Median Income
$61,769
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,900
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
421/100K
11% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$764
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Fort Dodge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population24,788
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,548/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,769
Per Capita$32,899
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$2,759M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,900
Rent$764
Ownership64.0%
Zillow$127,576
Housing Units11,297
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent421/100K
Property3,020/100K
Murder8.3/100K
Assault300/100K
Burglary488/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking18.0%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,115 ft (340 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute18 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Fort Dodge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Dodge receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Fort Dodge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Dodge is $128,900, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,020 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Dodge experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches, including 39.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fort Dodge has a population of 24,788 with a density of 1,548 people per square mile, spread across 16.3 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (83.5%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 4.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.0%
55% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,899 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,091, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,198 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Dodge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,769 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,899 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,091 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,898 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,198 |
| County GDP | $2,759M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Retail | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Fort Dodge is $128,900, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,576. Monthly rent averages $764 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 11,297 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $5,372 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,900 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,576 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $764 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $825 |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.0% |
| Housing Units | 11,297 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.17% |
In Fort Dodge, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.5% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:1,221. 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
2.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
130.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 39.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:1,221 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,249/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
Fort Dodge has a violent crime rate of 421 per 100,000 residents, 11% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 300.3 per 100,000, robbery at 50.1, rape at 62.6. The murder rate is 8.3 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,020 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,361, burglary at 488, vehicle theft at 171 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Dodge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 421.3/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| Murder | 8.3/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
| Rape | 62.6/100K |
| Robbery | 50.1/100K |
| Assault | 300.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,020.1/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| Burglary | 488.1/100K |
| Theft | 2,361.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 171.0/100K |
| Arson | 25.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 21 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Dodge experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches. The area receives 39.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,115 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,115 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 16.3 sq mi (42.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,548/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5099°N, 94.1757°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.1"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
637 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 969 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
91 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
54 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
1 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Fort Dodge has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Fort Dodge. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $674 |
| Toddler | $581 |
| Preschool | $581 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Dodge
What is the population of Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge has a population of 24,788 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,548 people per square mile, spread across 16.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Fort Dodge expensive to live in?
Fort Dodge is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $61,769, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,900 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fort Dodge safe?
The violent crime rate in Fort Dodge is 421 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,020 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fort Dodge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.1 inches, with 39.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fort Dodge?
The job market in Fort Dodge is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,091. There are 1,198 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Dodge?
The median home value in Fort Dodge is $128,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,576. For renters, the median monthly rent is $764. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,372.
How are the schools in Fort Dodge?
Schools in Fort Dodge have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.1% of adults in Fort Dodge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Dodge?
The obesity rate in Fort Dodge is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Fort Dodge?
The average commute in Fort Dodge is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Dodge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Dodge is 83.5% White, 4.5% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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