Scoring Methodology
How we calculate Fiscal Health Index scores for Colorado metro districts.
Important Disclaimer
This Fiscal Health Index is an opinion based solely on publicly available government records. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Boundary data is approximate and may contain errors. Users should independently verify all information and consult with licensed professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.
Overview
The Fiscal Health Index is a scoring system designed to help Colorado homebuyers understand the relative fiscal health of metro districts that may affect their property taxes. The score is based solely on publicly available government records and is intended as a starting point for research, not as financial advice.
Each district is assigned to one of four tiers based on key fiscal indicators. The scoring model is designed to be transparent, reproducible, and extensible as additional data sources become available.
Tier Definitions
District fiscal indicators are within ranges typical for Colorado metro districts. Property taxes are not unusually elevated. This does not guarantee fiscal health, but current indicators are favorable.
District shows moderately elevated fiscal indicators. Property taxes may be above average for comparable areas. We recommend reviewing the district's service plan and recent financial statements before purchase decisions.
District shows significantly elevated fiscal indicators. Property taxes may be substantially higher than typical neighborhoods. We strongly recommend reviewing audited financial statements and consulting with a real estate professional.
District shows fiscal indicators in ranges associated with Colorado's most financially stressed metro districts (comparable to documented crisis cases). Property tax burden may be severe. Professional consultation is strongly recommended.
Insufficient data to assess fiscal health. This may indicate a newly formed district, a data reporting gap, or an inactive district. Contact DOLA or your county assessor for more information.
Scoring Signals
The scoring model considers the following signals. When multiple signals are available for a district, the final tier is determined by the "worst wins" strategy - the most concerning signal determines the tier.
Mill Levy (Primary Signal)
The property tax rate levied by the district, expressed in mills (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value)
| Tier | Mill Levy Range |
|---|---|
| Low Concern | Less than 50 mills |
| Moderate Concern | 50 to 70 mills |
| Elevated Concern | 70 to 90 mills |
| Severe Concern | 90+ mills |
Debt-to-Assessed-Value Ratio (Secondary Signal)
Total outstanding debt divided by total assessed property value, indicating leverage
Note: Debt data is currently being collected from OSA audit reports and will be incorporated into scoring as it becomes available.
Planned Future Signals
- Developer advances (loans from developers to districts)
- Authorized but unissued debt
- Governance patterns (board composition, meeting frequency)
- Service plan compliance
Data Sources
Official state database containing district information including mill levies, assessed values, and governance data.
Geographic boundary data for special districts in Colorado.
Financial audits and reports for special districts. (Data collection in progress)
Composite Score Calculation
The composite score (0-100) provides a single numeric summary for sorting and comparison. It is calculated as follows:
- Each signal is converted to a 0-100 scale, where 100 represents the healthiest value and 0 represents the most concerning.
- Signals are weighted based on their relative importance. When only mill levy data is available, it receives 100% of the weight. When debt data becomes available, weights are redistributed.
- The composite score is the weighted average of available signal scores.
Note: The composite score is a summary metric. The tier classification ("worst wins") is the primary indicator of fiscal concern.
Limitations
This scoring system has important limitations that users should understand:
- Data completeness: Not all districts have complete data. Scores for districts with missing data should be interpreted with caution.
- Point-in-time snapshot: Scores reflect data at the time of last sync and may not reflect recent changes.
- Boundary approximation: Geographic boundaries are approximate and may contain errors. Always verify with your county assessor.
- Context matters: A high mill levy may be appropriate for a district providing extensive services. Scores do not capture service quality or value.
- Not predictive: Scores reflect current conditions, not future performance. District finances can change significantly over time.
Model Versioning
Current Model Version: 2.0.0
Version Date: 2026-02-03
When scoring thresholds or weights change, a new model version is created. Historical scores are preserved to allow comparison over time.
Questions or Corrections
If you believe there is an error in our data or scoring methodology, please contact us. We take data accuracy seriously and will investigate all reported issues.
Full Disclaimer
This Fiscal Health Index is an opinion based solely on publicly available government records. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Boundary data is approximate and may contain errors. Users should independently verify all information and consult with licensed professionals before making any financial or real estate decisions.
The creators of this tool make no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the data presented. Property tax obligations and district fiscal conditions can change at any time. Use this tool at your own risk.