Property tax bills are arriving across the Pikes Peak region, and many Colorado Springs and El Paso County homeowners are seeing noticeable increases this year.
According to reporting by The Gazette, rising assessments and the expiration of temporary state reductions are driving higher property tax bills in 2026.
Original reporting by Savannah Eller:
https://gazette.com/news/property-tax-bills-jolt-pikes-peak-area-homeowners/article
1. Temporary Property Tax Reductions Expired
In 2022 and 2024, Colorado lawmakers passed temporary property tax relief measures that reduced residential valuations by up to $55,000.
Those reductions expired.
This is the first tax cycle homeowners are seeing bills without those discounts. That alone has created sharp increases for many households across Colorado Springs, Security-Widefield, and El Paso County.
Relief is scheduled to return for 2026 valuations paid in 2027. The plan includes a 10% reduction up to $70,000 of a home’s valuation.
2. New Split Assessment Rates for Schools
For the first time in Colorado history, homeowners are paying different assessment rates for school districts versus other local districts.
For 2025:
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6.25% assessment rate for most districts
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7.05% assessment rate for school districts
That higher school assessment rate increases taxable value and ultimately increases total property taxes.
This structural change is one of the biggest contributors to the confusion many homeowners are feeling.
3. Reappraisals Based on 2022 Market Values
Odd-numbered years are reappraisal years.
2025 property valuations are based on 2022 market data, which was near the peak of the Colorado Springs housing market.
Some neighborhoods are stabilizing or declining, particularly parts of Security-Widefield and working-class areas. However, west side neighborhoods and areas closer to the mountains, including Broadmoor Bluffs, are still seeing increases.
If you believe your valuation is incorrect, El Paso County does have a formal appeal process.
4. Metro District Impact
Homeowners in metropolitan districts may see even larger tax impacts.
Metro districts fund infrastructure in newer neighborhoods and are often de-TABORed, meaning they are not subject to the same revenue limits as other districts.
This can significantly affect total property tax obligations in certain communities.
Colorado Still Has a Low Property Tax Rate
Despite the increases, Colorado ranks 41st nationally in overall property tax rate according to the Tax Foundation.
That perspective matters, especially for those relocating to Colorado Springs from higher-tax states.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
Property taxes directly impact:
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Monthly mortgage affordability
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Escrow payments
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Buyer qualification ratios
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Investment property cash flow
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Retirement planning decisions
If you are buying, selling, relocating, or evaluating whether to appeal your assessment, understanding how valuation, assessment rates, and district mill levies work is critical.
For more information about property taxes, valuations, or how this impacts Colorado Springs real estate, reach out for guidance.
Tags:
Colorado Springs real estate, El Paso County property taxes, Colorado property tax increase, moving to Colorado Springs, living in Colorado Springs, Colorado housing market, Colorado metro districts, Colorado home valuations
