $2,762 $3,280
Property Tax (CO) $218 $218
Homeowners Insurance $125 $125
PMI $0 $212
Total Monthly $3,105 $3,835

How Much House Can You Afford in Colorado?

Using the 28/36 rule (housing costs under 28% of gross income):

Colorado insight: Colorado has a low property tax rate of 0.49% — among the lowest in the US.

Colorado Housing Market Overview

Colorado's housing market remains highly competitive, with the statewide median home price at $535,000—far exceeding the median household income of $83,967. The price-to-income ratio of roughly 6.4 indicates severe affordability challenges, especially in metro areas like Denver ($570,000 median), Boulder ($1.1 million), and Colorado Springs ($435,000). Inventory has tightened, with only 1.5 months of supply in the Denver metro as of early 2024, fueling rapid price appreciation. While the effective property tax rate of 0.49% is low, high prices still translate into significant annual tax bills. The gap between income and home prices has widened, pushing many buyers into more affordable suburbs like Aurora or Thornton, where prices remain above $450,000. New construction in northern Colorado (Windsor, Johnstown) offers alternatives but is still priced at $450,000+.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Colorado

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers several first-time homebuyer programs. Its FirstStep loan combines a low fixed-rate mortgage with up to 4% of the loan amount in down payment assistance (up to $20,000 in most areas) that is forgivable after five years. CHFA's SmartStep program provides a slightly lower rate but requires a higher credit score. Additionally, the Colorado Down Payment Assistance Program (CDAP) offers deferred loans of up to $15,000 for qualified buyers in rural or underserved counties. Local cities like Denver also run their own assistance: Denver's Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) and the City's Down Payment Assistance Grant (up to $40,000). Applicants must complete a homebuyer education course and meet income limits (usually 80% of area median income). The City of Boulder offers permanently affordable homes with resale restrictions.

Tips for Homebuyers in Colorado

1) Colorado's low 0.49% property tax rate means annual taxes on a $535,000 home are about $2,622, but insurance costs are notably high due to hail and wildfire risk—budget $1,500–$3,000 annually. 2) In metro Denver and Boulder, expect multiple offers above list price; consider homes priced 5–10% under your budget to allow for escalation. 3) Buy during winter (November–February) when competition fades and sellers are more negotiable. 4) Always test for radon—Colorado has high radon levels, and mitigation can cost $1,000–$2,000. 5) Include a roof inspection to assess hail damage, and a sewer scope because older clay pipes are common in Denver and Colorado Springs. 6) Factor in HOA fees—many suburban neighborhoods have fees of $200–$400/month, which can significantly impact your monthly housing cost.

Colorado Mortgage FAQ

What is the median home price in Colorado?

The median home price in Colorado is approximately $535,000 as of 2024 (Zillow ZHVI). Your actual price will vary by city and neighborhood.

What is the property tax rate in Colorado?

The effective property tax rate in Colorado is approximately 0.49% (Tax Foundation). On a $535,000 home, that is about $2,622/year in property taxes.

How much income do I need to buy a home in Colorado?

Using the 28/36 rule with 20% down at 6.7%, you would need about $133,082/year to afford the median Colorado home at $535,000. With 5% down (including PMI), about $164,351.

What will my monthly mortgage payment be in Colorado?

On Colorado's median home price of $535,000 with 20% down at 6.7%, your total monthly payment (P and I plus tax plus insurance) is approximately $3,105. With 5% down including PMI, about $3,835.

Data sources: Zillow ZHVI typical home values (2024), Tax Foundation effective property tax rates (2023), US Census Bureau ACS median household income (2023). Mortgage rate assumption: 6.7% APR 30-year fixed. This is an estimate — use our calculator for personalized numbers.