Moving to Fort Dodge, IA: Everything You Should Know First
Considering a move to Fort Dodge, IA? This friendly Midwest city of 24,600 offers affordable living, with median home prices at just $119,000 and average rents around $780. Enjoy short commutes averaging 14 minutes, a strong local hospital, and easy access to Iowa Central Community College. While property crime rates are higher than average, residents benefit from low housing costs, four-season weather, and a welcoming, close-knit community—making Fort Dodge an appealing choice for families and anyone seeking great value.
Demographics - Fort Dodge, IA
Population:
24,627
Density:
1,140 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.7%
Black:
5.3%
Asian:
1.4%
Others:
7.6%
Cost Of Living
Median House Value:
$119,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.7
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
56.8
Utilities:
93.7
Transportation:
86.4
Health Care:
98.1
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
381
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,413
Crime Index:
2,794
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 262
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
31°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$52,770
Family Income:
$66,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,640
Income Male:
$41,700
Income Female:
$34,100
Poverty Rate:
14.6%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
14.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
19.3%
Education
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Dodge Senior High School
Street:
819 N 25th St
Phone:
515-955-1770
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Phillips Middle School
Street:
1015 5th Ave N
Phone:
515-574-5711
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Edmond Catholic School
Street:
2220 4th Ave N
Phone:
515-576-5182
Students:
530
Colleges
Name:
Iowa Central Community College
City:
Fort Dodge
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,000
Name:
Buena Vista University (Fort Dodge site)
City:
Fort Dodge
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
150
Healthcare
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center
Address:
802 Kenyon Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Phone:
(515) 573-3101
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
Median Home Price:
$119,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
1300 S Grand Ave, Ames, IA 50010
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website: