Larimer County

Colorado · CO

#55 in Colorado
64
County Score

County Report Card

About Larimer County, Colorado

Larimer Solidly Above National Livability Baseline

Larimer County's composite score of 64.0 exceeds the national median of 50.0, indicating above-average livability compared to U.S. counties overall. The county ranks in the upper half of American communities on measured livability factors.

Below Colorado Average, But Competitive

Larimer scores 64.0 versus Colorado's 71.8 state average, placing it in the lower half of Colorado's county rankings. Despite this, the county remains viable for livability-conscious residents within the state.

Reasonable Taxes and Solid Income Potential

Larimer's tax score of 88.2 reflects a manageable effective rate of 0.500%, while its income score of 43.0 corresponds with median household income of $91,364. These strengths provide economic opportunity for working professionals and families.

Housing Costs Strain Affordability Profile

Larimer's cost score of 51.0—the lowest among its dimensions—reveals housing affordability challenges, with median home values at $532,200 and rents averaging $1,677 per month. Missing data on safety, health, and schools prevents fuller livability assessment.

Best for Income-Earners Embracing Higher Costs

Larimer appeals to dual-income professionals and higher-earning families comfortable with premium housing costs in exchange for reasonable taxes and strong income growth. It suits those prioritizing economic opportunity over affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax88.2Cost51SafetyComing SoonHealth82.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome43Risk9.9WaterComing Soon
🏛88.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠51
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼43
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
82.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
9.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Larimer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Larimer County

via TaxByCounty

Larimer's property taxes hit national levels

Larimer County's effective tax rate of 0.500% exceeds the national median of 0.470%, placing the county in roughly the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,662 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, making Larimer one of Colorado's most nationally comparable counties. This reflects Larimer's higher property values (median $532,200) and standard rate structure.

Higher taxes than typical Colorado

Larimer's 0.500% effective rate significantly exceeds Colorado's state average of 0.393%, ranking the county among the state's higher-taxed regions. The median tax of $2,662 towers above the state median of $1,560, reflecting both higher rates and higher home values. Larimer represents Colorado's premium tax category.

Most expensive in the northern region

Larimer's 0.500% rate outpaces neighboring Kit Carson County (0.515%), though slightly, and dramatically exceeds Logan County (0.470%) and La Plata County (0.264%). The $2,662 median tax bill is the highest among surveyed neighbors, reflecting Larimer's position as a wealthy, growing county. Larimer residents should anticipate above-average property tax burdens.

What a Larimer County homeowner pays

The median Larimer home valued at $532,200 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,662—the state's highest typical bill. With a mortgage, homeowners pay approximately $2,695, while outright owners pay around $2,576. For Larimer residents, property tax represents a significant annual household cost.

High values make appeals worthwhile

In a county with $2,662 median taxes, even small assessment errors translate into hundreds of dollars in annual overpayment. Larimer's rapidly appreciating market means many homes may carry inflated assessments. Request a formal assessment review—a 5% reduction could save you $130 annually on a typical Larimer home.

Cost of Living in Larimer County

via CostByCounty

Larimer rents strain Colorado's front range

Larimer County residents spend 22.0% of household income on rent, exceeding both Colorado's 20.2% average and the national norm, despite strong median income of $91,364. The front-range housing crunch has pushed Larimer's affordability above state and national benchmarks.

Among Colorado's tighter housing markets

Larimer's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Colorado's least affordable counties, driven by Fort Collins' popularity and limited housing supply. The county's strong income base ($91,364) provides some cushion, but housing costs remain a notable household burden statewide.

Front range premium hits Larimer hard

Larimer's median rent of $1,677/month runs $424 above Colorado's state average, reflecting proximity to Denver and Fort Collins' tech-hub status. The median home value of $532,200 places Larimer among the state's pricier markets, closer to Boulder-level than rural peers.

Ownership steeper than renting here

Owners pay $1,738 monthly while renters pay $1,677—a reversal where buying is $61 more expensive than renting in Larimer's heated market. At 22.0% of the $91,364 median income, rent alone consumes an above-average household share, limiting flexibility.

