Illinois to Broomfield, Colorado in 2026: The Tax Savings That Pay for Your Move
Last Updated: May 2026
If you own a home in Naperville, Schaumburg, or anywhere in the Chicago suburbs and you're thinking about Colorado, the property tax math alone is worth a flight out. Illinois has the highest effective property tax rate in the country at 2.08 percent, while Broomfield County's effective rate sits at 0.59 percent. On a $600,000 home, that gap is roughly $9,000 per year, every year you own.
Illinois has the second-highest effective property tax rate in the nation at 1.79 percent according to Construction Coverage's 2026 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, while Broomfield County, Colorado carries an effective property tax rate of just 0.59 percent. A homeowner relocating from Naperville to Broomfield with a $600,000 home saves approximately $7,200 in annual property tax alone, before factoring in Colorado's lower state income tax rate of 4.4 percent versus Illinois's 4.95 percent.
The Property Tax Gap Is Bigger Than Most Illinois Buyers Realize
Illinois has been at or near the top of every property tax ranking for years. The state's chronic pension underfunding has been pushed onto local property tax rolls, especially in Cook County, DuPage County, and Lake County. The result: a Lake County, Illinois homeowner pays an effective rate of 2.50 percent, according to The Motley Fool's 2026 county breakdown.
Broomfield County is on the opposite end. At a 0.59 percent effective rate, you're paying less than a third of what your Illinois neighbors pay on a comparable home. That's not a one-time discount. That's compounding savings every single year you own. Over a 10-year hold on a $600,000 home, the difference is more than $70,000 in property tax alone.
For most Illinois buyers I work with in Anthem, Anthem Highlands, and Baseline, the property tax delta is what makes the move financially obvious, before they even factor in the lifestyle, the schools, or the 300-plus days of sun.
What You Actually Get in Broomfield for Naperville Money
Naperville's median sale price hit $539,000 in March 2026 according to Redfin, with the Zillow Home Value Index at $531,099. Broomfield's median is $577,000 with a ZHVI of $645,549. On paper, Broomfield is slightly more expensive at the median, but here's what changes the math: in Broomfield's master-planned communities, you're getting newer construction, larger lots in Anthem, and access to community pools, miles of trails, and Front Range views that don't exist anywhere in DuPage County.
A 3,000 square foot 2018-built home in Anthem Highlands with a finished basement runs $750,000 to $850,000. The Naperville equivalent with comparable schools and finishes typically lands $850,000 to $950,000, on a smaller lot, with a $14,000-plus annual tax bill. That's the trade most of my Illinois clients are running the numbers on.
State Income Tax: A Smaller but Real Win
Colorado's flat state income tax is 4.4 percent. Illinois's flat rate is 4.95 percent. On a $150,000 household income, that's roughly $825 per year back in your pocket. On $250,000, it's about $1,375. Not life-changing on its own, but stacked with the property tax savings, an Illinois family earning $200,000 with a $700,000 home is conservatively saving $9,000 to $11,000 per year in total state and local taxes by moving to Broomfield.
The 2026 Comparison Table: Naperville vs Broomfield
What Illinois Buyers Should Know Before Writing an Offer
Three things that catch Illinois transplants off guard:
HOAs are common and the dues fund real amenities.
Most Broomfield master-planned communities charge $40 to $90 per month for HOAs that cover community pools, fitness centers, parks, and trail maintenance. That's a category of expense most Illinois buyers haven't budgeted for.
Metro districts are an additional tax layer.
Newer Broomfield neighborhoods like Anthem Highlands and Baseline have metro district taxes that fund infrastructure repayment. These add to your annual property tax bill, but even with the metro district stacked on, Broomfield's total tax burden lands well below Illinois.
Inventory moves slower in winter, faster in spring.
Broomfield homes spent 72 days on market in January 2026 according to Redfin. By spring, that drops sharply. If you're targeting a summer move, start the search in February.
FAQ
How much lower are property taxes in Broomfield, Colorado compared to Illinois?
Broomfield County's effective property tax rate is roughly 0.59 percent, compared to Illinois's statewide effective rate of 1.79 to 2.08 percent. On a $600,000 home, that translates to about $3,540 per year in Broomfield versus $10,740 to $12,480 in Illinois, a savings of roughly $7,000 to $9,000 annually.
What is the median home price in Broomfield, Colorado in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median sale price in Broomfield County is $577,000, according to Redfin. The Zillow Home Value Index for Broomfield is $645,549 as of February 2026, reflecting a slightly different methodology that includes all home types.
Is Colorado's state income tax lower than Illinois?
Yes. Colorado has a flat state income tax of 4.4 percent, while Illinois has a flat rate of 4.95 percent. On a household income of $150,000, that's an annual savings of roughly $825 in state income tax alone.
Do I need to fly out to Broomfield to buy a home?
Not for the first round. Most Illinois buyers I work with start with virtual showings and video walkthroughs. Once we narrow it to 5 to 8 finalists, you fly out for a focused 2 to 3 day tour and write offers in person.
What about Broomfield winter weather compared to Chicago?
Less snow on the ground. Broomfield averages around 50 inches of snow annually but it melts fast because of the high-altitude sun. Naperville averages 32 inches but it sits longer with cloud cover. Most Illinois transplants tell me the Colorado winter feels lighter even with comparable totals.
