Property Taxes in and around Portland (Hillsboro: sales, renters, vacation home)

[MtnSurfer]

Hello,

I was wondering if property taxes vary at all in the different counties such as Washington County vs. Multnomah County. We are looking at the Hillsboro neighborhoods vs those closer in to Portland.

Taxes in Colorado Springs are much lower by comparison. We pay around .4%. City data shows Portland to be around 1.1% which is almost triple. I guess homeowners end up paying more tax due to the lack of sales tax. I wonder if this lack of sales tax balances out for home owners? It seems like if you own a home you are still getting the shorter end of the stick. But if you rent and buy a lot of consumer goods it is much better. So how about a cigarette tax or something?

[EnricoV]

Perhaps, but renters pay for higher taxes in increased rents. One thing's for sure ... eveyone pays. Somehow.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Hello,

I was wondering if property taxes vary at all in the different counties such as Washington County vs. Multnomah County. We are looking at the Hillsboro neighborhoods vs those closer in to Portland.

Taxes in Colorado Springs are much lower by comparison. We pay around .4%. City data shows Portland to be around 1.1% which is almost triple. I guess homeowners end up paying more tax due to the lack of sales tax. I wonder if this lack of sales tax balances out for home owners? It seems like if you own a home you are still getting the shorter end of the stick. But if you rent and buy a lot of consumer goods it is much better. So how about a cigarette tax or something?

Oregon's income tax is pretty high and our property taxes outrageous. The money goes to funding PERS (state workers retirement) and for social spending. It's a liber state with lots of social spending.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by BLAZER PROPHET

Oregon's income tax is pretty high and our property taxes outrageous. The money goes to funding PERS (state workers retirement) and for social spending. It's a liber state with lots of social spending.

The funny thing about the statement of 'a lot' of social spending is that I have heard that some key social programs are in trouble in OR, more so than in many states with 'lower' taxes.

For example my mother receives social security and medicaid thru the state here in CO. I have heard some of the medical and social programs for the elderly and disabled are actually in trouble in OR.

With all those taxes and 'spending' it would seem like the social programs and education system would be stronger. Is this not really the case?

I guess I don't mind paying more for taxes as long as it is actually going toward real social programs for the poor, needy, disabled, children, etc... vs some fat cat's vacation home & yacht.