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.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Located in the state of Iowa, Fort Madison is a moderately-sized city with a population of 10,650 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 94% of Fort Madison residents are White, 4% Black and 0% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Fort Madison. With an average one way commute time of only 18 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Fort Madison can be a fulfilling experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Fort Madison, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, commute, education, employment and more.
With a livability score of 74 out of 100, Fort Madison is ranked #4,493 in the United States and #227 in Iowa. If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that Fort Madison ranks well for amenities (B-), cost of living (A+), education (B-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Fort Madison does not rank well for, including: employment (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
If you're living in Fort Madison, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Fort Madison an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Fort Madison excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Fort Madison. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Fort Madison are affordable. Median real estate prices in Fort Madison come in at $148,175, which is 38.3% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fort Madison, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 26.7% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Fort Madison | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.1% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.3% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.3% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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