Eastern Plains
Washington County
Property taxes, marriage licenses, vehicle services, and many public records run through Washington County. Permits and local rules may sit with a town or city instead, so match the office to the exact address.
Official county shortcuts
Take the task to the office that handles it
These links go straight to the official county or regional office shown. Check that page for current documents, hours, appointments, fees, and address-specific instructions. A city may run its own permit office.
Property tax snapshot
Typical property tax in Washington County
The average total mill levy across Washington County was about 67.8 mills for tax year 2023 — below the statewide average of about 81 mills. On a $500,000 home, that comes to roughly $2,218 a year, using Colorado's 2026 residential rules: 7.05% on school mills, and 6.8% on the rest after the local actual-value adjustment.
This is the county average across all tax areas. Your parcel's actual mill levy depends on its exact tax area — a metro or special district can add many mills on top — so confirm the real number with the county assessor.
Sales tax: the state charges 2.9% and Washington County adds 1.5%, for 4.4% before any city or special district. See Colorado sales tax rates ->
Source: Colorado Division of Property Taxation, 53rd Annual Report (2023) — Average Levies by County.
Incorporated places in this county
These cities and towns touch Washington County. Some cross a county line. Every name opens a direct place page, and selected places include a fuller local guide.
Get to know Washington County
The history, land, and character behind the place.
Outdoors and wildfire
Prewitt Reservoir is a State Wildlife Area, not a state park
Prewitt Reservoir on the Washington County line is a State Wildlife Area, so most visitors age 16 and up need a hunting or fishing license or an SWA pass to be there.
Read note ->History and culture
Akron: a railroad town on the high edge of the plains
Washington County's seat began in 1882 as a Burlington railroad stop and sits near the highest point on Colorado's plains, roughly 4,663 feet above sea level.
Read note ->Water and land
The Akron Station That Taught the Plains to Hold Its Rain
Just outside Akron, a USDA research station has spent more than a century figuring out how to farm on 14 to 18 inches of rain a year.
Read note ->History and culture
An Easy, Free Afternoon: The Washington County Museum in Akron
Akron's free, year-round county museum keeps Washington County's pioneer and Native American story under one roof.
Read note ->Money and taxes (2)
Money and taxes
Washington property taxes support local districts, not one county bucket
Washington County property tax stays local, funding schools, county and town government, and special districts, not the state or federal government.
Read note ->Money and taxes
Washington value appeals start with property facts
A Washington County value appeal turns on the property's own facts, not the tax bill, so check the parcel record before the appeal window closes.
Read note ->Home and property (5)
Home and property
Washington County building permits start before the rural home
On the Eastern Plains, building permits cover far more than new homes: additions, garages, decks, sheds, grain bins, and towers too.
Read note ->Home and property
Washington County road access should be checked before the driveway
Washington County requires a road access permit before you cut or shift a driveway onto a county road.
Read note ->Water and land (2)
Browse 1 more water and land notesCars and driving (4)
Cars and driving
Last Chance: the crossroads that named itself for the empty road ahead
A plains junction at US 36 and SH 71 that earned its name warning drivers about the long empty stretch toward Denver.
Read note ->Cars and driving
Washington County vehicle registration has a local clock
New Washington County residents have 90 days to register a vehicle and buyers have 60 days, with a late fee once the grace period passes.
Read note ->Local rules (5)
Local rules
Washington County planning forms are only the starting point
Washington County's planning forms are general guidelines; a call to the office gives you the current form and review path for your project.
Read note ->Local rules
Some Washington County land uses need special review first
Commercial uses and multiple residences on parcels under 35 acres need special review in Washington County before they fit a property.
Read note ->Nearby counties
Other Eastern Plains counties — rules, rates, and districts shift across county lines.