Wellington

Poudre School District at Larimer County's most affordable price

Population
~12,100
County
Larimer County
From Downtown
~70 mi N via I-25
Median Home
$460K–$471K

Wellington's median home price of $460K–$471K as of 2026 is the most affordable entry point in Larimer County — and the lowest-cost path into the Poudre School District (A−, #8 in Colorado), the same top-tier district that serves Fort Collins. Fort Collins is 15 minutes south via I-25 for shopping, dining, and employment; Denver is 65–80 minutes off-peak — a commute that rules out daily downtown trips for most residents. With entry-level homes starting in the low $400Ks and 35% population growth over five years, Wellington is Northern Colorado's clearest value proposition for buyers who want A-rated schools without Fort Collins prices.

Community Summary

Coming Soon

Community Snapshot

At a Glance

Median Income
$85,000
Cost of Living
~5% above national average
Sunny Days/yr
~295
Elevation
5,200 ft
Annual Snow
50 inches
Air Quality
Good
Walk Score20
Bike Score25
TrailsBoxelder Creek trails
Parks & Outdoors
Centennial Parkcommunity hub, pool, sports fields
Boxelder Creek trails
Meadow Springs Ranchopen space
Future regional park planned
Housing Market

Market Snapshot

Year-over-Year
Days on Market
HOA Prevalence
Typical HOA Fee
Sale to List Price
Inventory
Months Supply
Sales Volume
3-Mo Trend
Jessica Car, licensed Realtor and lender
Jessica Car
Local Realtor & Lender
Talk To A Local Pro
Life Here

Lifestyle & Culture

Dining

<10 restaurants
Notable
  • Local cafes and restaurants in Old Town

Arts & Culture

Fort Collins arts/culture access (15 min)
Events
  • Wellington Holiday Lighting
  • Hay Days
  • Touch-a-Truck

Pets

Dog Parks
Dog parks in developments
Trails
Open space and rural acreage options
Vets
1 clinic
Education

Schools & Childcare

A-
Poudre School District
#8 Best School District in Colorado
  • Wellington Middle-High School
  • Eyestone Elementary
  • Rice Elementary
  • Same top-tier PSD as Fort Collins
Early Childhood
Daycare Centers
3–5 (limited)
Avg Monthly Cost
$1,000–$1,300
Getting Around

Commute & Transit

Downtown Denver
65–80 min
Rush hour: 85–110 min
I-25
Fort Collins
15 min
I-25 direct
Cheyenne, WY
40 min
I-25 north
DIA
85–100 min
No transit serviceCar-dependent. Closest Bustang in Fort Collins.

Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Wellington.

Common Questions

FAQ — Wellington

What are the school ratings in Wellington?

Wellington feeds into the Poudre School District, rated A- by Niche and ranked #8 Best School District in Colorado — the same top-tier district as Fort Collins. Wellington Middle-High School, Eyestone Elementary, and Rice Elementary serve local students with a smaller-school community feel. Always verify enrollment eligibility by address, as district boundaries can be complex.

What is the commute from Wellington to Denver?

The off-peak drive to Downtown Denver is 65–80 minutes via I-25, extending to 85–110 minutes during rush hour. DIA is 85–100 minutes away. Fort Collins is just 15 minutes south via I-25 direct. Cheyenne, Wyoming is 40 minutes north via I-25. There is no transit service in Wellington; the closest Bustang stop is in Fort Collins.

What is the median home price in Wellington?

The median home price in Wellington ranges from $460K to $471K as of 2026 (Redfin ~$460K, Zillow ZHVI ~$471K) — the most affordable entry point in Larimer County. Year-over-year prices have increased 2–4%, with homes averaging 35–50 days on market. HOA fees of $100–$200/mo plus metro district fees of $100–$250/mo apply in newer areas. Entry-level homes start in the low $400Ks.

What outdoor recreation is available in Wellington?

Centennial Park is the community hub with a pool and sports fields. Boxelder Creek trails offer walking and wildlife viewing. Meadow Springs Ranch provides open space access. A future regional park is planned to support the growing population. Wellington sits at 5,200 ft elevation — the highest in the Northern Colorado region.

What are the crime statistics in Wellington?

Wellington reports minimal violent crime incidents, per Larimer County Sheriff data. The year-over-year crime trend is stable at low levels. Crime statistics for small communities can fluctuate year to year due to low population.

What is the cost of living in Wellington?

The cost of living in Wellington is approximately 5% above the national average, making it the most affordable Larimer County entry point. The property tax rate is ~0.50–0.55%, and the combined sales tax rate is 7.4%. Colorado’s state income tax is a flat 4.4%. The median household income is $85,000.

What healthcare facilities are near Wellington?

Fort Collins hospitals are 15 minutes away, including UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital (Level II trauma, 278 beds). In-town urgent care is limited currently. Residents rely on the Fort Collins medical corridor for most healthcare needs, which is a short drive south on I-25.