The risk of a housing price decline in the Fort Collins-Loveland markets is just 10.4 percent, according to the latest PMI U.S. Market Risk Index. The report, which ranks384 metropolitan markets across the country, says Fort Collins-Loveland is the safest market among Colorado cities, and therefore has the best opportunity for housing price gains in the state. The next safest market in Colorado is Boulder, which registered a 21.4 percent risk of price decline.

Another way to interpret the PMI report - Fort Collins-Loveland homes have an 89.6 percent chance of holding steady or increasing in price.

The PMI score, which is recalculated every quarter, projects risk for a two-year period. The risk for the Fort Collins-Loveland market declined significantly in the fourth quarter, down from reaching 20.4 percent in the third quarter. Nationally, Fort Collins-Loveland ranked 54th safest out of 384. The average risk for depreciation is 53 percent across the country.

Price risk is generally improving across the country. Out of 384 metro areas surveyed, risk declined in 356. And the number of metro areas in the highest-risk category (90 percent or higher) decreased by 26.4 percent. The number of metros in the lowest-risk category (10 percent or less) increased by 79 percent. Seven of the 10 highest-risk cities are located in south Florida.

The Group Real Estate Insider. Report: Fort Collins-Loveland homes a better bet for price gains. Volume 34, No. 6.