Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Empire, Colorado

Median Empire, Colorado effective property tax rate: 0.49%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Colorado state median of 0.50%.
Median Empire, Colorado home value: $231,120
Median annual Empire, Colorado tax bill: $1,420, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Clear Creek calculated?

Property taxes in Empire, Colorado are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Empire's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Empire, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.49%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,132

$1,051

How Does the Empire Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Empire property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Empire's median effective tax rate of 0.49% — based on actual property records in Clear Creek County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Empire's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Empire: rates range from 0.49% in 80438 to 0.49% in 80438, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Empire.

About Empire Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Empire, Clear Creek, Colorado

Empire's median effective property tax rate of 0.49% is lower than the Colorado state median of 0.50% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Clear Creek County base levy combined with local school district levies and metro districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Empire. Homeowners in the 80438 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 0.49%, while those in the same ZIP also pay 0.49%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Clear Creek County. Understanding which part of Empire you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Empire homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the June 8, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Empire's effective property tax rate to other cities in Colorado and the median property tax rates in Colorado and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

Source: Ownwell

0.49%

0.55%

0.62%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Empire Tax Rate

0.49%

Median Effective Clear Creek County Tax Rate

0.52%

Median Effective Colorado Tax Rate

0.50%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
80438	0.40%	0.49%	0.49%	0.52%	0.52%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

When examining property taxes in Empire, Colorado, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Clear Creek County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In Clear Creek County, assessment notices are sent in May each year.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Empire.

For example, the median home price in Empire is $231,120, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 80438 has the highest median home price at $231,120.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

Source: Ownwell

$231,120

$431,290

$631,460

Median Empire Market Value

$231,120

Median Clear Creek County Market Value

$404,300

Median Colorado Market Value

$519,879

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
80438	$10,932	$75,500	$231,120	$349,970	$451,842

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

Property tax bills in Empire are based on the assessed value of a home, not the market value alone. Local taxing authorities apply their tax rates to that assessed amount, which helps determine the final bill homeowners receive each year. A higher assessment usually means a higher tax bill, while a lower assessment can reduce what is owed.

Several factors influence the amount homeowners pay, including the home’s assessed value, local tax rates, and any exemptions that may apply. With a median home price of $231,120, property taxes can vary widely across the city. The 25th percentile tax bill is $896, the 75th percentile is $1,851, and the 90th percentile reaches $2,350.

The median tax bill is $1,420, which is below the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and below the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. For homeowners, this means property taxes can be a meaningful annual expense, and even small changes in assessed value can affect household budgets.

Property Tax Bills Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

Source: Ownwell

$1,420

$2,300

$3,179

Median Empire Tax Bill

$1,420

Median Clear Creek County Tax Bill

$2,142

Median Colorado Tax Bill

$2,732

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Empire, Clear Creek County, Colorado

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
80438	$525	$896	$1,420	$1,851	$2,350

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	June 8

Links
Clear Creek Tax Assessor
Website	assessor.co.clear-creek.co.us

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Empire, Colorado

How are property taxes calculated in Empire, Colorado?

Property taxes in Empire, Colorado are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Empire, Colorado?

To appeal your property taxes in Empire, Colorado, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Empire, Colorado?

Common property tax exemptions in Empire, Colorado include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Empire, Colorado?

Property tax deadlines in Empire, Colorado vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Empire, Colorado?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Empire, Colorado. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.