Is Longmont Safe, Pros and cons of living in Longmont

Longmont, Colorado, offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and community spirit, nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. This vibrant city provides a high quality of life, attracting residents with its diverse economy and access to outdoor recreation. As you consider a move to this thriving area, understanding its various facets, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and educational systems, is essential for making an informed decision.

The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong community engagement, making it an appealing place for families and individuals alike. Longmont’s strategic location, with proximity to Denver and Boulder, further enhances its appeal, offering residents the best of both suburban living and urban accessibility.

Is it Safe to Live in Longmont?

Longmont is generally considered a safe city, earning an overall crime safety grade of A- (as of April 2026). The city’s overall crime rate is estimated to be 45% below the national average, a statistic that favorably compares to the state of Colorado, where crime rates are 14% above the national average. Residents have approximately a 1 in 512 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 82 chance of being a victim of property crime annually.

While the city as a whole is safe, crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some areas, like Meadow Vale, receive an A+ safety grade, while others, such as Southeast Longmont, are rated A-. The estimated violent crime rate in Longmont is 195.2 per 100,000 residents, which is 49% lower than the national average. Property crime rates are also below the national average, with a rate of 1,216.6 per 100,000 residents, 34% lower than the national average.

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Longmont presents a competitive landscape, with the average home value standing at $556,720 as of March 31, 2026. This figure represents a 3.1% decrease over the past year. Homes in Longmont tend to go pending in approximately 45 days.

For those considering renting, the average rent in Longmont was $1,856 as of April 30, 2026. This is slightly below the national average rent of $1,910. Rent prices can fluctuate, with a month-over-month change of 1.6% and a year-over-year change of -1.1% as of March 31, 2026. The rental market offers a range of prices, with available rentals falling between $825 and $8,000.

Economic Landscape and Job Market

Longmont’s economy is robust, employing approximately 54,300 individuals as of 2024. The leading industries in the city are manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical services, and retail trade. These sectors, along with utilities, offer some of the highest paying opportunities, with average salaries in professional, scientific, and technical services reaching $94,505 annually.

Employment in Longmont has seen growth, with a 1.45% increase from 2023 to 2024. The most common job groups include management occupations, office and administrative support, and sales and related occupations. The average annual salary in Longmont is approximately $56,000, or $26.92 per hour, as of September 2023. However, other sources indicate a higher average annual pay of $69,473 as of May 1, 2026.

Major Employers in Longmont

Several key employers contribute to Longmont’s diverse job market. St. Vrain Valley Schools is a significant employer, with over 5,800 employees. The City of Longmont also provides substantial employment opportunities, with approximately 1,300 staff members. In the healthcare sector, UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital is a major employer with over 1,050 staff.

Technology and manufacturing sectors are also well-represented, with Seagate Technology employing around 800 individuals. The J.M. Smucker Company, known for its food production, employs over 600 people. Other notable employers include McLane Western, a grocery distribution center with 470 employees, and Intrado, which provides 911 database and mapping services, employing 434 individuals.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Longmont experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by distinct seasons and abundant sunshine, with over 300 sunny days annually. Summers are warm and dry, with average high temperatures in the upper 80s°F, while winters are cool and often snowy. The average daily high temperature throughout the year typically ranges from 18°F to 90°F, rarely falling below 2°F or exceeding 99°F.

The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 58°F. Conversely, December is the coldest month, with average lows of 19°F and highs of 45°F. Rainfall is most prominent in May, with an average of 1.9 inches, while December sees the least rain with about 0.1 inches. Snowfall is seasonal, with December receiving the most snow, averaging 2.6 inches.

Educational Opportunities

Longmont is served by the St. Vrain Valley School District, which has earned an overall Niche grade of A-. This district serves over 31,700 students across various grade levels, from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The student-teacher ratio within the district is approximately 16 to 1.

State test scores indicate that about 41% of students are proficient in math and 57% in reading within the district. Longmont High School, a public school within the district, has a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1 and serves 1,254 students in grades 9-12. According to state test scores, 35% of its students are proficient in math and 61% in reading.

Demographics and Diversity

Longmont’s population is approximately 99,406, with a slight increase of 0.93% since the 2020 Census. The city’s demographic makeup is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group at 66.7%. Hispanic residents constitute 24.0% of the population, followed by Multiracial individuals at 4.7%, and Asian residents at 3.3%.

The foreign-born population in Longmont is about 10.1%, which is comparable to the national average. As of 2024, 95.3% of Longmont residents are U.S. citizens, a rate that is higher than the national average of 93.2%. The median age in Longmont is 40.3 years.