Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Fort Collins

Affordability in Fort Collins

Fort Collins has a median asking rent of $1,690 per month and a median household income of $85,070, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). About 48% of residents rent their homes, reflecting a large renter population that makes income-restricted housing an important resource in the city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Fort Collins Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting methods and local definitions.

Getting Around Fort Collins

The area around assisted properties in Fort Collins scores a 62 (Somewhat Walkable) Walk Score, a 43 (Some Transit) Transit Score, and a 94 Bike Score, according to Walk Score. The exceptionally high Bike Score reflects Fort Collins' extensive network of bike lanes and trails, making cycling a strong option for many daily trips.

Schools

Fort Collins is served by 46 public schools across 3 districts, including 26 elementary, 7 middle, and 13 high schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Living in Fort Collins

Fort Collins carries a higher cost of living than many Colorado cities. The median household income is $85,070 per year and the median market rent is $1,690 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. Affordable housing programs can help bridge that gap for eligible renters.

Lease Lantern tracks 6 HUD-assisted or income-restricted properties totaling 367 units in Fort Collins. These income-based rents are set well below typical market rates, making them a critical resource in this high-cost rental market.

• Median market rent: $1,690/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median household income: $85,070/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households that rent: 48% (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Affordable units tracked: 367 across 6 properties

Environment

All 6 affordable housing properties in Fort Collins have been mapped for flood risk, and none fall in a high-risk flood zone according to HUD flood data.