Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Shreveport, LA
Relocating 1016 mi from Fort Collins to Shreveport is a 18h 30m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1016 mi · 18h 30m by car · LA → TX → OK → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → TX → OK → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 20, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | Tyler, Mesquite, Dallas, Garland, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Expect about 16.2% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Shreveport at 84.766 vs Fort Collins at 101.128.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 16.2% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $563,815 to $135,092 moving to Shreveport.
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Collins | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 51.4" |
Expect 15.9°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Shreveport gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to fall 16.2% — $83,598 → $48,465 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Shreveport MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,700 | $36,480 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,310 | $29,300 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 16,190 | $22,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,220 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 15,190 | $69,280 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Louisiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Louisiana's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Shreveport average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Shreveport averages 51.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.9°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — stock a basic emergency kit during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Louisiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Fort Collins and Shreveport?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Shreveport vs 50.7°F in Fort Collins (15.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 51.4 in. Annual precipitation: 51.4 in vs 15.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $563,815 in Fort Collins — a 76.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 16.2% lower than Fort Collins (84.766 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 1016 mi and the route typically takes 18h 30m via US 287 and I 20. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $83,598 in Fort Collins — a 42.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1016 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO · Shreveport, LA.