Arizona vs Colorado
Same underlying data as the individual state pages, side by side. Statutory rates and redemption windows only — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.
| | Arizona | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Sale type | Tax lien certificate | Tax lien certificate |
| Rate / penalty | Up to 16%, bid down | 13% for 2026 (discount rate + 9), premium bidding |
| Redemption | 3+ years | 3+ years |
Both states run the same kind of sale — tax lien certificate — so the real difference between them comes down to rate and redemption, not the underlying mechanism.
Both states give owners the same redemption window — 3+ years.
Arizona tax lien certificates carry a maximum of 16% simple interest (A.R.S. § 42-18053), auctioned by bid-down like Florida (§ 42-18114). The holder cannot sue to foreclose until three years after the sale and must do so within ten (§ 42-18201), and the owner can redeem until the treasurer's deed is delivered (§ 42-18152).
Full Arizona page →Colorado's rate is nine points above the federal discount rate, set each September 1 by the State Bank Commissioner (C.R.S. 39-12-103): 13% for liens sold from October 1, 2026. Bidders compete on a premium that goes to the county and earns no interest (C.R.S. 39-11-115). From August 1 of the third calendar year after the sale the holder can apply for a treasurer's deed, which now means a public auction (C.R.S. art. 11.5); the owner can redeem until seven days before it.
Full Colorado page →Property & tax market
| | Arizona | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $394,500 | $539,400 |
| Median property tax / year | $1,879 | $2,602 |
| Tax / home value | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Tax / household income | 2.3% | 2.7% |
| Homes owned outright | 38.2% | 30.6% |
| “Other vacant” homes | 2.2% | 1.7% |
| Median year built | 1992 | 1988 |
A typical home in Colorado pays 1.4× the property tax of one in Arizona ($2,602 against $1,879 a year). One unpaid year is roughly the face value of a one-year certificate, so a typical Colorado lien ties up about 1.4× the money of an Arizona one — and, at the same rate, earns 1.4× the dollars.
Homes owned outright — where no lender has a reason to pay the delinquent bill for the owner — are 38.2% of owner-occupied homes in Arizona and 30.6% in Colorado. The Census “other vacant” share (foreclosures, homes in legal limbo or needing repairs, abandoned homes) is 2.2% against 1.7%: Arizona has more of the empty properties that tend to go unredeemed — and to need work if the deed ends up yours.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates (tables B25077, B25103, B25081, B25002, B25004, B25035, B19013). Medians of what owners report paying, not statutory rates. County-level figures are on each state page.
Quick answers
Is Arizona or Colorado a tax lien state?+
Arizona is a tax lien certificate state. Colorado is a tax lien certificate state.
Which has the higher rate, Arizona or Colorado?+
Arizona: Up to 16%, bid down. Colorado: 13% for 2026 (discount rate + 9), premium bidding. Compare the actual statutory ceiling, not just the headline number — most "up to" rates get bid down at auction.
Which redeems faster, Arizona or Colorado?+
Both states give owners the same redemption window — 3+ years.
Are property taxes higher in Arizona or Colorado?+
The median homeowner pays $1,879 a year in Arizona and $2,602 in Colorado (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates). A typical home in Colorado pays 1.4× the property tax of one in Arizona ($2,602 against $1,879 a year). One unpaid year is roughly the face value of a one-year certificate, so a typical Colorado lien ties up about 1.4× the money of an Arizona one — and, at the same rate, earns 1.4× the dollars.
Want to line up more than two states, or swap in different ones? Use the interactive comparison tool — up to four states at once.
See where these two rank against all 50 states: full rankings.
This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rates and redemption periods are set by state statute and can change by county or legislative session — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.