Fort Collins is the fifth most populous city in the State of Colorado and the 185th most populous city in the United States. The United States Census Bureau estimates that in 2005 the population of the City of Fort Collins was 128,026 (185th most populous U.S. city), the population of the Fort Collins-Loveland Metropolitan Statistical Area was 271,927 (163rd most populous MSA), and the population of the Front Range Urban Corridor was 4,013,055.
As of the census of 2000, there were 118,652 people, 45,882 households, and 25,785 families residing in the city. This was an increase from 108,905 in 1998, 87,491 in 1990, 64,092 in 1980, 43,337 in 1970, 14,937 in 1950, and 8,755 in 1920. The metropolitan statistical area (MSA) includes Loveland. When this city is included, the population increases to 251,494 for 2000. The population density was 2,549.3 people per square mile (984.4/km²). There were 47,755 housing units at an average density of 1,026.0/sq mi (396.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 82.4% White, 3.01% Black or African American, 0.60% Native American, 2.48% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 3.61% from other races, and 2.53% from two or more races. 10.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
In 2000, there were 45,882 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 22.1% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 17.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $44,459, and the median income for a family was $59,332. Males had a median income of $40,856 versus $28,385 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,133. About 5.5% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.
Allegiant Air.com offers regular passenger airplane service into the nearby Fort Collins / Loveland Airport. Denver International Airport, which is 70 miles (110 km) to the south, is served by nearly twenty airlines. Fort Collins can be approached from Denver by car via Interstate 25.
Fort Collins' downtown streets form a grid with Interstate 25 running north and south on the east side of the city. U.S. Highway 287 becomes College Avenue inside the city and is the busiest street; It runs north and south, effectively bisecting the city.
The city bus system, known as Transfort, operates more than a dozen routes throughout Fort Collins Monday through Saturday, except major holidays. Most routes run from about 6:30am to 7:00pm, and additional runs are made, including some on Sundays, when CSU is in session. All buses have bike racks. There are fares for adults, for seniors 60 and older and those with disabilities; youths 17 and under ride free.
Taxi service is provided 24 hours a day by Shamrock Yellow Cab.
Bicycling is a popular and viable means of transportation in Fort Collins. Just about the only place you can’t ride is a 3.8-mile section of College Avenue (Highway 287) between Harmony Road and Laurel Street (however riding on the adjacent sidewalk is not prohibited by state law). There are more than 280 miles (450 km) of designated bikeways in Fort Collins, including on street designated bike lanes, and the Spring Creek and Poudre River Trails, both paved. There’s also a dirt trail, the 5.8-mile (9.3 km) Foothills Trail, parallel to Horsetooth Reservoir from Dixon Reservoir north to Campeau Open Space and Michaud Lane.
The Fort Collins Bicycle Library lends bicycles to visitors, students, and residents looking to explore the City of Fort Collins. There are self guided tours from the "Bike the Sites" collection, including a Brewery Tour, Environmental Learning Tour, and the Historic Tour. The Bike Library is centrally located in the heart of downtown Fort Collins in Old Town Square. Look for the Cafe Bicyclette[14]!
Fort Collins also once had a trolley service with three branches from the intersection of Mountain and College Avenues. It was torn out after ceasing to be profitable in 1951. Currently, the Mountain Avenue branch has been reconstructed and provides weekend and holiday service.
Parcel service for Fort Collins is provided by FedEx, Airport Express, DHL, Burlington Air Express, Emery, UPS, Pony Express, and Purolator. Fort Collins has two-day rail freight access to the West Coast or the East Coast and has eight motor freight carriers. Many local industrial sites have rail freight spur service. The city is served by Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads.
Fort Collins is home to many activities including the Fort Collins Catz, a Professional Inline Hockey Association member.