Northern Colorado Workforce Analysis

This Northern Colorado Labor Market Profile was developed to provide a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of workforce dynamics in the Larimer and Weld County region.

Purpose of the Labor Market Profile

The primary objective of this quantitative study, conducted by TIP Strategies, Inc. , was to compile and integrate detailed findings from an extensive workforce data analysis. This work establishes a clear picture of the region's current talent supply, talent demand, and baseline economic characteristics.

By documenting the key findings of the Northern Colorado labor market, this profile is designed to help communities effectively develop talent, strengthen career pathways, and meet industry-long-term workforce needs.

  • Informing Strategy: To provide context and evidence for the design of a forthcoming regional talent strategy led by the NoCo Works workforce development coalition.
  • Guiding Investment: To support the identification of workforce development priorities and guide decision-making about future investments in training and skills development.
  • Promoting Growth: To offer stakeholders tools, such as the Job Quality and Access (JQA) analysis, that provide a better understanding of job quality and accessibility to promote growth and opportunity across all sectors.

Project Partners and Authors

This Northern Colorado Labor Market Profile was prepared by TIP Strategies, Inc., and the underlying workforce data analysis was commissioned by the Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development, City of Fort Collins Economic Health, and The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce.

About the Northern Colorado Labor Market Profile

  • What was done: Analyzed key employment data, combining official government statistics with information from thousands of online job postings. This shows us what employers are hiring for right now.
  • Why it matters: This report helps local leaders and partners identify the biggest workforce needs in Northern Colorado. It provides the essential information needed to build a shared regional strategy for training and jobs.

Interactive Dashboards: Explore Northern Colorado's Job Market Data 

Want to know what jobs are in demand, who's hiring, and where our workers live? Our new, easy-to-use Tableau dashboards make it simple!

Northern Colorado Workforce Analysis Dashboard

The dashboard covers three key areas:

  • Northern Colorado Baseline: The foundation of our region's workforce.
  • Talent Supply: Where our talent comes from and what they're trained in.
  • Talent Demand: The in-depth look at employer needs and skills in demand.

Job Quality and Access Dashboard

Detailed insights on job quality and accessibility in Northern Colorado!

  • Job Quality - Does the job offer good pay, solid benefits, and career stability?
  • Job Access -  Is the job accessible to everyone, regardless of background?

Use this data to identify high-potential careers and to inform workforce development strategies.

We invite you to explore the data now and find the insights that matter most to you!  You can find the interactive dashboards below. 
Northern CO Labor Market Profile (11.56 MB)

Have a Specific Data Request? Our Business & Economic Development Team can help! Complete this form for customized data to support your business needs.

Labor Market Data Request

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Our local institutions, Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, University of Northern Colorado, and Aims Community College, are vital! They produced over 17,500 program completions in 2023 , aligning many programs with the needs of high-demand sectors like Business Administration and Computer & Information Sciences.

Chart showing Completion of Education Credentials

 

Explore the full picture of the Northern Colorado labor market, including program completions by award level and institution, on page 15 of the report.

Northern CO Labor Market Profile (11.56 MB)

Northern Colorado is booming! Since 2010, Larimer and Weld Counties have added over 170,000 residents combined. making it an exciting place for families and businesses! 

You can explore the full demographic data for the region!

Regional Demographic Data

Northern Colorado demographic chart showing population increasing

 

 

Did you know the three largest employment sectors in Northern Colorado are Healthcare, Education, and Retail Trade? Each employs upwards of 30,000 regional workers!

Top Industry Employers by Number of Jobs

View the other top industry sectors in Northern Colorado, Fort Collins & Greeley for 2024 and all the way back to 2001! 

Top Industry Sectors 

Fort Collins is a net importer of labor, with almost 50,000 daily workers commuting into the city, which is nearly 60% of all city jobs! It’s the region's hub for Professional Services, Education, and Tech. 

Chart showing nearly 60,000 people commute to Fort Collins regionally

Explore other commuting data for Fort Collins and Greeley.

Commuting Patterns