Demographics and Statistics

Forbes/Milken Institute ranked the Loveland area 49th out of 200 "Best Places for 2002" (Sources: City of Loveland, http://www.ci.loveland.co.us/ecodec/loveland_profile.htm)

Northern Colorado encompasses much of Larimer and Weld counties, with more than 621,073 people that live within a 30-mile radius of Loveland (the intersection of I-25 and State Highway 34). (Source: Claritas, Inc - 2002 Estimate)

It is a young population, with a median age of about 32 years. The largest percentage of the population is in the midst of the prime working years, with 53.6% between the ages of 18 and 65. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau - State and City QuickFacts, 2000)

Household numbers in the region have grown steadily over the past decade with population increases of 3% annually. It is a well-educated, knowledge-based population as well: 90.4% of Loveland residents have a high school degree and 27.5% have a Bachelor's degree or higher. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau - State and City QuickFacts, 2000)

The active lifestyle this region inspires defines its population. Northern Colorado communities draw energetic, motivated people attracted to the diverse career, recreation and education opportunities the region holds. Residents are among the nation's best educated: Colorado has the highest educated workforce in the U.S. They are youthful and enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

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In 2003, Larimer County residents earned an annual average wage of $34,788, with 52% of the workforce exceeding that number. The highest average Larimer County wage was $64,636 in the "Manufacturing" sector. The lowest average wage was $11,804 in the "Accommodations and Food Services" sector. (Source: Colorado Labor and Employment, Colorado Employment Wages (ES202), Annual Average 2003)

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One of the best natural resources in Loveland is its enthusiastic, well-educated workforce. The influence of regional colleges and universities is undeniable. Many graduates, enamored with the area because of its rich culture and recreational opportunities, make the decision to stay. They provide an excellent pool of employees for high-tech or management positions.

The area is also well known for its numerous high-tech employers, which draw a wealth of knowledge-based employees. Those employees and their families add an additional appeal to this community, as they represent a rich pool of potential workers.

Mobile Workforce
Northern Colorado commands the second largest labor force in Colorado, just behind that of the Denver Metropolitan Area to the south.

The region's workforce is a fluid one. Transportation corridors linking Northern Colorado communities make it possible for workers to choose to live in one community and work in another, while their spouses may work in a third.

(Source: North Front Range 2002 Household Travel Survey. Graphic Courtesy of Loveland Reporter-Herald: Sheila Reinhardt. Published in the Loveland Reporter-Herald March 17, 2002)

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Loveland continues to offer high quality housing in a competitive market. In a community where growth is continuing at a steady pace, new housing developments are being constructed in all corners of city. Home values, whether brand new or a turn of the century classic, prices are steadily increasing.

Loveland-Fort Collins Area Rated #2 in U.S. for 20-Year Income Growth. According to a new study by American City Business Journals, annual incomes in the Fort Collins/Loveland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) grew by more than 180% between 1982 and 2002, the latest year for which official figures are available. The study considered not only the overall 20-year growth rate of incomes, but also the consistency of the growth rate within the 20-year period. Listed below are the five fastest growing income areas and the 5 slowest growing income areas of the 170 MSAs analyzed in the study.

Northern Colorado a "Best Buy" for Real Estate
If you want to live on the Front Range of Colorado (especially from Denver north), home prices are the most affordable in Larimer and Weld Counties. Here's a list of average home prices through September of 2004 for selected Front Range Cities:

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World-class education and training is of primary importance in Northern Colorado. Private and public schools from preschool through graduate school consistently produce high-achieving students.

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Loveland is ideally located for access to major air, motor and rail arteries, with Denver's International Airport (DEN) approximately one hour away.

Motor connections can be easily made with Interstate 25 (north-south artery) adjacent to the city. Connection to Interstate 80 (east-west artery) is just 40 miles to the north. Interstate 70 (east-west artery) can be reached just 60 miles to the south.

E470 is now complete from I-25 (south of the Hwy. 7 exit) to DIA. This route has two Tolls ($3.50 total) and is a longer distance to travel. The benefit is that the toll way is not as congested and usually makes for a faster route.

Air
DIA, Denver International Airport: Approximately 55 miles (56 minutes) from Loveland
General Aviation Airports: Fort Collins/Loveland Airport

Rail
Freight: Burlington Northern, Great Western, and Union Pacific

Local Transportation
City of Loveland Transit (C.O.L.T.) offers a fixed route bus transportation from 6:38 a.m. to 6:38 p.m. Monday through Saturday throughout the City of Loveland covering the downtown area and extending to the outer city limits. All C.O.L.T. vehicles are equipped with a wheelchair lift for persons with disabilities. The bus is also equipped with a bike rack for two bicycles, so you can take your bike with you at no additional cost. Paratransit Service offers door-to-door transportation services within Loveland's city limits for individuals who cannot use regular bus service. This service is available to anyone over the age of 60 and to disabled individuals of any age. Paratransit's goal is to provide independence and mobility for those who might otherwise be socially isolated. For JitterBus & Tango schedules, routes, & fares, please call 970-962-2700 or www.ci.loveland.co.us/PublicWorks/Transit/bus.htm

The Fox Trot bus provides connections between Loveland and Fort Collins. For schedule and information, please call 970-221-6620 or 970-962-2427 or www.fcgov.com

If you like to save time, money, and stress; take advantage of the SmartTrips program. SmartTrips programs are a cooperative effort in Northern Colorado to promote transportation choices that reduce the impacts of driving alone. For information on free carpool matching and convenient VanGo service for long-distance commutes, please call 970-221-6243 or www.smarttrips.org

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