Fort Collins, CO
Population 169,705 · Colorado
About Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins is a major city located in Colorado with a population of 169,705 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,598 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Collins features a median home value of $548,400, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fort Collins in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,661, 43% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 73,332 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (36,885 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (33,897 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Collins shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Collins have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
59.9% of Fort Collins residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 8.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Collins Ranks in Colorado
Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO
Compared to national averages, Fort Collins has a median household income of $83,598 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $548,400, which is 124% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,661 is 43% above the US average of $1,163. Within Colorado, Fort Collins's income is 6% below the state average of $88,514, and home values are 20% above the state median of $457,127.
Why Live in Fort Collins, CO?
Fort Collins offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,598, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 59.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $548,400. However, as a major city, Fort Collins provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fort Collins has a population of 169,705 with a median age of 30.6 years. Compare Fort Collins with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Colorado.
Similar Cities Near Fort Collins
Cities in Colorado with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood | 156,309 | $85,789 | $548,200 | Compare |
| Thornton | 142,878 | $100,985 | $482,200 | Compare |
| Arvada | 122,835 | $113,396 | $600,800 | Compare |
| Westminster | 115,546 | $96,145 | $497,400 | Compare |
| Pueblo | 111,514 | $55,305 | $230,900 | Compare |
| Greeley | 109,421 | $68,650 | $369,600 | Compare |
| Centennial | 107,386 | $128,167 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Boulder | 106,274 | $85,364 | $982,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Colorado
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Collins With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Collins
What is the population of Fort Collins, CO?
The population of Fort Collins, CO is 169,705 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Colorado.
What is the median household income in Fort Collins?
The median household income in Fort Collins, CO is $83,598 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Collins?
The median home value in Fort Collins, CO is $548,400, which is 124% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Collins?
The median monthly rent in Fort Collins, CO is $1,661, which is 43% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Collins?
The unemployment rate in Fort Collins, CO is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Collins, CO a good place to live?
Fort Collins offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 169,705 and a median age of 30.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Collins, CO?
59.9% of residents in Fort Collins aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Collins, CO: median home value is $548,400 (124% above national), median rent is $1,661/month, and median household income is $83,598. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Collins?
The poverty rate in Fort Collins, CO is 16.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fort Collins, CO?
Fort Collins's population is 8.2% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.