What to know when moving to Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 62.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 63.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $52,679, providing solid financial footing for many.
- The Reality Check:
- The poverty rate is 32%, indicating a significant portion of residents face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3.7% of residents use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,412 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fort Collins is characterized by a relatively high level of education, with over 62% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The population of about 38,217 people has a significant renter presence at 63.1%, which often correlates with a younger demographic. However, the 32% poverty rate suggests that some residents may struggle financially.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a robust public transit system, as only 3.7% of commuting residents utilize it.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,412, which reflects the area's rental demand.
- Median home value stands at $541,300, indicating a competitive housing market.
- With 62.7% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, the community has a strong educational background.
- The poverty rate of 32% highlights economic challenges faced by a segment of the population.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Colorado, property crime rates stand at 2,168.8 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national rate of 1,546.9, showing a 32.9% decrease since 2022. Violent crime rates are 420.3 per 100,000, which is also above the national average of 325.3, but this has dropped by 17.9% over the same period.
- Violent crime: 420.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 17.9% since 2022.
- Property crime: 2,168.8 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 32.9% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides decreased by 46.8% since 2022, with a rate of 3.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Colorado).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fort Collins has access to several educational institutions that provide a variety of programs for residents.
- Postsecondary institutions: 4
- With College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable institution: Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
Larimer County experiences about 11.8 inches of precipitation annually, with an average of 81 rainy days. The area also gets around 12 days of snow each year, totaling approximately 1.3 inches of snow.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Fort Collins City Park - 4.7 stars (3,016 reviews)
- Twin Silo Park - 4.8 stars (2,481 reviews)
- Boyd Lake State Park - 4.4 stars (3,001 reviews)
- Horsetooth Mountain Open Space - 4.8 stars (1,725 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Larimer County, the unemployment rate is 3.4%, indicating a relatively healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.4% (December 2025)
- Employed: 197,628
- Labor force: 204,490
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS).