Cost of Living in Fort Madison, IA
Population 10,221 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Fort Madison a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $96,000.
Geographically, Fort Madison lies roughly 75 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Davenport. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Davenport's $163,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Madison
The median home value in Fort Madison is $95,900 — 69% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $824/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,359/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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 Madison has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Madison, IA?
Fort Madison has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Madison, IA?
The median gross rent in Fort Madison is $824 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Madison?
The median home value in Fort Madison is $95,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Madison?
The median household income in Fort Madison is $49,359 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Madison, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Madison is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Fort Madison, IA affordable?
Yes, Fort Madison is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
Fort Madison at a Glance
- Population
- 10,221
- Median Income
- $49,359
- Home Value
- $95,900
- Median Rent
- $824/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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