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Is Fort Dodge a Good Place to Live? Fort Dodge, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fort Dodge ranks #999 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #179 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (84.1, #7 of 230) and low rents ($785/mo, #16 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (940 per 100,000, #142 of 146).
Fort Dodge by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fort Dodge's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge's cost of living index is 84.1, 16% below the US level of 100 and #24 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $785/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $132,254, 45% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Fort Dodge | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 84.1#24 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $132,254#18 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $835/mo#6 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $144,100#74 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $785/mo#19 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.5%#74 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Fort Dodge housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Fort Dodge is in the Fort Dodge, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Fort Dodge safe?
Fort Dodge recorded 940 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.9 times the US rate of 328 and 4 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #1034 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #142 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Dodge Police Department. Property crime runs 2,848 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fort Dodge | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 940#1034 of 1,085 | 234 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,848#926 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Fort Dodge?
The median household in Fort Dodge earns $60,649, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fort Dodge | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $60,649#1032 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 15.9%#919 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.3% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fort Dodge?
The median resident of Fort Dodge is 37.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1112 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fort Dodge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.6 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.7%#1112 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 64.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fort Dodge's schools and health?
Fort Dodge's 7 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $12,486 spent per pupil. 41.7% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Fort Dodge | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 16.5#685 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,486#881 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 41.7%#1199 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.6%#465 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,470 students are enrolled in Fort Dodge's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fort Dodge?
The average commute in Fort Dodge is 19 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.4% of workers take transit and 4.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fort Dodge scores 14.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.4°F and winters 20°F, with 35.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fort Dodge | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6.7%#800 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 80.2% | 76.6% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.4% | 3.1% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 4.4% | 9.9% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.9#46 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25.5 | 7.4 | 1 |
| Feb | 30.5 | 11.5 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 43.9 | 23.8 | 2 |
| Apr | 58.8 | 34.8 | 3.7 |
| May | 69.9 | 47.5 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 79.7 | 58.4 | 5.5 |
| Jul | 82.7 | 62 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 80.3 | 59.5 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 74.2 | 50.5 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 61.3 | 37.7 | 2.6 |
| Nov | 45.1 | 25.1 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 31.3 | 14.1 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Dodge 5nnw.
| Measure | Fort Dodge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 70.4°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 20°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 35.1 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Dodge 5nnw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fort Dodge?
Webster County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Webster County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Fort Dodge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#494 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Webster County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Webster County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.034% | 100% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0042% | 70% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 65% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0032% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Fort Dodge compare with similar-size cities?
Fort Dodge is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #179 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 24,827.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #999 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 | 19 min |
| Hastings, NEPop. 25,008 | #602 | 56.7 | $64,048 | $858/mo | 239 | 13.8 min |
| Ardmore, OKPop. 24,877 | #1224 | 44.0 | $53,900 | $1,006/mo | 1,050 | 16.8 min |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #275 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 | 18.9 min |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #1304 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #198 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 | 30 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 min |
| Gardner, KSPop. 24,526 | #192 | 64.8 | $96,818 | $1,306/mo | 185 | 22.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Fort Dodge compare with the rest of Iowa?
Fort Dodge ranks #18 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 50.1 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 20% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 45% below the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Fort Dodge's score calculated?
Fort Dodge scores 50.1 out of 100, #999 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Fort Dodge. Similar-size median 41.9.
47.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fort Dodge's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
26.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fort Dodge. Similar-size median 56.5.
42.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fort Dodge's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
51.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fort Dodge's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
91.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fort Dodge. Similar-size median 50.8.
37.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fort Dodge. Similar-size median 35.2.
41.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fort Dodge. Similar-size median 48.3.
42.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fort Dodge's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
73.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
57.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fort Dodge's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fort Dodge has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Fort Dodge
Is Fort Dodge, IA a good place to live?
Fort Dodge ranks #999 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #179 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (84.1, #7 of 230) and low rents ($785/mo, #16 of 231), and trails on high violent crime (940 per 100,000, #142 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge's cost of living index is 84.1, 16% below the US level of 100 and #24 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $785/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $132,254, 45% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge recorded 940 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.9 times the US rate of 328 and 4 times Iowa's 234. That ranks #1034 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #142 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Dodge Police Department. Property crime runs 2,848 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fort Dodge?
The median household in Fort Dodge earns $60,649, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 15.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fort Dodge?
Median rent in Fort Dodge is $785/mo (Census), #19 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $835/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fort Dodge?
The typical home value in Fort Dodge is $132,254, up 1% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $144,100.
How are the public schools in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge's 7 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 16.5 students per teacher and $12,486 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fort Dodge?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 6.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge averages 46.5°F over the year, 70.4°F in summer and 20°F in winter, with 35.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fort Dodge walkable?
Fort Dodge scores 14.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #46 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Fort Dodge at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Webster County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, strong wind, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fort Dodge?
Webster County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge has 24,827 residents. The median resident of Fort Dodge is 37.6 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1112 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fort Dodge compare with the rest of Iowa?
Fort Dodge ranks #18 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 50.1 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 20% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 45% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Fort Dodge?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fort Dodge's population of 24,827 are Hastings, NE (#602 overall), Ardmore, OK (#1224 overall), Newport, RI (#275 overall), Terrytown, LA (#1304 overall), and Middletown, DE (#198 overall). Fort Dodge is #999.