The comparison between Northeast Jefferson, CO and Fort Collins, CO touches on numerous aspects that affect residents and tourists alike. Both cities have distinct crime rates, weather patterns, costs of living, education standards, employment opportunities, infrastructure, dominant industries and occupations, leading employers, real estate values, neighborhood distinctions, transportation systems, tax structures, cultural and food scenes, sports affiliations, geographical characteristics, and healthcare availability. While Northeast Jefferson has its draw, Fort Collins is widely known for its vibrant college-town feel and strong sense of community. Here’s a comprehensive comparison between the two.
Safety is paramount in both Northeast Jefferson and Fort Collins. Northeast Jefferson is typically safe, having lower crime rates compared to national averages. Fort Collins also boasts low crime rates, helped significantly by the prevalent student population and effective local law enforcement. Both cities are considered safe for tourists and residents alike, fostering family-friendly environments.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is another significant aspect to consider. Northeast Jefferson has higher-than-average costs of living compared to national standards, attributable mainly to housing costs. On the other hand, although Fort Collins isn't cheap, its cost of living is slightly lower than Northeast Jefferson, making it more affordable.
Income Tax
Income tax in Colorado is flat, meaning that the same rate applies in both Northeast Jefferson and Fort Collins. The state levies a flat income tax rate of 4.63% on federal taxable income, regardless of income level.
Property Tax
Northeast Jefferson and Fort Collins also share the same property tax rates since the Colorado state sets these. The statewide rate of 0.49% is relatively low compared to the national average, making property ownership more feasible.
Sales Tax
Both Northeast Jefferson and Fort Collins have city and state sales taxes. Jefferson city has a sales tax rate of about 4.75%, and the state rate in Colorado is around 2.9%. In Fort Collins, the city sales tax rate is slightly lower at 3.85%.
Income
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Estimated median household income
$91,025
$73,945
Estimated per capita income
$46,835
$41,119
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
119.7
100.4
If you make $50,000 in Fort Collins, you will have to make $59,612 in Northeast Jefferson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both locations enjoy Colorado's famous beauty standards. Northeast Jefferson benefits from expansive views of the nearby mountains, while Fort Collins is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering boundless outdoor recreational opportunities.
Geographical information
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Land area
172.8 sq. miles
46.5 sq. miles
Population density
2,615.1 people per sq. mile
3,621.1 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Northeast Jefferson, CO Fort Collins, CO
Education
Education is a strong suit for both cities. Northeast Jefferson has access to the quality schools of Jefferson County. In contrast, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, which significantly influences the town's culture and gives it a vibrant student-life feel, making it an attractive location for students and families.
Both Northeast Jefferson and Fort Collins have robust economies. Northeast Jefferson is in close proximity to Denver, offering diverse work opportunities. Fort Collins, powered by education, manufacturing, and tech sectors, offers stable employment opportunities and a vibrant economy.
Biggest Employers
In Northeast Jefferson, the Jefferson County School District and Terumo BCT, a global medical device manufacturer, are among the top employers. In Fort Collins, Colorado State University and UCHealth are leading employers, representing the strength of the local education and healthcare sectors.
In Northeast Jefferson (Jefferson County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Fort Collins (Larimer County), 51.7% voted for Democrats and 45.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
2020
58.3%
56.7%
39.7%
41.1%
2.0%
2.2%
2016
49.2%
47.8%
42.3%
42.8%
8.6%
9.4%
2012
51.6%
51.7%
46.7%
45.9%
1.8%
2.4%
2008
54.0%
54.2%
44.9%
44.4%
1.1%
1.4%
2004
46.9%
46.8%
52.1%
52.0%
1.0%
1.1%
2000
43.0%
39.0%
51.1%
52.8%
5.9%
8.2%
1996
42.7%
42.0%
48.4%
47.1%
8.9%
10.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.0%
11.8%
5.1%
3.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.7%
1.6%
4.2%
3.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.2%
0.7%
7.5%
6.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1.1%
1.7%
3.3%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
2.7%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.1%
2.2%
VINEYARD USA
0.2%
1.2%
0.6%
0.9%
Weather
The weather in Northeast Jefferson is classified as a semi-arid climate with warm summers and cold winters, while Fort Collins experiences a semi-arid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons incorporating hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Both cities receive ample sunshine throughout the year, emphasizing the natural beauty that Colorado is known for.
