by North Forty News Staff | NorthFortyNews.com
New survey reveals Greeley, Pueblo, and Durango as key indicators of economic trends across the state
Northern Colorado — A recent nationwide survey of over 3,000 business leaders has identified Greeley as one of Colorado’s top three “signal cities”—places that feel the first tremors of economic change before the rest of the state. Conducted by MarketBeat, a financial media company, the study positions Greeley alongside Pueblo and Durango as bellwethers for statewide economic shifts.
The findings suggest that, just as swing states help forecast political outcomes, these towns offer a snapshot of what’s to come economically, particularly in areas such as employment, inflation, and consumer spending.
Greeley: A Bellwether for Northern Colorado and the Front Range
Ranked third in the state, Greeley’s economy is closely tied to agriculture, oil and gas, and food production. Its rapid response to changes in global energy prices, feedlot activity, and labor availability often serves as a leading indicator for broader shifts in the Colorado Front Range.
Business leaders surveyed cited Greeley’s working-class demographics and growing suburban communities as a lens into how younger families are coping with inflation. In Northern Colorado, this may offer a preview of rural financial strain and suburban pressure before it hits larger cities like Fort Collins and Loveland.
Pueblo and Durango Also Signal Early Trends
Pueblo topped the list, offering a frontline look at blue-collar economic shifts in steel, utilities, and manufacturing. Durango followed, representing Colorado’s tourism and housing-driven economies, where second-home sales and visitor patterns often precede changes in other mountain towns.
What Locals Notice First
The survey also highlighted how Coloradans interpret early warning signs:
- 46% of respondents said major employer layoffs are their top red flag.
- 40% would cut back on dining out and entertainment first if money got tight.
- 34% observe early economic trouble through storefront turnover and business closures.
Interestingly, most respondents said they rely more on community behavior than real estate data or government signals to judge the economy’s direction.
A Tool for Economists—and Communities
“These signal cities offer something rare: real-time glimpses into how economic shifts take root and ripple,” said Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat. “They’re not just towns on a map—they’re early indicators of emerging trends.”
To explore the full national dataset and interactive map, visit: MarketBeat’s Signal Cities Map