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Fort Collins, Colorado

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

57
Overall Score

Fort Collins, Colorado, is a vibrant city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, known for its picturesque setting and thriving community. Historically, Fort Collins began as a military outpost in 1864, evolving into an agricultural center and eventually a hub for education and technology. Today, it's recognized for its lively downtown, outdoor recreation opportunities, and as the home of Colorado State University. People are drawn to Fort Collins for its high quality of life, strong job market, and access to natural beauty, offering a blend of urban amenities and outdoor adventures.

About Colorado

Colorado is characterized by its diverse geography, ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Plains, offering a lifestyle that blends natural beauty with community charm and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The state's economy is robust and diversified, with major industries including aerospace, bioscience, technology, energy and natural resources, financial services, and a strong tourism sector. Living in Colorado is generally more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being a primary driver. The climate is diverse, featuring four distinct seasons with abundant sunshine, though it can experience rapid weather shifts, including hot summers, cold winters, and occasional extreme weather events like flash floods and strong winds.

171,693
Population
$60K
Avg Salary
100
Cost Index
57.5
Quality Score
How this 58/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 72 / 100 72.0 30% 21.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 100.0 43.8 25% 10.9
Economy & jobs Median household income: $85,070 Income needed to live here: $65,280 Unemployment rate: 3.7% 70.8 20% 14.2
Growth Population growth rate: 0.11% Job growth rate: 0.25% 26.4 15% 4.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 57.5

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=96 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 15 September 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Fort Collins

Featured local businesses in Fort Collins.

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Fort Collins is generally higher than the national average. Housing costs are a significant factor, with median home values and rental prices exceeding national figures. For instance, the median sales price for single-family homes in December 2024 was $595,000. While groceries are only slightly above the national average, other expenses like healthcare and utilities also contribute to the overall cost. The city's desirability, coupled with its economic growth and limited housing supply, contributes to these elevated costs.

Average Rent
$1,632/mo
Groceries
$402/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$1,460/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$402.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Fort Collins boasts a robust and growing economy. In 2024, employment in Fort Collins grew at a rate of 0.247%. The most common employment sectors for residents include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services. The average annual household income in Fort Collins was $111,885 in 2024. The job market has shown resilience, with the Fort Collins-Loveland Metro Area gaining an average of 235 new jobs per month over the past five years, with 500 jobs gained in July 2026. The presence of Colorado State University also fuels a strong research and development environment, contributing to innovation and a skilled workforce.

The average salary in Fort Collins is $59,672 per year. You would need approximately $65,280 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +0.25% Manufacturing +0.25% Health Care & Social Assistance +0.25% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services +0.25% Educational Services +0.25%

Climate

🌡️
51°F
Avg Temp
☀️
84°F
Summer High
❄️
18°F
Winter Low
🌧️
17.10"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
291
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Fort Collins is facilitated by a combination of public transit, walkability, and car usage. The city has some public transportation options and is considered very bikeable. Downtown and Old Town are particularly walkable neighborhoods, with Walk Scores of 90 and 85 respectively. The average commute time for residents is 19.5 minutes, with most people driving alone to work. Fort Collins is actively working on improving pedestrian and transit infrastructure, with a Transportation Master Plan that includes a dedicated Pedestrian Plan and initiatives like the Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation Program.

20 min
Avg Commute
37.00/10
Transit Score
37.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Fort Collins has a lower violent crime rate than the national average.
The city's total crime rate decreased by 18.8% from 2008 to 2022.
Fort Collins has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher (60.7%).
The average commute time is relatively low at 19.5 minutes.
Fort Collins is very bikeable and has several highly walkable neighborhoods.
Drawbacks
The median sales price for single-family homes increased by 1.7% in December 2024.
The cost of purchasing a home in Fort Collins has nearly doubled in the past 8 years.
Fair Market Rent prices in Fort Collins are very high compared to the national average.
The average cost of assisted living in Fort Collins is higher than both the state and national averages.
The Fort Collins, CO area's rent-to-income ratio is higher than the average for mid-sized metros, indicating less affordability.

