Median Income
$83,125
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$150,900
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.3%
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Fostoria Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population184
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density449/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,125
Per Capita$46,249
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,529M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,900
Ownership92.7%
Zillow$149,869
Housing Units99
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property2,334/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking15.9%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,454 ft (443 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.3%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute20 min
Broadband96.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Fostoria a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fostoria receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Fostoria offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fostoria is $83,125, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. 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%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fostoria is $150,900, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Fostoria is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,334 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fostoria experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches, including 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fostoria has a population of 184 with a density of 449 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Fostoria is $83,125, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,249 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% 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 958 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,125 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,249 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,626 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $1,529M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 107 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Fostoria is $150,900, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,869. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 99 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $7,645 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,869 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.3% |
| Housing Units | 99 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.07% |
In Fostoria, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190. The dentist ratio is 1:1,387. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fostoria vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,190 |
| Dentists | 1:1,387 |
| Mental Health | 1:860 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Fostoria has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,334 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fostoria receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fostoria vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.7/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,334.4/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fostoria experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.0 inches. The area receives 43.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,454 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,454 ft (443 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 449/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2430°N, 95.1549°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 221 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
32 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 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Fostoria has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Fostoria. 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 | $717 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fostoria
What is the population of Fostoria?
Fostoria has a population of 184 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 449 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Fostoria expensive to live in?
Fostoria 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 $83,125, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,900 (46% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fostoria safe?
Fostoria is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,334 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fostoria receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fostoria?
Fostoria has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.0 inches, with 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fostoria?
The job market in Fostoria is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fostoria?
The median home value in Fostoria is $150,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,869. The homeownership rate is 92.7%. The average annual property tax is $7,645.
How are the schools in Fostoria?
Schools in Fostoria score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.3% of adults in Fostoria hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fostoria?
The obesity rate in Fostoria is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190.
What is transportation like in Fostoria?
The average commute in Fostoria is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fostoria?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fostoria is 92.9% White, 1.1% Black or African American. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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