Fort Collins city, Colorado Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Fort Collins city, Colorado has a total population of 169,705, the 4th largest city in Colorado, with a median household income of $83,598, which is 10% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Collins city is the 4th largest city in Colorado with a population of 169,705.
Fort Collins city Quick Facts
How Fort Collins city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 51 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Fort Collins city Rankings in Colorado
Explore Colorado Rankings
Cities Similar to Fort Collins city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood city | 156,309 | $85,789 | $548,200 | 45.3% | 9.1% |
| Thornton city | 142,878 | $100,985 | $482,200 | 32.2% | 7.3% |
| Westminster city | 115,546 | $96,145 | $497,400 | 44.0% | 7.0% |
| Arvada city | 122,835 | $113,396 | $600,800 | 50.0% | 6.0% |
| Boulder city | 106,274 | $85,364 | $982,600 | 76.8% | 21.8% |
Population Overview
Fort Collins city is a major urban center located in Colorado. The total population is 169,705. It ranks as the 4th most populous out of 471 cities and towns in Colorado.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fort Collins city is 30.6 years. This is 18% lower than the state median of 37.5 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fort Collins city is $83,598. This is 10% lower than the state median of $92,470. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 6% higher. The poverty rate stands at 16.0%. This is 70% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.4%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 4.5%. The median home value is $548,400. Housing costs are 9% higher than the state median of $502,200. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.6x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 52.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% lower than the state average of 66.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Fort Collins city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 77.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.3%. The Black or African American population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 3.8%.
Education
59.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% higher than the state rate of 44.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.6%. Notably, 25.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fort Collins city, Colorado is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Colorado state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 471 Census-designated places in Colorado. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Collins city, Colorado?
Fort Collins city, Colorado has a population of 169,705 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fort Collins city, CO?
The median household income in Fort Collins city is $83,598, which is 6% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Collins city, CO?
The poverty rate in Fort Collins city is 16.0%. This means approximately 25,699 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Collins city, Colorado?
Fort Collins city's population is 77.8% White, 1.2% Black, 12.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fort Collins city, CO?
The median home value in Fort Collins city is $548,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x.
How educated is Fort Collins city, Colorado?
59.9% of adults (25+) in Fort Collins city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 25.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.