Fort Collins access comes at a price

Larimer County suits high-earners and relocators willing to prioritize Fort Collins' amenities and job market over maximum housing affordability. If your income substantially exceeds $91,364, Larimer's premium prices become more manageable; otherwise, neighboring counties may deliver better value.

Income & Jobs in Larimer County

via IncomeByCounty

Larimer County's income leads nationally

Larimer County's median household income of $91,364 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by roughly $16,600. This strong performance reflects the county's diverse economy anchored by Colorado State University and tech employment.

Among Colorado's wealthiest counties

At $91,364, Larimer County earns 22% above Colorado's state average of $74,792 and ranks in the top tier statewide. The county's education, technology, and professional sectors drive above-average household earnings.

Rivals Lake County and La Plata

Larimer's $91,364 median income competes with Lake County ($93,655) and exceeds La Plata ($85,296), making it one of Colorado's most economically vibrant regions. Fort Collins' urban economy and university presence fuel regional prosperity.

Housing affordability tightening rapidly

Larimer County renters spend 22% of income on rent, the highest ratio among comparable counties and approaching the affordability threshold. A median home value of $532,200 strains even high-income households, reflecting rapid population growth and limited housing supply.

Strategic wealth-building for Larimer

Larimer County's above-average incomes position residents well for aggressive wealth-building through retirement accounts, investment diversification, and real estate strategies. Consider consulting a financial professional to navigate housing affordability while maximizing long-term wealth accumulation.

Health in Larimer County

via HealthByCounty

Larimer exceeds national health standards

At 80.5 years, Larimer County residents live 1.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 10.8% poor/fair health rate ranks among America's best, driven by strong healthcare infrastructure and healthy behaviors.

Colorado's insured health leader

Larimer County combines a 80.5-year life expectancy—2.3 years above Colorado's average—with the state's lowest uninsured rate at 7.2%. This combination of longevity and coverage access places Larimer in Colorado's top-performing counties.

Front Range health advantage

Larimer's 80.5-year life expectancy and 7.2% uninsured rate outpace neighboring Weld, Boulder, and El Paso counties. The county's 83 primary care and 546 mental health providers per 100,000 residents create the region's most robust healthcare network.

Strong coverage drives excellent access

With 7.2% uninsured—nearly 3 percentage points below Colorado's average—and 83 primary care providers per 100,000, Larimer residents enjoy reliable access to preventive and routine care. High mental health provider density (546 per 100K) supports comprehensive behavioral health services.

Protect Larimer's health success story

Larimer's exceptional outcomes depend on consistent insurance coverage for all residents. If you're among the 7.2% uninsured, visit connect.colorado.gov to explore plans designed to fit your budget and needs.

Disaster Risk in Larimer County

via RiskByCounty

Larimer faces serious, multi-hazard disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 90.14 and a Relatively Moderate rating, Larimer County experiences disaster exposure well above the U.S. average. This elevated risk stems from exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards—flooding, wildfire, tornadoes, and seismic activity all pose genuine threats.

Colorado's highest-risk county overall

Larimer's 90.14 score far exceeds Colorado's 40.67 state average, making it the riskiest county in the entire state for composite natural disaster exposure. This profile reflects the county's size, population density, geography, and exposure to hazards at every elevation and in every season.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Larimer (90.14) faces triple the risk of Logan County (58.75) to its northeast and nearly four times the exposure of Lake County (5.66) to the west. Among northern Colorado's main population centers, Larimer carries by far the highest compound disaster burden.

Wildfires, tornadoes, and floods all major threats

Wildfire risk scores 97.68—the state's highest—reflecting heavily forested foothills and rapid fire spread during drought. Tornado risk at 90.55 is exceptional for Colorado; flood risk at 89.44 reflects both mountain snowmelt and Front Range storm activity, with the 2013 floods serving as a stark reminder.

Comprehensive coverage essential for Larimer residents

Homeowners must carry wildfire insurance with defensible space coverage, flood insurance (mandatory if in a designated zone), and coverage for wind and hail damage from tornadoes and severe storms. Bundle these coverages strategically, document high-value property, and maintain emergency plans for rapid evacuation—Larimer's multi-hazard exposure demands active preparedness.

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.