Median Income
$31,667
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
413/100K
9% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$859
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
29.8%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Fort Dodge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population145
Median Age74.5 yrs
Density806/mi²
Male / Female89% / 11%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans86.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$31,667
Per Capita$29,646
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,215M
Housing
B
Rent$859
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$247,854
Housing Units99
Rent Burden30.4%
Crime
F
Violent413/100K
Property2,729/100K
Health
Obesity29.8%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking16.2%
Depression11.8%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain22.0 in/yr
Sunny Days323/yr
Elevation2,457 ft (749 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+84.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.68
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Fort Dodge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Dodge receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Fort Dodge has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Dodge is $31,667, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $859 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 413 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,729 per 100,000, 39% above the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Dodge enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 323 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.0 inches, including 19.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Fort Dodge has a population of 145 with a density of 806 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 74.5 years, 92% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 11% female and 89% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 86.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 46.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
74.5yrs
Median Age
92% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Dodge is $31,667, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,646 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 858 business establishments, including 89 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Dodge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,667 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,646 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,440 |
| Gini Index | 0.397 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 858 |
| County GDP | $3,215M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 89 |
| Healthcare | 91 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,668 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $247,854. Monthly rent averages $859 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,668 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $859 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,668 |
| 33% above US avg |
In Fort Dodge, 29.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 9.8% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 11.8% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 11.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,898. The dentist ratio is 1:1,539. 82.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 29.8% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 6.8% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 9.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 11.8% |
| Mental Distress | 11.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 27.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,898 |
| Dentists | 1:1,539 |
| Mental Health | 1:871 |
| Checkup Rate | 52.6% |
| Dental Visits | 37.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,381/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 91 |
Fort Dodge has a violent crime rate of 413 per 100,000 residents, 9% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,729 per 100,000, 39% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Fort Dodge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Dodge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 413.1/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,729.0/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Dodge enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 323 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 22.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 19.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,457 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 323 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,457 ft (749 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 806/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7304°N, 99.9370°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dodge City Regional (DDC)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.0"
42% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
87 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 19, 2023.
| Sep 15, 1995 |
7 km NNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
93 km |
| Sep 18, 2015 |
11 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.4 |
91 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
119 km |
| Mar 3, 2017 |
11 km S of Freedom, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
139 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
15 km WNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
138 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jul 21, 2017 |
26 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
28 km SSE of Protection, Kansas |
M3.1 |
100 km |
| Jun 8, 2017 |
15 km WNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Feb 16, 2018 |
28 km ENE of Buffalo, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
116 km |
| Jun 11, 2015 |
16 km WNW of Alva, Oklahoma |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
701 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 126 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF5 |
60 km |
11 |
| May 18, 2013 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 4, 2007 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OKS - STARBUCK (657,299 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
OKS - STARBUCK |
657,299 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
23,123 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
16,448 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
BUFFALO |
16,160 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
23 AND DD |
8,885 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,750 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
HODGEMAN COUNTY |
8,518 |
47 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,764 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,494 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
HODGEMAN WEST |
4,051 |
48 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
3,967 |
51 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,613 |
82 km |
| 2010 |
MILLER |
3,567 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
MILLER RANCH |
3,563 |
52 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,519 |
57 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
3,187 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
2017-117 |
3,103 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
LEXINGTON |
3,076 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Fort Dodge has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
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 145 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 806 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 74.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 11% female and 89% male.
Is Fort Dodge expensive to live in?
Fort Dodge is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $31,667, 58% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $859 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Fort Dodge safe?
The violent crime rate in Fort Dodge is 413 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 2,729 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 323 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.0 inches, with 19.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Fort Dodge?
The job market in Fort Dodge is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 858 business establishments in the area, including 89 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Fort Dodge?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $859. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,668.
How are the schools in Fort Dodge?
Schools in Fort Dodge have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.0% of adults in Fort Dodge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Dodge?
The obesity rate in Fort Dodge is 29.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 11.8% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,898.
What are the demographics of Fort Dodge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Dodge is 97.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 86.2% of the population are military veterans. 46.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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