Fort Collins, Colorado
College town with craft beer culture
U.S. News (2025)
#12 Best Places to Live
National Geographic (2024)
#1 Happiest Cities
WhereAtHome Score
69.4
D+out of 100
Overview
Fort Collins combines Colorado State University energy with an exceptional craft beer scene and outdoor lifestyle. The city regularly ranks among the happiest and healthiest in America. More affordable than Boulder with similar character, it attracts young professionals and families seeking mountain access.
Key Highlights
- Colorado State University campus
- Craft beer capital - New Belgium, Odell
- Extensive bike trail system
- Access to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Consistently ranked among happiest cities
- More affordable than Boulder
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
Larimer County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
87°F
Winter Low
18°F
Annual Rainfall
15"
Sunny Days
296
Amenities & Infrastructure
55+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
2 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
1 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
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