Community Overview#
Nestled alongside the Cache La Poudre River at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is home to over 140,000 residents. Colorado State University is the city's largest employer and is Colorado's second largest public university, enrolling 25,000 students each academic year.
Fort Collins began as a hub for agricultural production, namely sugar beet manufacturing. As its population has grown, especially into the latter half of the 20th century, the city has shifted its focus from an agriculture-based economy to a high-tech economy.
Employment in Fort Collins has increased an average of 0.6% per year from 2001 to 2005, compared to an average annual increase of 0.0% throughout the United States. Even during the recession that struck throughout the United States from 2001 to 2003, employment growth in Fort Collins remained stronger than the rest of the country.
General Community Information#
Climate
- Semi-arid, approx 300 days of sunshine
- Average annual precipitation: 14.5 inches
- Winters moderately cold, dry
- Average January temperature 27°F with 30% humidity
- Average July temperature 71° F with 43% humidity
Location
- 65 miles north of Denver
- 50 miles south of Cheyenne, WY
- Elevation 4,979
Population/Parks & Trails#
- Population - 171,100 (2018 Census)
- 163,000 GMA (2006 estimate)
- 190,000 GMA (2025 Projection)
- Median Age - 29.3 years old (American Community Survey 2011-2015 5-year estimate)
- City Size - 57.16 square miles (2018)
- GMA Size - 77 Square Miles
- Developed Parks - 958 Acres
- Trails - 36+ miles
Fast Facts#
- Estimated Population: 171,100 (2018 Census)
- Median Age: 29.3 years old (American Community Survey 2011-2015 5-year estimate)
- Housing Units: 69,702 as of 2018 (City of Fort Collins)
- Median Family Income $55,647 (American Community Survey 2011-2015 5-year estimate)
- School District: Poudre School District
- Colleges/Universities: