Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge, Iowa Overview

Fort Dodge faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (47.0/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Iowa. Even so, the city scores 76/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 22/100.

Income & Employment in Fort Dodge

The median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769, 15% below the statewide median of $72,429. The local unemployment rate of 3.2% is higher than the state’s 3%. Population grew 0.7% recently.

Safety in Fort Dodge

With a violent crime rate of 684.1 per 100,000, Fort Dodge exceeds the Iowa average of 295. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3351.4 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Fort Dodge

The median home value is $128,900. Median monthly rent is $764. Renters spend 14.8% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Fort Dodge

The adult obesity rate in Fort Dodge is 41.7%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 11.8%. Residents report an average of 17.5 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Iowa ranks #22 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge has a high school graduation rate of 86%. The student-teacher ratio is 16.5:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,486. The city has 7 public schools serving 3,470 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Fort Dodge

The annual average temperature in Fort Dodge is 51.5°F. Summers average 73.5°F. Winters average 28.4°F. Annual precipitation is 31 inches. The average commute of 16.3 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions