June 2026 | May 2026 | April 2026
June 2026
Johnstown #10 in nation for growth
Johnstown’s rapid transformation from a small northern Colorado town into one of the nation’s fastest-growing communities is drawing attention. Fueled by major commercial investments, new housing development, and its strategic location along I-25, the town recently ranked among the top U.S. cities for population growth. Johnstown’s population grew 8.4% between 2024 and 2025, placing it 10th nationally and first in Colorado among communities with more than 20,000 residents. Two other Colorado communities also landed in the national Top 100: Erie ranked 37th with 5.8% growth, while Windsor came in at 60th with 4.7% growth. Together, the rankings highlight Northern Colorado’s continued appeal as a destination for new residents, businesses, and investment. Click here to read more.
Main Street Makeover: Wellington project breaks ground
A long-awaited transformation of downtown Wellington is officially underway. Construction has begun on the Cleveland Avenue revitalization project, a major infrastructure investment that will bring improved sidewalks, drainage, lighting, accessibility upgrades, and expanded parking to the town’s historic core. Funded largely through state and federal grants, the project is designed to create a safer, more walkable downtown while supporting local businesses and future growth. Work is expected to continue through late 2026, with phased construction aimed at minimizing disruptions along Wellington’s Main Street corridor. Click here to read more.
Housing Market Snapshot: Q1 2026
Information and Real Estate Services (IRES) recently released their Q1 2026 MarketWatch Report. In Larimer County, the median sales price was $539,145 for Q1-2026, a 2% decrease year-over-year. The number of closed sales was up 5.1%, coming in at 1,185. In Weld County, the median sales price was $490,000 for Q1-2026, a 2% decrease year-over-year. The number of closed sales was down 1.5%, coming in at 1,207. In Boulder County, the median sales price was $722,000 for Q1-2026, a 0.8% year-over-year increase. The number of closed sales was up 2.3%, coming in at 849.
May 2026
Colorado #2 Most Financially Literate State
Colorado ranked #2 in WalletHub’s 2026 list of the Most Financially Literate States, earning high marks for smart money habits, education, and access to banking. The report noted that only 1.10% of Colorado households are unbanked—far lower than many other states—and that Colorado has the third-highest share of adults age 25+ with at least a bachelor’s degree. WalletHub also highlighted that Colorado requires personal finance education in schools, helping build strong financial skills from an early age. Click here to read the full article.
Larimer County Leads Region in Low Unemployment
Colorado’s labor market continues to show resilience, with Larimer County posting the lowest unemployment rate in the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado region, according to new data highlighted by BizWest. Larimer County recorded an unadjusted February jobless rate of 4.2%, edging out Broomfield County and Boulder County at 4.3%, while Weld County came in at 4.8%. The report signals continued economic strength in Northern Colorado, where steady hiring and a diverse business base are helping keep unemployment relatively low.
Best Places to Retire? Colorado Delivers.
A new ranking spotlighted Colorado as a standout destination for retirees, with four Front Range cities making the list of the best places to retire in the state. Centennial claimed the top spot, while Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins were also recognized for their mix of affordability, amenities, health care access, and outdoor lifestyle. The rankings highlight Colorado’s growing appeal for those seeking an active and scenic retirement. Click here to read the full article.
April 2026
Front Rangers: Name the Train!
Plans for the proposed Front Range Passenger Rail are continuing to take shape. The rail service, that would connect Pueblo to Fort Collins, is expected to launch as early as 2029 and offer a reliable, more enjoyable alternative to I-25 travel—giving riders the option to work, relax, or simply skip the stress of traffic. The project is advancing in phases with regional partners guiding development and approvals. Four potential names are in the running: Colorado Connector (“CoCo”), Colorado Ranger, Front Range Express Destinations (“FRED”), and RangeLink. Community members are invited to vote for their favorite and could win a seat on the inaugural ride, visit www.ridethefrontrange.com/namethetrain to cast your vote!
Weld County leads as Colorado’s fastest-growing large county
Weld County is a growth leader on Colorado’s Front Range, recently surpassing Larimer County in population and continuing to widen its lead over Boulder. Weld recently posted a year-over-year population growth of 1.92%, reaching 378,426 residents. That puts the county ahead of Larimer County, at 377,292 residents, for the first time and further ahead of Boulder County, at 328,560. Weld’s growth rate also exceeded that of Douglas County, long one of the state’s fastest-growing, at about 1.6%, and well above Colorado’s overall growth rate of 0.4%. This surge is driven by relative affordability, abundant new housing, and a diversifying economy expanding beyond agriculture and energy into sectors like aerospace, life sciences, and technology. Expanding communities such as Greeley, Severance, Windsor, and southern Weld towns are attracting both residents and businesses.
Northern Colorado lands four in Top 10 State GDP
Northern Colorado continues to prove it’s a major force in the state’s economy, with four counties—Boulder, Weld, Larimer and Broomfield—all ranking among the Top 10 for 2024 real GDP. While Denver remains Colorado’s largest economic engine by a wide margin, the presence of multiple Northern Colorado counties in the Top 10 highlights the region’s influence along the Front Range. Boulder County leads the Northern Colorado group, followed closely by Weld, Larimer and Broomfield—each contributing to a diverse and resilient regional economy. Weld County, in particular, continues to gain momentum, with recent reporting noting its strong economic growth rate among Colorado counties in 2024.
