The TaxLienSimple Index / Colorado
Colorado Tax-Lien & Tax-Deed Investing
What Colorado statute actually pays, return, redemption and bid method, cross-referenced with the live auction inventory we track. Every figure traces to state law or a county source.
Statutes verified Jul 29, 2026
Statutory note. Interest accrues only on the base taxes/fees, not on the premium overbid, large premiums sharply dilute the effective yield (C.R.S. §§39-11-115, 39-12-103).
Remote Investor Snapshot
Verified public-data profile for out-of-area investors, every figure below traces to the cited government source. Blank fields mean the source does not publish that value for this area (we never estimate).
Market & demographics
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year 2022
Housing market
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year 2022
Property-tax burden
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year 2022
Natural-hazard risk & safety
Source: FEMA National Risk Index (2023); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (2023 annual)
Growth & livability signals
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (2023); U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022 (household broadband subscription; FCC availability not yet integrated); U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022 (educational attainment, school-quality proxy; NCES ratings not yet integrated)
Risk & opportunity flags
Source: U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund / IRS designated Opportunity Zones; U.S. EPA (SEMS National Priorities List; ACRES Brownfields)
Counties we track in Colorado
| # | County | TaxLienSimple Index | Live parcels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson County | C 51 | 1,873 |
| 2 | Park County | C 51 | 1,682 |
| 3 | Douglas County | C 51 | 980 |
| 4 | Teller County | C 50 | 529 |
| 5 | Pueblo County | C 49 | 2,713 |
| 6 | Gunnison County | C 49 | 300 |
| 7 | Summit County | C 49 | 223 |
| 8 | Morgan County | C 49 | 185 |
| 9 | Gilpin County | C 49 | 174 |
| 10 | Saguache County | C 48 | 1,033 |
| 11 | Montezuma County | C 47 | 803 |
| 12 | Routt County | C 47 | 577 |
| 13 | Baca County | C 47 | 400 |
| 14 | Prowers County | C 47 | 395 |
| 15 | Bent County | C 47 | 387 |
| 16 | Yuma County | C 47 | 358 |
| 17 | Delta County | C 47 | 346 |
| 18 | Washington County | C 47 | 343 |
| 19 | Lake County | C 47 | 319 |
| 20 | Costilla County | C 47 | 15 |
| 21 | Clear Creek County | C 46 | 309 |
| 22 | El Paso County | C 46 | 163 |
| 23 | Lincoln County | C 46 | 155 |
| 24 | Crowley County | C 46 | 132 |
| 25 | Garfield County | C 46 | 6 |
| 26 | Phillips County | C 45 | 92 |
| 27 | Sedgwick County | C 45 | 73 |
| 28 | Pitkin County | C 45 | 3 |
| 29 | Larimer County | D 43 | 5 |
| 30 | San Miguel County | D 43 | 5 |
Colorado tax sale, FAQ
What is the TaxLienSimple Index for Colorado?
Colorado scores 45/100 (Tier D), ranked #33 of 51 jurisdictions. The TaxLienSimple Index is a 0-100 research guide built from statutory terms and the inventory we track, not a yield, a guarantee, or investment advice. Realized returns depend on competition, redemption and your own due diligence. Verify every figure with the county before bidding.
How does redemption and return work in Colorado?
9 percentage points above the federal discount rate in effect Sept 1 each year (e.g. 14%/yr for 2025 liens); premium paid over taxes is NOT refunded and earns no interest. Redemption period: 3 years (before holder may apply for a Treasurer's Deed). Interest accrues only on the base taxes/fees, not on the premium overbid, large premiums sharply dilute the effective yield (C.R.S. §§39-11-115, 39-12-103).
What is Colorado's statutory return on a tax lien or tax deed purchase?
9 percentage points above the federal discount rate in effect Sept 1 each year (e.g. 14%/yr for 2025 liens); premium paid over taxes is NOT refunded and earns no interest. Interest accrues only on the base taxes/fees, not on the premium overbid, large premiums sharply dilute the effective yield (C.R.S. §§39-11-115, 39-12-103).
What is the bid method for Colorado tax sales?
Colorado uses a premium bid method for its tax lien sales.
Does Colorado use tax-lien auctions or tax-deed sales?
Colorado uses a tax lien system. Interest accrues only on the base taxes/fees, not on the premium overbid, large premiums sharply dilute the effective yield (C.R.S. §§39-11-115, 39-12-103).
See the actual parcels in Colorado
Browse the live tax-lien, deed and foreclosure inventory we track, search by county, redemption window and opening bid.
Browse live auction inventory → · Colorado tax delinquent property list → · Colorado state guide → · How to find and verify a tax sale list → · Set a max bid → · Academy: what a tax lien actually is →© 2026 TaxLienSimple · The TaxLienSimple Index is compiled from state tax statutes and county treasurer/tax-collector offices; live inventory counts reflect parcels currently tracked by TaxLienSimple and update continuously. Nothing here is investment or legal advice.