Median Income
$49,359
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,900
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
664/100K
75% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$824
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Fort Madison Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,221
Median Age43.9 yrs
Density1,059/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,359
Per Capita$28,004
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$2,264M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,900
Rent$824
Ownership73.1%
Zillow$106,463
Housing Units5,100
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent664/100K
Property1,973/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault587/100K
Burglary366/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking18.0%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation522 ft (159 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Fort Madison a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Madison receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Fort Madison offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Madison is $49,359, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 11.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Madison is $95,900, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $824 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 664 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Madison experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fort Madison has a population of 10,221 with a density of 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 13.2 square miles. The median age is 43.9 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 4.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.9yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Madison vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Madison vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Madison is $49,359, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,004 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,061 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Madison vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,359 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,004 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,118 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,061 |
| County GDP | $2,264M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 88 |
| Retail | 108 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,062 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Fort Madison is $95,900, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,463, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 88.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $824 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,100 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $4,062 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,900 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $106,463 |
| Median List Price | $85,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $85,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $44 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 88.8% |
| Price Drops | 21.7% |
| Inventory | 46 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $824 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.9% |
| Housing Units | 5,100 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,062 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.24% |
In Fort Madison, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,582. The dentist ratio is 1:1,824. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
1.5
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
1.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.3
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
136.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fort Madison vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,582 |
| Dentists | 1:1,824 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,018 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 88 |
Fort Madison has a violent crime rate of 664 per 100,000 residents, 75% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 587.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 77.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,973 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,463, burglary at 366, vehicle theft at 144 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Fort Madison receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Madison vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 664.0/100K |
| 75% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 77.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 587.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,972.7/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| Burglary | 365.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,462.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 144.3/100K |
| Arson | 19.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Madison experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.4 inches. The area receives 18.1 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 522 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.3°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 522 ft (159 m) |
| Area | 13.2 sq mi (34.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,059/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6208°N, 91.3495°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 8, 2004.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
465 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 367 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
59 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
60 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Fort Madison has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Fort Madison. 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 | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Madison
What is the population of Fort Madison?
Fort Madison has a population of 10,221 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,059 people per square mile, spread across 13.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Fort Madison expensive to live in?
Fort Madison 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 $49,359, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,900 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $824 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fort Madison safe?
Public safety is a concern in Fort Madison, with a violent crime rate of 664 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fort Madison receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Madison?
Fort Madison has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 18.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fort Madison?
The job market in Fort Madison is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 1,061 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Madison?
The median home value in Fort Madison is $95,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $106,463. For renters, the median monthly rent is $824. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,062.
How are the schools in Fort Madison?
Schools in Fort Madison score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Fort Madison hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Madison?
The obesity rate in Fort Madison is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,582.
What is transportation like in Fort Madison?
The average commute in Fort Madison is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Madison?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Madison is 87.9% White, 4.8% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
