Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Fort Dodge, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 24,700 people. At 86%, the majority of the Fort Dodge population is White; this is followed by 6% Black and 2% Asian. Fort Dodge is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 46%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Fort Dodge will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Fort Dodge, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Fort Dodge and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
Fort Dodge, IA receives 74 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #220 in Iowa and #4,401 in the USA. If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Fort Dodge ranks well for cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Fort Dodge scores poorly for, including: amenities (D-) and crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
The Fort Dodge unemployment rate of 2.1% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Fort Dodge apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Fort Dodge is real estate affordability. The median home price for Fort Dodge homes is $183,008, which is 23.8% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fort Dodge, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 10% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Fort Dodge | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.4% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.1% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.9% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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