Loveland, Colorado
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| Loveland, Colorado | |
|---|---|
| Name | Loveland |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Sweetheart City |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Colorado |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Larimer |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1877 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | April 30, 1881 |
| Government type | Home rule municipality |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Jacki Marsh |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 92.11 |
| Area total sq mi | 35.56 |
| Area land km2 | 89.00 |
| Area land sq mi | 34.36 |
| Area water km2 | 3.11 |
| Area water sq mi | 1.20 |
| Elevation m | 1519 |
| Elevation ft | 4984 |
| Population total | 76078 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Mountain (MST) |
| Utc offset | -7 |
| Timezone DST | MDT |
| Utc offset DST | -6 |
| Coordinates | 40, 24, 18, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP codes |
| Postal code | 80537-80538 |
| Area code | 970 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 08-46465 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0204705 |
| Website | https://www.lovgov.org/ |
Loveland, Colorado. Loveland is a Home rule municipality in Larimer County, situated approximately 46 miles north of Denver along the Front Range Urban Corridor. Known as "The Sweetheart City," it is celebrated for its extensive public art program and its annual Valentine's Day remailing program. The city lies at the western edge of the Great Plains, with the Rocky Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop to the west.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Arapaho and Cheyenne peoples before European-American settlement. The city was founded in 1877 by the Colorado Central Railroad, named for its president, William A.H. Loveland. Early development was driven by agriculture, particularly sugar beet farming, and the establishment of the Great Western Sugar Company factory. The city was officially incorporated in 1881, and its growth was further spurred by the construction of the Big Thompson Project, which provided crucial irrigation water from the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. Significant 20th-century events include the establishment of the Loveland Army Air Field during World War II, which later became the Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.56 square miles, of which 34.36 square miles is land. It is located in north-central Colorado, bordered by the City of Fort Collins to the north and the Town of Berthoud to the south. The Big Thompson River flows through the city from the west, originating in Rocky Mountain National Park. The geography transitions from high plains to foothills, with notable landmarks including Boyd Lake State Park to the east and the Devil's Backbone Open Space to the west. The climate is classified as semi-arid, with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 76,078, making it the 12th most populous city in Colorado. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with growing Hispanic and Asian communities. The median household income is above the state average, and a significant portion of the adult population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. Major ancestry groups include those of German, Irish, and English descent. The city is part of the Loveland, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Economy
The economy is diverse, with major employers in advanced manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. Key companies include Hewlett-Packard, Woodward, Inc., and Madwire, a digital marketing firm. The Loveland Medical Center and McKee Medical Center are significant healthcare providers. The city is a hub for craft brewing, with operations like Grimm Brothers Brewhouse and Verboten Brewing. Tourism is bolstered by events like the Loveland Valentine's Day Remailing Program, the Loveland Sculpture in the Park show, and outdoor recreation at Boyd Lake State Park and the Mariana Butte Golf Course.
Arts and culture
Loveland is internationally recognized for its commitment to public art, maintaining one of the most extensive municipal collections in the United States. The city is home to the Loveland Museum/Gallery and the annual Sculpture in the Park show, one of the largest of its kind in the nation. The Loveland Opera Theatre and the Loveland Choral Society provide performing arts. The "Sweetheart City" nickname is reinforced by the Valentine's Day remailing program, which operates from the Loveland Post Office and attracts mail from around the world for a special cachet and postmark.
Government
The city operates under a home rule charter with a Council–manager government system. Legislative power is vested in an elected seven-member City Council, including the mayor. The current mayor is Jacki Marsh. Day-to-day administration is handled by an appointed City Manager. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including its own Police Department and Loveland Fire Rescue Authority. It is part of Colorado's 2nd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Joe Neguse, and in the Colorado General Assembly by members of the Senate and House.
Category:Cities in Colorado Category:Larimer County, Colorado Category:Populated places established in 1877