Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Madison, IA
Considering a move to Fort Madison, IA? This riverfront city of 10,295 offers affordable living, with a median home price of $112,000 and average rent at $735. Residents enjoy short commutes averaging 16 minutes, moderate crime rates, and a close-knit community feel. Fort Madison has quality local schools, a major hospital, and experiences four distinct seasons with 57% sunny days each year—making it a practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Fort Madison, IA
Demographics - Fort Madison, IA
Fort Madison is a small city with a population of just over 10,000, featuring a median age of 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White at nearly 89%, with small Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
10,295
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.5%
Black:
4.1%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Madison, IA?
Living in Fort Madison is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and a median home value of $112,000. Everyday expenses, including rent and utilities, are modest, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$735
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,045
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.6
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
91.5
Health Care:
95.1
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is Fort Madison, IA a safe place to live?
Fort Madison experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 452 and property crime at 1 in 51. The overall safety profile is reasonable for a city of its size, offering peace of mind for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
221
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,965
Crime Index:
2,186
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 452
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Madison, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy all four seasons in Fort Madison, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and chilly winters dipping to 16°F. The city receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year, providing a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $50,400 and a poverty rate of 15%. Most residents drive, with average commutes of just over 16 minutes, and nearly 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a stable and hardworking population.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$50,400
Family Income:
$62,700
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$30,100
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$735
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
16.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Madison, IA?
Fort Madison supports quality education with several public and private schools, including Fort Madison High School and Holy Trinity Catholic Schools. The city is also conveniently located near Southeastern Community College, offering higher education opportunities within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Fort Madison High School
Street:
2001 Avenue B
Phone:
319-372-1862
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Richardson Elementary School
Street:
3301 Avenue J
Phone:
319-372-2762
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Holy Trinity Catholic Schools
Street:
2600 Avenue A
Phone:
319-372-2486
Students:
325

Colleges
Name:
Southeastern Community College
City:
West Burlington
State:
IA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Fort Madison offers solid healthcare access with its main hospital providing emergency services and a high rate of insured residents at over 91%. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people, the city ensures basic medical needs are well met.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Fort Madison Community Hospital
Address:
5445 Avenue O, Fort Madison, IA 52627
Phone:
(319) 372-6530
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
73.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Madison, IA?
The housing market in Fort Madison is highly accessible, boasting a median home price of $112,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 70%. Renters benefit from affordable average rents, and home values have shown steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$735
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs at the local Iowa Department of Transportation office on Hwy 61, with accessible hours and services. The state DMV provides a helpful website and toll-free contact for up-to-date information on driver's licenses and vehicle registration.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 Hwy 61, Fort Madison, IA 52627
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
Website:
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.