Iowa / County

Moving to Fort Dodge, IA

Thinking of making a move to Fort Dodge, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Fort Dodge and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Fort Dodge before you move.

Moving Help for Your Fort Dodge, IA Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Fort Dodge move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Fort Dodge, IA Piano Movers Fort Dodge, IA Cheap Movers Fort Dodge, IA Small Movers Fort Dodge, IA Apartment Movers Fort Dodge, IA Long Distance Movers Fort Dodge, IA

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Dodge, IA

Considering a move to Fort Dodge, IA? This welcoming community of 24,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $820. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Fort Dodge's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Fort Dodge, IA

Fort Dodge has a population of 24,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 78% White, 7% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
24,500
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
78.0%
Black
7.0%
Asian
2.0%
Others
13.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Fort Dodge, IA?

The cost of living in Fort Dodge is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 79.6. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $820. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,240
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$480
State Taxes
Low: 0.3%| High: 8.5%
Cost Of Living Index
79.6
Grocery
95.0
Housing
61.0
Utilities
98.5
Transportation
93.4
Health Care
97.2
Miscellaneous
92.1

Crime

Is Fort Dodge, IA a safe place to live?

Fort Dodge is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 410 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
410
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,450
Crime Index
2,860
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Fort Dodge, IA year-round?

Fort Dodge experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 11°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
11°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$61,500
Family Income
$76,000
Per Capita Income
$29,800
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$33,000
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
10.2%
Rent
$820
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
2.1%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.0%
Bachelors or More
17.5%

Education

How are the schools in Fort Dodge, IA?

Fort Dodge offers quality education options, with public schools like Fort Dodge Senior High School and Phillips Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Iowa Central Community College and Buena Vista University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Fort Dodge Senior High School
Street
819 N 25th St
Phone
515-574-5740
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
14.0
Name
Phillips Middle School
Street
1010 10th Ave N
Phone
515-574-5711
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
13.6

Private Schools

Name
St. Edmond Catholic School
Street
2301 Durant St
Phone
515-576-7181
Students
430

Colleges

Name
Iowa Central Community College
City
Fort Dodge
State
IA
Distance
0 miles
Students
4,000
Name
Buena Vista University
City
Storm Lake
State
IA
Distance
62 miles
Students
1,900

Healthcare

Fort Dodge residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center and Iowa Specialty Hospital - Fort Dodge nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center
Address
802 Kenyon Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Phone
(515) 239-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Iowa Specialty Hospital - Fort Dodge
Address
1825 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Phone
(515) 955-5000
Type
Specialty & Outpatient
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.0%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Fort Dodge, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 67%. The market has seen a 3.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.8%. Fort Dodge offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$820
Owner Occupied Rate
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.1%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Fort Dodge handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Des Moines. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address
100 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50306
Phone
1-515-237-3110

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Fort Dodge, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Fort Dodge, review the core fields on this page: population 24,500, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $820, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

Ready to Move to Fort Dodge, IA?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes