Loveland

The Sweetheart City · Sculpture capital of Colorado

Population
~83,465
Median Price
$475K–$540K
Distance
~55 mi N via I-25
Walk Score
35 (car-dependent)
Safety
2.5 per 1,000
crime rate
The Sweetheart CitySculpture CapitalDevil's BackboneBoyd Lake State Park
Overview

Why People Move Here

Known as 'The Sweetheart City,' Loveland remails 100,000+ valentines annually through its famous re-mailing program. It's also Colorado's sculpture capital — the Benson Park Sculpture Garden has 170+ works in a free outdoor setting. Entry prices run $100K+ below Fort Collins.


By the Numbers

Key Statistics

Data sourced from census records, school district reports, and local transit authorities.

Population
~83,465
~6% growth
Median Home
$475K–$540K
Redfin ~$475K (Feb 2026) · Zillow ZHVI ~$540K
Median Income
$76,500
household
School Rating
B+
Thompson School District (R2-J)
Distance
~55 mi N via I-25
to downtown
Parks & Trails
5+
nearby

Transportation

Commute Times

Downtown Denver50–60 min / 65–90 min
Fort Collins15–20 min
Longmont25–30 min
DIA65–80 min

Education

School Districts

Thompson School District (R2-J)

B+

Mid-tier in Larimer County

  • Mountain View HS — B+, strong athletics
  • Thompson Valley HS — B+
  • Loveland Classical Schools — charter, growing
  • Big Thompson School of the Arts — arts magnet
  • Graduation rate ~85%

View All Northern Colorado Communities →
See all 9 communities in this region
Common Questions

FAQ — Loveland

What are the school ratings in Loveland?

Loveland is served by the Thompson School District (R2-J), rated B+ by Niche. Mountain View HS and Thompson Valley HS both hold B+ ratings. Big Thompson School of the Arts is a dedicated arts magnet school, and Loveland Classical Schools is a growing charter option. The district graduation rate is approximately 85%. Always verify enrollment eligibility by address, as district boundaries can be complex.

What is the commute from Loveland to Denver?

The off-peak drive to Downtown Denver is 50–60 minutes via I-25, extending to 65–90 minutes during rush hour. Fort Collins is 15–20 minutes north via I-25/US-34, and Longmont is 25–30 minutes south via US-287. COLT (City of Loveland Transit) provides local fixed-route bus service, and Bustang offers intercity service to Denver.

What is the median home price in Loveland?

The median home price in Loveland ranges from $475K to $540K as of 2026 (Redfin ~$475K, Zillow ZHVI ~$540K). Year-over-year prices have increased 1–3%, with homes averaging 50–60 days on market. Entry prices run $100K+ below Fort Collins, making Loveland one of the more affordable options in Larimer County.

What outdoor recreation is available in Loveland?

Devil’s Backbone Open Space covers 1,000+ acres with iconic rock formations and panoramic Front Range views. Boyd Lake State Park offers boating, swimming, and camping. The Benson Sculpture Garden is the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture museum with 170+ works. The Loveland Recreation Trail extends 8+ miles of paved pathway, and North Lake Park serves as the hub for the annual Sweetheart Festival.

What are the crime statistics in Loveland?

Loveland reports a violent crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 22 per 1,000 residents. The year-over-year crime trend is stable to improving.

What is the cost of living in Loveland?

The cost of living in Loveland is approximately 5% above the national average. The property tax rate is ~0.58%, and the combined sales tax rate is 7.65%. Colorado’s state income tax is a flat 4.4%. The median household income is $76,500.

What are the top dining options in Loveland?

Loveland has 200+ restaurants and 10+ breweries/taprooms. Notable spots include: • Door 222 • Mo’ Betta Gumbo • Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (fairy-tale themed craft brewery) The Rialto Theater (a 1920 historic venue) hosts live music, and the Loveland Farmers Market runs seasonally. First Friday Art Walk features downtown galleries open late with live music monthly.

What healthcare facilities are in Loveland?

McKee Medical Center (UCHealth) has 115 beds and serves as the primary hospital. The Medical Center of the Rockies, a Level II trauma center, is also located in Loveland. Banner Health urgent care and multiple additional locations provide supplementary coverage.


Nearby

Compare Communities

Other communities in Northern Colorado.

Northern Colorado
Fort Collins
$535K–$577K · ~65 mi N via I-25
Northern Colorado
Greeley
$413K–$425K · ~55 mi NNE via US-85/I-25
Northern Colorado
Windsor
$574K–$648K · ~60 mi N via I-25