It’s no wonder Fort Collins is consistently ranked among the best places to live, work and play: Nestled in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins blends small-town charm with big-city amenities.
Fort Collins is a community of people who work hard and play hard, whose hobbies and interests are easily fulfilled with a bounty of local offerings. With roughly 170,000 people, 5,000 feet in elevation, 300 days of sunshine and 4,500 businesses, Fort Collins is a robust community with a rich culture.
Hiking in a City Natural Area
Playing on a City playground
Attending a concert at The Gardens
Fort Collins has it all. You'll find exciting outdoor adventures, unique cultural experiences and thriving job and shopping centers. Historic Downtown buzzes year-round with live music, entertainment and great local restaurants. Fort Collins is also home to Colorado State University and top-rated schools. Fort Collins is the perfect place to embrace the Colorado lifestyle and live your best life.
Historic Fort Collins
Fort Collins waterways
City Manager at Indigenous Peoples' Day Event
Fort Collins began as "Camp Collins" in 1864, a military fort named for Lt. Col. William O. Collins. This popular Ohio Cavalry commander ran operations from Fort Laramie. We became an official town in 1873. Prior to Fort Collins’ military history and official incorporation, these lands were home to a diverse urban Native community representing multiple Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples. The City is committed to regular partnerships with our Native American community that honor the full history of Fort Collins’ heritage.
City Hall
Government workers in Council Chambers
CityWorks101 attendees at Streets Facility
Fort Collins operates as a home rule city with a Council/Manager government. Six district Councilmembers serve four-year terms, and voters elect our Mayor at-large for two years. All elections are non-partisan. Our community thrives from a detailed development plan and robust City service offerings, all of which are informed by the City's Mission, Vision, Values.
Light and Power worker
Water workers
Connexion worker
Fort Collins provides electric, water, wastewater and stormwater services with some of the lowest rates in Colorado and the nation. Our water utilities exceed all water-quality standards and run award-winning conservation programs. As a community-owned utility, we focus on local needs and provide 24/7 customer service. Fort Collins Connexion delivers high-speed internet, phone and TV to homes and businesses. The Northern Colorado Regional Airport, jointly owned with the City of Loveland, spans 1,100 acres and serves 300 aircraft. The airport handles private and corporate flights, charters and college football team travel.
Gardens on Spring Creek Event
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
MAX bus
The City maintains 966 acres of parks, 37,607 acres of natural areas and 45 miles of trails. Residents enjoy three golf courses, a racquet center, four pools, an ice rink and many community centers. Getting around is easy with MAX Bus Rapid Transit, regular bus routes including CSU and FLEX service, plus 200 miles of bike lanes and trails. The Lincoln Center serves as our cultural arts hub with professional theater, dance, music, visual arts and kids' programs. The Fort Collins Senior Center offers a pool, spa, gym, track, billiards, crafts and media center. Our library system includes Old Town Library, Council Tree Library and Harmony Library, shared with Front Range Community College. Libraries provide youth programs, computer access and Spanish-language resources. The Gardens on Spring Creek showcases 12 acres of gardens, a Butterfly House and educational programs. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery tells our story from prehistoric times to today.
Natural areas view
Poudre River Whitewater Park
Fort Collins sits against the Rocky Mountain foothills alongside the Cache la Poudre River, about 5,000 feet above sea level. Residents enjoy four seasons with 300 days of sunshine and just 14.5 inches of rain each year. July averages 86°F highs and 57°F lows. January brings 42°F highs and 14°F lows.
Service industry worker
Creative industry worker
People at work
Our unemployment rate stays low at 2.0 percent (December 2019, Bureau of Labor Statistics). The combined City, State and County sales tax rate is 7.55 percent on general items. Fort Collins adopts a two-year budget every other year.
Cyclists bike Downtown
Kids bike in neighborhood
Fort Collins streets
Fort Collins covers 57.16 square miles with 1,922 street-lane miles. Our 170,000 residents (2023) live in about 73,000 housing units. The median age is 30.6 years, and median household income reaches approximately $83,500. Over half our residents (59.85%) have college degrees.