Fort Collins, CO Census Data
The 4th largest city in Colorado by population · 20 cities ranked
Fort Collins is the 4th largest city in Colorado by population and ranks 15th of 20 for median household income. With 169,705 residents, its poverty rate of 16.0% ranks among the higher rates in Colorado. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
169,705
49.9% male · 50.1% female
Median Age
30.6
8.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$83,598
$5,060 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
59.9%
24.9% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 97.6%
Poverty Rate
16.0%
3.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.6%
Broadband Access
98.4%
8.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$548,400
Median rent: $1,661 · 52% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Labor force participation: 66.8%
Per Capita Income
$39,561
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.1%
Disability rate: 8.9%
How Fort Collins Compares to Other Colorado Cities
Rankings among all 20 Colorado cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 20 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 15th of 20 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 18th of 20 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 4th of 20 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 20 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Fort Collins, CO Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Fort Collins, CO?
The population of Fort Collins, CO is 169,705 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 30.6 years.
What is the median household income in Fort Collins?
The median household income in Fort Collins, CO is $83,598, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $39,561.
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%. About 5.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Fort Collins residents have a college degree?
59.9% of adults (25+) in Fort Collins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 97.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Fort Collins?
The median home value in Fort Collins, CO is $548,400. Median rent is $1,661 per month, with 52% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Fort Collins?
Fort Collins's population is 81.7% White, 1.4% Black, 12.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.3% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Fort Collins rank among Colorado cities?
Fort Collins is the 4th largest city in Colorado by population, the 15th highest for median household income, the 18th lowest for poverty rate, the 4th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 20 ranked Colorado cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Collins?
The unemployment rate in Fort Collins, CO is 5.2%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.8%. Per capita income is $39,561.
Cities Similar to Fort Collins
Other Colorado cities with comparable population and income levels.