ADT Loveland, Colorado

Northern Colorado Cities

Loveland, Colorado is located in Larimer County, almost fifty miles north of the state’s capital city of Denver. The city is considered by many to be suburban, but over the past decade has become merged with it neighboring city to the north, Ft. Collins. Together both cities form what is now considered by the federal government as the same metro area. The city is located along or near two major roadways in Northern Colorado – Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 34. The 2010 Census recorded the city’s population at 66,859, but it is estimated that this has increased to over 70,000 as of 2013. The city encompasses 25.5 square miles and is one of Northern Colorado’s highly populated cities, coming in second to Ft. Collins in Larimer County. Neighboring cities of Windsor, Johnstown and Berthoud are also growing towards Loveland and share some of the city’s more popular resources, including the Centerra shopping district. Demographics
The majority of the city’s population consists of Caucasians, with the second largest ethnic group being Latinos. African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Asians each represent less than one percent of the city’s total population. The majority of households are traditional – with a married couple. It is a relatively young city, with an average age of less than forty. Females tend to outnumber males in the area, and the average family income is slightly above $55,000 per year. Average annual household income is nearly $50,000. Males out-earn their female counterparts on average by slightly over $12,000 per year. Poverty rates within the city are four percent for families and 5.7 percent for individuals. This places the city well below the national average for poverty levels. While the city enjoys economic stability, this does not mean that it is free of crime. Crime Rates
The city’s overall crime rate is two percent lower than the national average and is five percent lower than the Colorado state average. While these are impressive statistics, theft was the city’s highest reported crime. Over 2,000 incidents of theft per 100,000 people occurred within a year. These incidents are separate from any reported incidents of robbery and burglary. Robbery incidents were approximately 34 per 100,000 people and burglary incidents were 263 per 100,000. Property crimes occurred at a rate of over 2,500 per 100,000. Property crimes are one area where the city is higher than the national average. Although the city’s crime rates are impressive when stacked up against state and national averages, property crimes within the area are three percent higher than they are around the nation. Three major correctional facilities lie within a 45-mile radius. These facilities are the Larimer County Jail, Hudson Correctional Facility and Platte Valley Youth Services. Political Ideology and Government
Overall, Colorado has become more liberal in the past decade. Yet, there are many communities and counties within the state that continue to hold steadfast to conservative right-wing ideologies. Loveland is situated in an area that is surrounded by some of those communities. Still, the majority of the city tends to lean towards the left in terms of politics. Over half of the city’s population considers itself liberal. The city itself is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by a member of the Democratic Party. In contrast, the state level legislators that represent the city in Washington D.C. are members of the Republican Party. The city’s neighbor to the north – Ft. Collins – has become increasingly liberal, which can account for some of the city’s shift towards the left. At the same time, neighboring communities of Windsor and Greeley have historically remained conservative – although there are signs that this too may be shifting. Yet, the city is nowhere near the high levels of liberalism that encompass the cities of Denver and Boulder. Gun Ownership
Gun ownership in the state of Colorado is moderate or average when compared to the rest of the country. Hovering at around thirty-four percent, these rates are not as high as Alaska, but certainly higher than states such as California, Illinois, Nebraska, and many of the Northeastern states. The area along the I-25 corridor frequently hosts gun shows that openly sell firearms. While specifics on gun ownership within the city are unclear, it is estimated that they are along the lines of the state averages. Open shooting within the city limits is prohibited, but is allowed in unincorporated areas of Larimer County. Simultaneously, there continue to be several gun ranges in the area. Again, while there is a shifting trend towards liberalism in the area (and state as a whole), conservative ideologies and practices continue to thrive. Colorado’s overall conservative history makes it more difficult for some areas to make a complete shift towards the left. Housing
Home ownership within the city is slightly higher than the national average. Slightly more than sixty percent of residents own their homes, with a less than one percent vacancy rate. The average market value of homes in the area is nearing $300,000. Homes in the area have risen in value by close to sixteen percent from the year 2015. Houses on average are about twenty-seven years old. Property tax rates are well below the national average, possibly making this a major attraction point for home buyers. Leased properties make up almost thirty-five percent of the area’s housing market. Leased properties include both homes, townhomes/condos, and apartments. The overall vacancy rate of both leased properties and properties for sale hovers near five percent. Overall, Loveland, Colorado is a safe city with some hints of a dying conservative past. The demand for housing continues to climb, although average incomes do not tend to represent a local economy that is fairing better than the national average. A higher than average property crime and theft rate is cause for concern. Theft deterrent methods, such as security systems and alarms, can serve as a line of defense against potential problems.