Living in Fort Collins, CO
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living and Quality of Life Details
Why You’ll Love Living in Fort Collins, Colorado
Set against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins, Colorado, is a beautiful place to live, work and play, with easy access to hiking, biking and exploring the breathtaking natural beauty. Fort Collins also is a thriving community bolstered by the presence of Colorado State University, which acts not only as a draw for new residents but also as a major employer in the community. The city’s diverse economy also includes technology and health care. Low crime rates, excellent health care facilities and a strong sense of community attract families, and the vibrant cultural scene is a draw for young professionals. Fort Collins has a reputation for being a “craft beer mecca,” and you’ll never want for new breweries to explore on a leisurely Saturday afternoon.
Thinking of moving to Fort Collins, CO? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Fort Collins, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Fort Collins, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Fort Collins, CO, a Best Place to Live in 2024-2025
Known for being active and adorable, Fort Collins, CO, draws visitors who want beautiful surroundings and a commitment to the environment. Plus, the city is home to highly-ranked schools and a diverse array of businesses.
Historic Old Town Fort Collins exudes charm, which is why it was the inspiration for Diseyland’s Main Street USA. Residents love the fabulous restaurants and award-winning craft beer scene, too. New Belgium and O’Dell Brewing Co. are the headliners, while a slew of smaller breweries are also saying cheers to the successful Fort Collins industry.
Situated in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is one of the best places to live in the U.S. for countless other reasons. Business is booming with companies like OtterBox and Waterpik, in addition to Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Noosa Yoghurt, and industry sectors that include clean energy and bioscience. In fact, Colorado State University‘s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences graduate students are employed around the world taking care of pets.
Due to the city’s easy access to the rugged Rocky Mountains, you can get out and enjoy every type of adventure you want, including whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, backpacking and more. Plenty of residents and students definitely take advantage of those perfect peaks. Other perks to living here? An e-bike and e-scooter share program, a thriving gallery scene, a comfortable spot for retirees and military personnel, and just an overall joie de vivre!
Fort Collins, CO Quality of Life LivScore
Fort Collins, CO Top Categories
Education
Environment
Health
Fort Collins ranks highest for education, environment and health.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins residents enjoy the best of all four seasons. The average highs and lows are 84°F and 55°F (summer) and 44°F and 18°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Fort Collins is around 51 inches. The months with the highest snowfall averages are December, January and February.
The average annual rainfall in Fort Collins is relatively low, at just around 15 inches.
Fort Collins averages 300 sunny days a year.
Horsetooth Reservoir is a 6.5-mile-long watering hole where locals love to boat, fish, swim, stand-up paddleboard and kayak. Hiking and biking trails surround the reservoir, and Horsetooth is also a fun place to camp. (You can reserve tipis and cabins!)
Things To Do in Fort Collins, CO
While there may be a charge for trolley rides, you can visit the Fort Collins Trolley Barn for free and learn about the history of the Fort Collins streetcar system. Alternatively, strolls or bike rides along the Poudre River Trail are worth their weight in gold.
Explore the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, which has a “Tot Spot,” Music and Sound Lab filled with instruments and an exploration zone with hands-on experiments.
The city loves dogs so much that it commissioned a bronze statue at the Old Town Library and named a walk at Library Park in honor of Annie the Railroad Dog, who greeted arriving train passengers in the 1930s and died in 1948. Her gravesite is near the Downtown Transit Center.
Old Firehouse Books is an independent bookstore selling new and used books in an old fire station!
If you’re a fan of cheese, The Welsh Rabbit is a must-visit in Fort Collins. It’s both a cheese shop and a wine bar, offering a selection of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie and wine samplers.
The Aggie Theatre is a historic venue in Old Town Fort Collins that hosts a variety of live music performances. It features both local and national acts spanning various genres, including rock, indie and electronic music. Washington’s is another trendy venue in Old Town Fort Collins with a diverse calendar of emerging and established artists.
Go brewery hopping. Fort Collins is home to 20 breweries (and counting), including New Belgium Brewing Co., the maker of Fat Tire and the fourth-largest craft brewer in the United States. Many breweries offer free tours.
The Local and State Economy in Fort Collins, CO
Advanced manufacturing, education, and state and federal government are among the largest industries in Fort Collins. New Belgium Brewing Company, one of the largest craft breweries in the country, is headquartered in Fort Collins — other significant employers include Colorado State University, OtterBox and Advanced Energy.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Fort Collins is 8.05%.
Yes, Colorado has a state income tax.
UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital and Banner Fort Collins Medical Center are among the top hospitals in Fort Collins. Other providers include Columbine Health Systems, a group of health care facilities providing medical care and senior living services, and Salud Family Health Centers, a network of community health clinics providing medical care to underserved populations.
There are several colleges and universities in Fort Collins, CO; the most notable is Colorado State University.
Weather in Fort Collins, CO
Average Temperatures
63 high / 35 low
Average Annual Rainfall
15 in
Average Annual Snowfall
51 in
Quick Facts about Fort Collins, Colorado
- Median Home Value
- $548,316
- Median Property Tax
- $3,087
- Total Population
- 168,974
- Average Commute
- 17 min
- Median Household Income
- $86,676
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,480
Map of Fort Collins, CO
Experiences & Adventures in Fort Collins, CO
How to Delight All Your Senses in Fort Collins, CO
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Healthy Places in Fort Collins, CO
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Fort Collins, CO: Where to Live Now
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Data used on Livability.com is provided from the most recent release (November 2025) by Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). Our LivScore is calculated in partnership with AGS. Sales tax sources: Sales Tax Clearinghouse, Tax Foundation, and State Revenue Departments. Local rates are population-weighted to account for municipal variations.