Questions about Fort Collins

What people ask about living in and moving to Fort Collins, Colorado.

What are the main industries hiring in Fort Collins? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Fort Collins’ economy is diversified, with strong presence in technology, higher education, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The city also supports a growing startup scene and research institutions. Job seekers in tech often find opportunities with software development firms, data analytics companies, and IT services, while those with education experience can look toward the local university system and K‑12 sc...

What outdoor activities are popular in Fort Collins? Things to Do 1 answer

Fort Collins offers extensive trail systems for both hiking and mountain biking, many of which wind through nearby foothills, parks, and open space preserves. The city maintains a network of paved bike lanes and multi‑use paths that connect neighborhoods to downtown and to regional trailheads. In addition, there are riverfront areas for kayaking and paddle‑boarding, as well as seasonal parks that host outdoor concert...

Where can I find hospitals and medical clinics in Fort Collins? Healthcare 1 answer

Fort Collins is home to a major medical center that provides emergency care, specialized surgery, and inpatient services, as well as several outpatient clinics and urgent‑care locations throughout the city. Primary‑care physicians, pediatricians, and specialists operate in private practices and community health centers. To locate providers, use the state medical board’s provider directory or the city’s health service...

How does the cost of living in Fort Collins compare to the U.S. average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Fort Collins has a cost‑of‑living index of 100, which means it matches the national average. Your expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation will be roughly what you’d pay across the United States. Because the average rent is $1,632 per month and the average salary is $59,672 per year, housing takes up a typical share of income similar to many other U.S. cities. To fine‑tune your budget, compare your curre...

How are the public schools rated in Fort Collins? Schools & Education 1 answer

Fort Collins is served by a public school district that generally receives above‑average ratings on state assessment metrics. The district offers a range of elementary, middle, and high schools, many of which provide specialized programs such as STEM, arts, and language immersion. To evaluate individual schools, consult the state education department’s report cards and the district’s website, which publish performanc...

What public transportation options are available in Fort Collins? Getting Around 1 answer

Fort Collins operates a city transit authority that runs bus routes throughout the urban core and surrounding suburbs. The system includes fixed‑route buses, a downtown circulator, and limited‑service routes that connect to regional transit hubs. Schedules, route maps, and fare information are posted on the city’s transportation website. For commuters, the city also supports bike lanes and a growing network of shared...

What’s the overall vibe of living in Fort Collins? General 1 answer

Fort Collins blends a college‑town atmosphere with a strong sense of community and outdoor‑focused lifestyle. The city experiences a semi‑arid climate with four distinct seasons—warm summers, snowy winters, and pleasant spring and fall periods—making it suitable for year‑round recreation. Residents enjoy a mix of cultural events, local breweries, farmers’ markets, and a growing tech and creative sector. The safety sc...

Is Fort Collins a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Fort Collins has a safety score of 72 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe community compared with many U.S. cities. Crime is generally lower than the national average, especially for violent offenses, though property crimes can vary by neighborhood. The city’s police department provides regular crime maps and safety reports on its website, which can help you compare areas. Additionally, local neighborhood associ...

What should I know about moving costs to Fort Collins? Moving Here 1 answer

When budgeting for a move to Fort Collins, consider transportation of belongings (truck rental or moving company rates), temporary storage if needed, and any utility activation fees. Because the average rent is $1,632, you’ll likely need to budget for a security deposit and possibly first‑month rent upfront. The city’s cost‑of‑living index of 100 means everyday expenses will be comparable to national averages, so you...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Fort Collins? Housing 1 answer

The average rent across Fort Collins is $1,632 per month, which includes a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single‑family units. One‑bedroom apartments in central areas tend to be at or slightly above this average, while units farther from the core may be a bit lower. To get current listings, check online rental platforms or the city’s housing portal, and consider contacting local property managers for up‑to‑date pr...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Fort Collins? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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