Analysis of Performance
NOTE: Unemployment data is sourced from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. That data source does not release March 2026 data until May 19, 2026 which falls after this reporting deadline. Q1 2026 Unemployment data will be updated in accordance with the Q2 2026 reporting deadline, pending timely data release.
Metric Definition
Local unemployment rate is the percentage of the total labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking employment and willing to work. This includes persons actively looking for work in the prior 4 weeks by contacting an employer directly, having a job interview, sending out resumes or filling out applications.
Why Is This Important?
The unemployment rate is a key top-line economic metric providing an overall understanding of economic activity in a community. This metric is commonly used as the primary indicator to measure the economic success and resiliency of a community.
City Organization Impact on Performance
Low – Although we have influence on local hiring activity, the City of Fort Collins does not control the local population change.
Benchmark Information
This metric contains state and national benchmark data to place Fort Collins' performance in context. While the City's target is 5% (which is generally considered full employment), these benchmarks allow identification of larger trends to analyze how statewide or national effects are impacting the City's performance.