ColoradoPop. 99,406Smaller cities
Is Longmont a Good Place to Live? Longmont, Colorado: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Longmont ranks #355 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Colorado. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Longmont by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Longmont's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Longmont?
Longmont's cost of living index is 105.2, 5% above the US level of 100 and #956 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,816/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $544,848, 2% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
| Measure | Longmont | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 105.2#956 of 1,308 | 103.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $544,848#883 of 1,187 | $532,748 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,923/mo#666 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $572,800#1051 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,816/mo#976 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24%#900 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Longmont housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Longmont is in the Boulder, CO metro.
Colorado housing market →Is Longmont safe?
Longmont recorded 350 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 17% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #637 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #288 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Longmont Police Department. Property crime runs 2,439 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Longmont | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 350#637 of 1,085 | 422 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,439#847 of 1,085 | 2,144 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Longmont?
The median household in Longmont earns $90,671, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Longmont | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $90,671#450 of 1,312 | $97,113 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 8.6%#376 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Longmont?
The median resident of Longmont is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 47% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #324 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Longmont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 47%#324 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.5% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Longmont's schools and health?
Longmont's 25 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $14,045 spent per pupil. 18.5% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Longmont | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 82.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.3#667 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,045#692 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 18.5%#8 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.9%#764 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,473 students are enrolled in Longmont's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Longmont?
The average commute in Longmont is 24.5 minutes (Colorado 25.7); 2% of workers take transit and 22.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Longmont scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.4°F and winters 30.3°F, with 15.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Longmont | ColoradoCO | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.5 min#734 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.9%#825 of 1,312 | 7.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 64.8% | 65.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2% | 1.7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 2.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 22.3% | 19.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Colorado is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44.5 | 14.4 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 46.8 | 17.1 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 26.1 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 63.2 | 32.3 | 2 |
| May | 72.7 | 41.4 | 2 |
| Jun | 83.9 | 50.5 | 1.8 |
| Jul | 90.8 | 55.4 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 87.8 | 53.7 | 2 |
| Sep | 80.3 | 45.8 | 1.3 |
| Oct | 66.2 | 32.9 | 1 |
| Nov | 53.5 | 23.5 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 44.8 | 14.5 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Longmont 2 Ese.
| Measure | Longmont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 50°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 30.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 15.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Longmont 2 Ese.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Longmont?
Boulder County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Boulder County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Longmont | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 48#788 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#767 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Boulder County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Boulder County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.022% | 90% of counties |
| Hail | 0.013% | 88% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 64% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.093% | 63% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0029% | 50% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0011% | 34% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Longmont compare with similar-size cities?
Longmont is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #171 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 99,406.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #355 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #347 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #657 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 | 26.7 min |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #636 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 | 30.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Longmont compare with the rest of Colorado?
Longmont ranks #7 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 7% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Colorado home.
| City | Rank in CO | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broomfield, COPop. 76,304 | #1 | 68.1 | $123,874 | $2,126/mo | 152 |
| Highlands Ranch, COPop. 102,257 | #2 | 68.0 | $159,307 | $2,531/mo | no data |
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #3 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #4 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #5 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #6 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #7 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 |
| Loveland, COPop. 78,410 | #8 | 60.1 | $84,604 | $1,730/mo | 163 |
| Fort Collins, COPop. 170,229 | #9 | 59.7 | $85,070 | $1,690/mo | 289 |
| Boulder, COPop. 106,433 | #10 | 59.0 | $87,493 | $2,018/mo | 354 |
| Thornton, COPop. 144,187 | #11 | 58.5 | $103,088 | $1,895/mo | 251 |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #12 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #13 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #14 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #15 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #16 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #17 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #18 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #19 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #20 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 |
All 20 Colorado cities we track, by overall score. Colorado statewide: median income $97,113, violent crime 421.7 per 100,000.
How is Longmont's score calculated?
Longmont scores 60.8 out of 100, #355 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Colorado's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Longmont. Similar-size median 55.5.
58.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Longmont's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
66.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Longmont. Similar-size median 58.9.
83.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Longmont's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Longmont's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
48.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Longmont. Similar-size median 56.1.
63.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Longmont. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Longmont. Similar-size median 50.0.
59.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Longmont's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
43.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Longmont's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Longmont has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Longmont
Is Longmont, CO a good place to live?
Longmont ranks #355 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #171 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Colorado. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Longmont?
Longmont's cost of living index is 105.2, 5% above the US level of 100 and #956 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,816/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $544,848, 2% above the typical Colorado home ($532,748).
What is the crime rate in Longmont?
Longmont recorded 350 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 17% below Colorado's 422. That ranks #637 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #288 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Longmont Police Department. Property crime runs 2,439 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Longmont?
The median household in Longmont earns $90,671, 9% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Colorado ($97,113). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Longmont?
Median rent in Longmont is $1,816/mo (Census), #976 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,923/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Longmont?
The typical home value in Longmont is $544,848, down 1.6% in a year, against $532,748 for Colorado and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $572,800.
How are the public schools in Longmont?
Longmont's 25 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Colorado 82.3%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $14,045 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Longmont?
The average commute is 24.5 minutes, #734 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Colorado. 6.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Longmont?
Longmont averages 50°F over the year, 70.4°F in summer and 30.3°F in winter, with 15.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Longmont walkable?
Longmont scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Longmont at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Boulder County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Longmont?
Boulder County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Longmont?
Longmont has 99,406 residents. The median resident of Longmont is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 47% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #324 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Longmont compare with the rest of Colorado?
Longmont ranks #7 of the 20 Colorado cities we track, with a score of 60.8 against Colorado's statewide 64.7. Its households earn 7% below the Colorado median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Colorado home.
What cities are similar in size to Longmont?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Longmont's population of 99,406 are Boca Raton, FL (#347 overall), Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall), Federal Way, WA (#770 overall), Kenosha, WI (#583 overall), and Atascocita, TX (#569 overall). Longmont is #355.