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Berthoud

city

Berthoud, Colorado, is a statutory town situated in both Larimer and Weld counties, along the Front Range Urban Corridor. Located north of the Little Thompson River, it's approximately 21 miles south of Fort Collins and 43 miles north of Denver. Known as the "Garden Spot of Colorado," Berthoud offers a blend of small-town charm and access to outdoor recreation. Berthoud's economy is diversifying from its agricultural roots into sectors like manufacturing, aerospace, and technology. Key industries include manufacturing, construction, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The town benefits from its location along U.S. Highway 287 and proximity to a skilled workforce. Berthoud's history is tied to the Colorado Central Railroad, and it was named after surveyor Edward L. Berthoud. The town maintains a historic downtown area with preserved buildings, local shops, and restaurants. With its location near the Rocky Mountains, Berthoud provides residents with access to outdoor activities and scenic views.

Berthoud, Colorado

Overview
Classification
Statutory Town
FIPS Code
08-06255
Country
United States
County
Larimer and Weld
Geography
Region
Front Range Urban Corridor
Elevation
5,030 ft
Total Area
13.067 sq mi
Land Area
12.933 sq mi
Water Area
0.134 sq mi
Latitude
40.3083
Longitude
-105.0811
Climate
Cold semi-arid climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Notable Features
Little Thompson River · Rocky Mountains Foothills
Neighboring Areas
Loveland · Longmont · Fort Collins
Demographics
Population (2020)
10,332
Est. Population (2023)
11,684
Median Age
39
Median Income
$111,297
Poverty Rate
3.06%
Family Households
76.8%
Owner-Occupied
85.5%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
82.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 5.96% White (Hispanic), 2.99% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic).
Governance
Government Type
Mayor-Council
Governing Body
Board of Trustees
Body Size
7 members
School District
Thompson R2-J School District
Municipal Services
Police (contracted with Larimer County Sheriff's Office) · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Water Utilities
Economy
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
Employment Sectors
Retail Trade · Manufacturing · Construction
Major Employers
Thompson School District · BAE Systems Container Solutions, Inc. · Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District
Education
Schools
5
Graduation Rate
91% (Berthoud High School)
School Districts
Thompson R2-J School District
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Highway 287 · Rail service
Utilities
Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Berthoud Recreation Center · None found
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Carter Lake · Berthoud Reservoir · Fickel Park
Parks & Trails
Fickel Park · Berthoud Reservoir Walking Path
History
Founded
1860s
Incorporated
1888
Named After
Edward L. Berthoud
Historical Significance
Important agricultural and railroad hub in Northern Colorado.
Key Events
Early settlement after Colorado Gold Rush · Establishment of railroad depot · Relocation of the town in 1883-84