Healthy Kids Colorado Survey Shows Continued Progress in Larimer County Youth Well-Being

Results from the 2025 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey show that Larimer County youth continue to report strong feelings of safety, growing connections to school and caring adults, and improvements in several important health indicators. The findings also highlight opportunities to continue supporting the mental health and well-being of all young people, particularly students who continue to experience disproportionate challenges.

The survey included responses from 8,429 high school students across Larimer County, an increase from 6,047 responses in 2023, providing the county's most comprehensive picture yet of youth health and well-being.

"This year's results tell an encouraging story," said Tom Gonzales, Public Health Director for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. "Young people are reporting stronger connections to their schools and caring adults, better stress management, and declines in several health risks. Those improvements reflect years of dedication from schools, families, healthcare providers, youth-serving organizations, and community partners working together to support our students."

Among the encouraging findings:

• Nearly all high school students report feeling safe at school (95%) and in their neighborhoods (97%).
• School belonging has steadily increased, with 77% of high school students reporting they feel they belong at school.
• Eighty-eight percent of high school students say they can ask a parent or guardian for help with a personal problem.
• Sixty-seven percent report their stress is manageable, higher than the statewide average.
• The percentage of high school students seriously considering suicide has declined substantially since 2021.
• Lifetime vaping and prescription pain medication misuse have both decreased significantly over the past several years.

"Mental Health & Belonging has been a priority in Poudre School District for more than four years, and I am incredibly proud of the work our district is doing on behalf of kids. There is a great deal to celebrate, and when I have the opportunity to look closely at our data, I can see that this work is making a real difference for our students,” said Brian Kingsley, Poudre School District Superintendent. 

While the overall trends are encouraging, the survey also identifies areas where continued collaboration is needed. LGBTQ+ students continue to experience poorer mental health outcomes than their peers, youth of color continue to face disparities in early nicotine use, and nearly one in four students reports potential access to an unsecured loaded firearm.

Thompson School District Superintendent Dr. Bret Heller said, “When we understand the real challenges, risks, and trends our young people navigate every day, we are far better equipped to support them. Our participation in the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey isn’t just about gathering data, it’s about turning local insights into meaningful, proactive support for our students. We deeply value our ongoing partnership with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment and neighboring districts. By working together systemically, we can ensure every child in our region has the resources, safety, and care they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.”

Larimer County school districts, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, healthcare organizations, behavioral health providers, nonprofit organizations, and many other community partners continue working together to expand mental health supports, strengthen protective factors, prevent substance use, and create safe, welcoming environments where young people can succeed.

The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey is administered every two years and provides local communities with valuable information about youth health behaviors, protective factors, and emerging trends. The findings help schools, public health agencies, and community organizations make informed decisions about programs and resources that support youth well-being. The survey is designed to identify both the strengths that help young people thrive and the challenges that communities can address together. By tracking trends over time, it provides a roadmap for schools, families, healthcare providers, local governments, and community organizations to celebrate progress and focus collective efforts where they are needed most.

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