Nearly eight in 10 participants in the 2026 Loveland National Community Survey rated Loveland as a good or excellent place to live, and a similar number said they would recommend the community to others, according to survey results shared at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
The Loveland National Community Survey is offered every other year to collect valuable feedback on what is working well and what is not, allowing the city to identify priorities for community planning. This year, 1,723 residents participated in the survey between June 2 and July 28.
Highlights of this year’s survey include:
- Safety perceptions earned high marks across the board. Overall feelings of safety jumped from 66 percent in 2024 to 78 percent in 2026. The percentage of survey participants who said they feel safe from property crime increased by 12 percentage points from 2024 to 2026, the percentage of participants who said they feel safe from violent crime increased by 9 percentage points from 2024 to 2026, and 94 percent of participants in the 2026 survey said they feel safe in their neighborhood during the day.
- Loveland’s natural environment and recreational amenities continue to shine. Nearly 80 percent of residents praised the quality of the natural environment and parks in Loveland. Ratings for cleanliness and air quality increased in 2026 compared to 2024, and walking paths and trails earned strong approval.
- Numerous city services earned approval ratings at or above 80 percent. City recycling and yard waste pickup received especially strong ratings, both higher than the national benchmark. Garbage, sewer and power services earned approval ratings at or above 90 percent.
- Arts, culture and education stand out as community strengths. Four in five residents rated support for the arts positively, and opportunities to attend cultural events received high marks. Library services remain a valued resource for local families.
The survey also highlights areas for attention:
- Economic sentiment declined in 2026 compared to 2024, with lower ratings for employment opportunities, cost of living and downtown vibrancy. Residents expressed concerns about growth, affordable housing and preserving Loveland’s unique character.
- Some measures of community connection and inclusivity have declined. About a third of residents feel Loveland is successful in attracting and respecting people from diverse backgrounds, and fewer survey participants rated civic pride, openness, acceptance and neighborliness as “good” or “excellent” in the city in 2026 compared to 2024.
- Residents expressed concerns about some aspects of local governance. The percentage of survey takers who say they have confidence in Loveland government declined from 34 percent in 2024 to 28 percent in 2026. Fewer residents feel positive about the city’s direction, honesty, communication or acting in the community’s best interest.
When asked to select up to three priorities that the city should focus on the most over the next 5-10 years (out of 10 possible choices), the most popular options were:
- Becoming financially stable to maintain city service levels (60 percent)
- Increasing housing affordability and availability (46 percent)
- Supporting local businesses and economic growth (39 percent)
