Cost of Living in Fort Dodge, IA
Population 24,788 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Dodge sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Fort Dodge is about 70 miles northwest of Des Moines, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Dodge
The median home value in Fort Dodge is $128,900 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $764/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,769/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Fort Dodge has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Dodge, IA?
Fort Dodge has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Dodge, IA?
The median gross rent in Fort Dodge is $764 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Dodge?
The median home value in Fort Dodge is $128,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Dodge?
The median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Dodge, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Dodge is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Fort Dodge, IA affordable?
Yes, Fort Dodge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
Fort Dodge at a Glance
- Population
- 24,788
- Median Income
- $61,769
- Home Value
- $128,900
- Median Rent
- $764/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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