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.
Located in the state of Iowa, Fort Dodge is a moderately-sized city with a population of 24,168 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Fort Dodge is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 46% of the Fort Dodge population is married. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Fort Dodge. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Fort Dodge is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Fort Dodge and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, education, employment and other important metrics.
Fort Dodge, IA receives 73/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #212 in Iowa and #4,059 in the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Fort Dodge has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A). Fort Dodge does not rank well for the following: amenities (D-), crime (D-) and employment (D). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Fort Dodge, the unemployment rate stands at 2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing 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.
Assuming that Fort Dodge meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Fort Dodge. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Fort Dodge are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Fort Dodge come in at $99,200, which is 25.3% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Fort Dodge, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 8.3% 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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