Weather and climate
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Temperature - Average
47.9°F
48.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
50.6%
55%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
20%
26.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
63.3%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
35%
36.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.2 in
16.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
114 in
113.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.2%
18.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
75.6%
71.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
10%
12.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
71.6%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
64%
59.1%
Wind speed - Average
8.6 mph
11.5 mph
Average climate in Northeast Jefferson, Colorado
Average climate in Fort Collins, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Northeast Jefferson
2018
104
90
0.40
0.30
22.3
N/A
34.9
29.3
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
8.4
7.8
0.7
N/A
2017
97
91
0.40
0.29
22.5
N/A
34.5
28.0
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
8.2
7.4
0.8
N/A
2016
90
77
0.44
0.33
24.4
N/A
34.3
26.4
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
7.8
6.8
1.0
N/A
2015
101
75
0.45
0.37
24.1
N/A
32.8
26.7
N/A
N/A
21.0
N/A
9.5
8.6
1.0
N/A
2014
94
65
0.45
0.34
23.4
N/A
33.1
28.1
N/A
N/A
25.0
17.9
10.1
N/A
1.3
N/A
2013
84
75
0.40
0.27
21.0
N/A
33.6
27.9
N/A
N/A
24.3
18.8
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2012
91
83
0.34
0.26
18.9
N/A
33.4
29.1
N/A
N/A
24.4
24.4
N/A
N/A
1.3
N/A
2011
90
72
0.34
0.32
18.1
N/A
32.0
27.4
N/A
N/A
23.8
16.7
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2010
79
69
0.42
0.32
16.3
N/A
29.2
26.0
N/A
N/A
26.5
20.5
N/A
N/A
1.0
N/A
2009
76
60
0.38
0.29
14.1
N/A
27.9
25.0
0.005
N/A
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
N/A
2008
85
65
0.42
0.23
17.3
N/A
30.8
27.4
0.008
N/A
25.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
N/A
2007
96
66
0.39
0.34
20.6
N/A
29.0
26.3
0.007
N/A
29.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
N/A
2006
89
68
0.46
0.49
19.0
N/A
29.5
28.6
0.027
N/A
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
N/A
2005
86
68
0.51
0.52
21.3
N/A
26.0
26.4
0.119
N/A
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2004
82
62
0.53
0.56
21.2
N/A
24.2
22.5
0.043
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2003
106
75
0.52
0.56
21.2
N/A
25.9
24.2
0.046
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
N/A
2002
86
66
0.60
0.46
19.2
N/A
25.6
23.0
0.031
N/A
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
N/A
2001
95
62
0.69
0.37
20.8
N/A
23.7
20.2
0.034
N/A
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
N/A
2000
94
62
0.70
0.58
11.7
N/A
24.5
21.8
0.037
N/A
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
118.6%
102.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
826.6%
752%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
25%
Transportation
Jefferson has access to the comprehensive Denver metro area's transit system, making commuting relatively easy. On the other hand, Fort Collins has its own well-established public transportation system known as Transfort, which, coupled with a strong cycling culture, makes moving around the city quite efficient.
Transport
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
0
203
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
18
Means of transportation to work
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Bicycle
0.3%
3.1%
Bus
3.2%
1.1%
Carpooled
10%
7.3%
Car alone
80.3%
82.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.1%
4.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Average
26.6 min
23.5 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Northeast Jefferson is highly valued due to its proximity to Denver, with a median home price above the national average. In Fort Collins, the real estate market is vibrant, influenced by the constant influx of students, but the housing price remains relatively more affordable than in Northeast Jefferson, making it a favorite among young families and students.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods in Northeast Jefferson are diverse, ranging from suburban to semi-rural areas, catering to different preferences. Fort Collins provides a mix of residential areas, including vibrant student neighborhoods near the university and quieter, more residential areas further out.
Houses and residents
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
Houses
180,978
73,397
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.4
Houses occupied
176,726 (97.7%)
70,686 (96.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
125,208 (70.8%)
37,255 (52.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
51,518 (29.2%)
33,431 (47.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,659
$1,281
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$884,573
$663,993
Estimated median house or condo value
$522,903
$485,500
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7.3
7.2
Renting percentage
31.3%
44.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,047.5
1,577
Household income disparities
40.7%
42.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
21,689 (19.3%)
358 (1.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
469 (0.4%)
2,275 (8.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
90,716 (80.7%)
26,080 (98.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
9,124 (8.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,287 (14.5%)
2,740 (10.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.6%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,916
6,094
State government workers
7,028
7,611
Unpaid family workers
382
42
Industries and Occupations
For Northeast Jefferson, significant industries include retail trade, healthcare, and social assistance. Fort Collins, however, benefits from thriving education, tech and manufacturing sectors. Both cities offer diverse job opportunities to match a variety of skill sets.
Both cities have excellent healthcare. Northeast Jefferson can lean on a variety of top-rated Denver metro area hospitals, while Fort Collins boasts the highly-regarded Poudre Valley Hospital and other smaller clinics and healthcare establishments.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in Northeast Jefferson benefits from its proximity to the Denver metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in Colorado. Conversely, Fort Collins is independently robust, boasting utilities, transportation, and public services that make it a comfortable place to live and visit.
Infrastructure
Type
Northeast Jefferson
Fort Collins
TV stations
19
8
Culture and Food
Culturally, Northeast Jefferson has the advantage of being close to Denver, presently a hub for arts, music, and culinary delights. But don't discount Fort Collins, the city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with bustling arts, music, and a thriving food and craft brewery scene, influenced by the student population and a strong community focus.
Sports Teams
While Northeast Jefferson residents typically support Denver's pro teams given the city's closeness, Fort Collins gets to rally around college sports, with Colorado State University having competitive teams in a number of sports, providing an engaging sports culture in the city.
Northeast Jefferson, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Northeast Jefferson, CO and 
Fort Collins, CO : 56.2 miles
