Otero County, CO Property Records
Property records in Otero, Colorado, document important details about real estate within Otero County, including parcel ownership, legal descriptions, assessed values, property classifications, sales history, and tax-related information. These records are useful for buyers, sellers, property owners, researchers, and professionals who need to verify ownership, estimate property taxes, review valuation history, or confirm land and building details.
Official Otero property records are typically maintained by county offices such as the Assessor, Treasurer, and Clerk and Recorder, depending on the type of information needed. Users can begin with the county’s Assessor resources to search parcel and valuation information through the official Otero property records page. For deeds, liens, and other recorded documents, the Otero County Clerk and Recorder is the appropriate office to contact.
Otero County, CO Property Records & Statistics
Otero County has a median rent of $812, below both the Colorado median of $1,020 and the national figure of $840.25. Renter-occupied housing is 28.09% of occupied homes, higher than the state share of 25.3% and the national share of 21.81%.
Housing is far cheaper here than elsewhere in the state. The median home value is $125,800, compared with $341,200 in Colorado and $173,750 nationally. The median property tax rate of 0.38% matches the state rate of 0.38% and is about half the national rate of 0.74%, so low prices are paired with a typical Colorado tax burden.
Incomes are lower than average, with a median household income of $48,787 against $65,821 statewide and $65,108 nationally. The unemployment rate of 3.35% is above the Colorado rate of 2.71% and the national rate of 2.87%.
The figures describe an affordable housing market in southeastern Colorado, where low rents and low home values go along with lower incomes and somewhat higher unemployment. For buyers, the price of entry is among the lowest in the state, while the larger renter share shows many households still rent. Investors and first-time buyers may find the low home values attractive, though local incomes and job conditions are worth considering alongside price.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
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Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Otero
Otero County property records cover tax assessments, recorded deeds and mortgages, property valuations, and foreclosure filings. The county has 11,961 total parcels, including 8,043 residential and 677 commercial parcels, with tax records covering 99.8% of the population for the 2024 assessment year. Recorded documents include 16,931 deeds and 7,825 mortgages, and valuation data is available for 7,749 properties, with the latest valuation update on August 19, 2025.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 11,961 |
| Residential Parcels | 8,043 |
| Commercial Parcels | 677 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 99.8% |
| Assessment Year | 2024 |
| Deed Records | 16,931 |
| Mortgage Records | 7,825 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 7,749 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Trustee Sale Records | 18 |
Assignment and Release Records
Two kinds of recorded documents follow a mortgage over its life. Assignments record the sale or transfer of a loan between lenders, and releases record that the borrower repaid it and the lender gave up its claim on the property.
Otero County has 14,878 assignment and release records available for research. They include 2,421 assignment documents and 12,428 release documents, along with 29 other documents. Assignments were recorded from January 3, 2005 through August 27, 2025, and releases from January 3, 2005 through September 2, 2025.
Researchers use them to confirm a clear title, trace the chain of lenders, and look for mortgages that have not been released. Reviewing them before a sale or refinance can prevent surprises, and the recorded dates make it simple to limit a search to a given period. Because the records are public, anyone can review them to understand a property's financing history in the county without needing to hire a professional.
How to Search Otero County, CO Property Records
Otero County property records are maintained in part by the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, which handles recorded real estate documents such as deeds and mortgages. The county has 11,961 parcels, with tax records for the 2024 assessment year and valuation data for 7,749 properties. Recorded deeds date back to January 3, 2006 and mortgages to January 3, 2006. Together these records show ownership transfers, loans, parcel types, and valuation details.
Start with the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office page for recording information and contact details. For submitting documents electronically, use the eRecording service listed by the county.
The office is located at 13 W. 3rd Street, La Junta, CO, 81050, and can be reached at 719-383-3020. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Have an address, owner name, or parcel number on hand before you begin. Search with the most specific detail available, check each result against what you know about the property, and contact the office if the document you need does not appear online. Recorded documents are most useful when cross-checked: compare the deed, any mortgage, and the assessment details to confirm ownership, loan history, and the property's current standing before making decisions. Staff can also explain any copy fees or request steps.
Otero Registrar of Deeds
The Otero County Probate Office is located at 13 W. 3rd Street, La Junta, CO, 81050 and can be reached at 719-383-3020. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Records can be accessed through the official website oterocounty.colorado.gov.
Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office
Otero County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Otero County property records by address?
Otero County's assessment and recorded records cover 11,961 parcels. To look one up by address, contact the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 719-383-3020, which can point you to the right county office for parcel lookups. Have the full street address ready, and try a shorter version if it does not match. Double-check the parcel before relying on results.
How can I find property owners in Otero County?
Ownership is shown on recorded deeds. Contact the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office to find the deed that transferred a property. For current owner details tied to a parcel, call the office at 719-383-3020 and ask which county office maintains them. Confirm the spelling of names when searching. Staff can advise on next steps.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Otero County?
Assessed values are set by the County Assessor, and the county's records reflect the 2024 assessment year, with valuation data for 7,749 properties. To check a specific property, call the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 719-383-3020 and ask for the Assessor's contact information, then provide the address or parcel number. Always compare more than one record for accuracy.
Where can I find Otero County property tax bills and payment records?
Property tax bills and payment records are handled by the County Treasurer. Call the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 719-383-3020 for the Treasurer's contact details, or visit the office at 13 W. 3rd Street, La Junta, CO, 81050. Have the parcel number or owner name ready so staff can locate the bill and confirm payments.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Otero County?
Deeds and other recorded documents are kept by the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office. Visit the office at 13 W. 3rd Street, La Junta, CO, 81050 or call 719-383-3020 to request them. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Copies may carry a small fee. Staff can advise on next steps.
Where can I access Otero County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel maps and GIS information are typically maintained by the county Assessor. Call the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 719-383-3020 and ask where parcel maps for the county's 11,961 parcels are published. Maps are a reference tool and are not a legal survey of a property's boundaries. Check that the map date is current.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Otero County?
Permits and zoning are handled locally and vary by where a property sits. Call the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 719-383-3020 and ask which office issues building permits and zoning decisions for the parcel. Properties inside a city or town may fall under that municipality's rules rather than the county's. Confirm requirements before you start work.
How can I create a list of property owners in Otero County?
Owner details are available one property at a time. Use recorded deeds for ownership transfers, and call the Otero County Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 719-383-3020 to ask what bulk records or lists can be provided and whether any request form or fee applies. Expect to provide a clear description of your request. Staff can advise on next steps.