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.

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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 $128,000 and average rents near $890. 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 (58% 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 87% White, 4% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
24,500
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
40.4
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.8%
Black
4.0%
Asian
1.5%
Others
7.7%

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 79.8. Median home values are around $128,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $790. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$128,000
Gross Rent
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$410
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
79.8
Grocery
93.5
Housing
63.4
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
89.6
Health Care
97.1
Miscellaneous
92.4

Crime

Is Fort Dodge, IA a safe place to live?

Fort Dodge is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 320 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
320
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,450
Crime Index
2,770
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 313
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 32 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
11°F
Max
30°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,500 and a low poverty rate of 14.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% 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
$51,000
Household Income
$61,500
Family Income
$76,000
Per Capita Income
$30,500
Income Male
$47,000
Income Female
$36,500
Poverty Rate
14.8%
Non English Speakers
8.5%
Rent
$790
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
Public Transport Usage
2.1%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.8%
Bachelors or More
18.9%

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 Fort Dodge 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 University of Northern Iowa. 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
515-955-1652
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Fort Dodge Middle School
Street
800 N 32nd St
Phone
515-955-6300
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Edmond Catholic School
Street
2220 4th Ave N
Phone
515-573-2528
Students
380

Colleges

Name
Iowa Central Community College
City
Fort Dodge
State
IA
Distance
3 miles
Students
5,000
Name
University of Northern Iowa
City
Cedar Falls
State
IA
Distance
110 miles
Students
9,000

Healthcare

Fort Dodge residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center and Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics - Fort Dodge nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 92.6% 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) 574-6200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics - Fort Dodge
Address
2700 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Phone
(515) 574-6885
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.6%
Health Care Index
71.4

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $128,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 66%. The market has seen a 3.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Fort Dodge offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$128,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$890
Owner Occupied Rate
66.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.1%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Fort Dodge handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. 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
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
1-515-239-1101

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 $128,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $890, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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