Is Fort Morgan Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan, Colorado, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and agricultural heritage, situated on the Eastern Plains. This city, which serves as the county seat of Morgan County, is approximately 80 miles northeast of Denver. It has a population of around 11,605 residents, with a median age of 33.5 years (U.S. Census Bureau, Point2Homes). The community is characterized by its strong ties to agriculture and a growing diversity among its population.

The city’s economy is largely driven by agricultural industries, with major employers contributing significantly to the local job market. Fort Morgan also boasts a commitment to community development, with ongoing projects aimed at expanding retail spaces and enhancing city facilities. This forward-looking approach, combined with its established agricultural base, shapes the overall living experience in Fort Morgan.

Is it Safe to Live in Fort Morgan?

Fort Morgan’s overall crime rate is reported to be 7% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This means that on average, there are about 0.72 daily crimes, including a small number of violent incidents and a higher number of property crimes. While the city’s total crime rate has seen a year-over-year decrease, it’s important for residents to be aware of their surroundings.

When considering safety, it’s helpful to look at specific crime types. Fort Morgan has a violent crime rate that is lower than the national average (AreaVibes). However, property crime rates are higher than the national average (AreaVibes). Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to central neighborhoods (CrimeGrade.org).

Violent Crime Statistics

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Fort Morgan is approximately 1 in 359, which translates to about 3 per 1,000 inhabitants (NeighborhoodScout). This rate is lower than the state average within Colorado (NeighborhoodScout). Violent crimes include incidents such as aggravated assault, robbery, and rape.

In a typical year, Fort Morgan reports a low number of homicides (CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate may be higher than the national average, the violent crime component is relatively managed. Awareness and community engagement can further contribute to maintaining and improving safety within the city.

Property Crime Trends

Fort Morgan experiences a property crime rate that is higher than the national average (NeighborhoodScout, AreaVibes). This category includes offenses like burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. The likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime is around 19 per 1,000 population (NeighborhoodScout).

Compared to other cities of similar size, Fort Morgan’s property crime rate is above average (NeighborhoodScout). Year-over-year trends show a decline in property crime, indicating a potential positive shift. Residents are advised to take standard precautions to protect their property.

Housing and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Fort Morgan is generally more affordable than the national average and the average city in Colorado (ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, food, and transportation.

Housing costs in Fort Morgan are also more affordable than the U.S. average (ERI Economic Research Institute). The median home value in Fort Morgan is approximately $313,400 (Niche), with a median listing price of $353,500 (Realtor.com). The median monthly rent is around $1,067 (Point2Homes), making it a feasible option for renters as well.

Home Prices and Values

The median home value in Fort Morgan has seen an increase, standing at approximately $338,600 in 2024 (Data USA). This represents a 13.1% increase from the previous year (Data USA). The homeownership rate in Fort Morgan is 67.3%, which is higher than the national average (Data USA).

For those looking to buy, the median listing price provides a good entry point into the local market (Realtor.com). The price per square foot is around $179, offering a comparative measure for buyers (Realtor.com).

Rental Market Insights

For renters, Fort Morgan offers a range of options with a median monthly rent of $1,067 (Point2Homes). The average rent across all property types is approximately $1,200 per month (Zillow). Rental prices can vary, generally ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the specific rental and its features (Trulia).

The rental market currently has a limited number of listings, suggesting a lean supply relative to demand (Realtor.com). This can influence rental prices and availability for prospective tenants.

Job Market and Economy

Fort Morgan’s economy is significantly influenced by its agricultural roots, with major companies in food processing and related industries being key players. The city is home to a Cargill meatpacking plant, which employs around 2,000 people, and a Leprino Foods cheese factory, employing approximately 350 workers (Colorado Encyclopedia). These major employers are crucial to the local job market.

The unemployment rate in Fort Morgan is around 4.3% (Niche). The employment rate for the city is currently 95.69% (BestNeighborhood.org). The most common job sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (Data USA).

Major Employers and Industries

Key industries in Fort Morgan include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Health Care & Social Assistance (Data USA). Cargill and Leprino Foods are notable employers, contributing significantly to the local economy. Western Sugar Cooperative and Dairy Farmers of America also play vital roles in the agricultural sector (Fort Morgan, CO). These companies provide a substantial number of job opportunities within the community.

Beyond these large corporations, the city also has a diverse range of businesses, offering various employment options. The municipal ownership of utilities also creates additional employment opportunities, providing stable jobs with competitive benefits (Fort Morgan, CO).

Salary and Wage Information

The average annual salary in Fort Morgan, CO, is approximately $54,068 per year, or $25.99 per hour (ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $48.1K per year (ZipRecruiter). The median household income reported by the U.S. Census Bureau was $64,158 in 2024 (Point2Homes).

Salaries can vary significantly based on job title, experience, and industry. Top earners can make upwards of $69,494 annually (ZipRecruiter). The minimum wage rate in Fort Morgan is $12.32 per hour, which is higher than the federal minimum wage (Zippia).

Climate and Weather

Fort Morgan experiences distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. Summers are typically hot and mostly clear, while winters are cold, snowy, and partly cloudy (World Climate).

Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 17°F to 91°F, rarely dropping below 1°F or exceeding 100°F (World Climate). The average annual precipitation is about 15 inches, with around 25 inches of snowfall (Livability.com).

Temperature Averages

The hot season in Fort Morgan lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures above 81°F (World Weather). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 91°F and lows of 61°F (World Weather).

Conversely, the cold season extends from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 51°F (World Weather). December is the coldest month, typically seeing average lows of 19°F and highs of 43°F (World Weather).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Fort Morgan experiences significant seasonal changes in rainfall. The period from late March to late October is considered the rainy season, with May being the wettest month, receiving an average of 2.0 inches of rain (World Weather). The drier season spans from September to early April, with January receiving the least precipitation (World Weather).

The city’s annual precipitation averages around 15 inches (Livability.com). Snowfall is also a factor, with an average of 25 inches annually, primarily occurring between October and April (Livability.com).

Education and Schools

Fort Morgan is served by the Morgan County School District RE-3, which oversees several public schools. The district educates a substantial number of students, with 97% of K-12 students attending public schools (Niche).

While the district serves a diverse student population, academic proficiency rates in math and reading are below the state average. Math proficiency is around 17%, and reading proficiency is about 27% (Niche).

Public School Performance

Public schools in Fort Morgan have an average ranking that places them in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools (Niche). Fort Morgan High School has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and a graduation rate of 88% (Homes.com). However, state test scores indicate low proficiency in both math and reading for many students.

Schools like Lincoln High School, Baker Elementary School, and Green Acres Elementary School are among the top-ranked within the city (Niche). Despite these rankings, the overall academic performance metrics suggest areas for improvement within the district.

Higher Education Opportunities

For higher education, Morgan Community College (MCC) has its main campus in Fort Morgan (Colorado Encyclopedia). MCC has been recognized for its quality, having been ranked as the best community college in Colorado in 2016 and the best trade school in the state in 2022 (Colorado Encyclopedia).

The Colorado Biblical University also has a center in Fort Morgan. These institutions provide accessible educational opportunities for residents seeking to further their studies or acquire new skills.

Demographics and Population

Fort Morgan is home to approximately 11,605 residents, with a median age of 33.5 years (U.S. Census Bureau, Point2Homes). The population is relatively balanced in terms of gender, with slightly more males than females (Point2Homes).

The city’s demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant Hispanic or Latino population. In terms of race, Caucasian individuals form a substantial portion, alongside other racial groups and those identifying with two or more races (Wikipedia).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

In Fort Morgan, a notable portion of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino (Wikipedia). The racial breakdown includes Caucasian, African American, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander residents, as well as individuals of two or more races (Wikipedia). This diversity contributes to the cultural fabric of the city.

Approximately 82.9% of Fort Morgan’s residents are U.S.-born citizens, with a smaller percentage being naturalized citizens (Point2Homes). The presence of individuals born outside the country adds to the city’s multicultural identity.

Age and Household Structure

The median age in Fort Morgan is 33.5 years (Point2Homes). The population distribution shows a significant percentage of children under 15, followed by adults in the 25-44 age group (Point2Homes). A considerable segment of the population is also aged 65 or older.

The city has approximately 4,184 households, with an average of 3 members per household (Point2Homes). The majority of these households are families, while a portion consists of individuals living alone or with non-relatives.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Morgan

Fort Morgan offers a lower cost of living compared to many other areas in Colorado and the nation, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The city’s economy, driven by agriculture and related industries, provides a stable job market with major employers like Cargill and Leprino Foods.

However, the city faces challenges, including a higher-than-average crime rate, particularly in property crimes. School performance metrics also indicate areas where improvement is needed. Despite these drawbacks, the community’s strong agricultural ties and ongoing development efforts present a unique living experience.

Advantages of Fort Morgan

One of the primary advantages of living in Fort Morgan is its affordability. Housing costs, food expenses, and transportation are all generally lower than the national average (ERI Economic Research Institute). This economic advantage allows residents to stretch their budgets further.

The city’s economy is robust, supported by major agricultural businesses that provide consistent employment opportunities (Colorado Encyclopedia). Furthermore, the city’s focus on municipal utilities ensures reliable services and potentially lower rates for residents (Fort Morgan, CO).

Disadvantages of Fort Morgan

A significant concern for potential residents is the crime rate, which is higher than the national average, especially for property crimes (AreaVibes). While violent crime rates are lower, the overall safety perception may be a deterrent for some.

The educational system in Fort Morgan faces challenges, with lower-than-average proficiency rates in math and reading (Niche). This could be a factor for families prioritizing academic performance in their choice of residence.