$156,720Average Value$119Average Price per Sq Ft83Homes For Sale
A manufacturing city at a major Iowa crossroads
Road trips across Iowa often pause in Fort Dodge, a regional manufacturing hub at the intersection of U.S. Route 169 and Historic Route 20, about 100 miles north of Des Moines. “We have more hotel rooms than needed for most towns our size,” says Troy Anderson, longtime local and Broker at Coldwell Banker Associated Realtors. “We have so many people traveling through, some stopping here and some moving on. Our hotels are full throughout the week.” Though the city’s meatpacking industry has shrunk since its midcentury heyday, today’s major employers pull from surrounding farmland to turn corn into ethanol, lysine and high-protein animal feed. “We’re still a pretty small town and focusing on that small-town atmosphere,” Anderson says. “The local economy has a lot of good-paying industrial and professional jobs.”
Fort Dodge is the county seat of Webster County and is home to about 25,000 residents.
The historic Downtown Fort Dodge has a variety of buildings, businesses, and entertainment.
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A housing stock from the early- to mid-1900s and sparse Fort Dodge developments
The median price for a home in Fort Dodge is $132,500, far below the national average. Homes from the early- to mid-1900s occupy gridded streets throughout the city. "1980 hit us hard during a farm crisis, so there wasn't a whole lot built in the '80s or even into the '90s," Anderson says. "Our boom of new homes didn't really start until the 2000s." Newer subdivisions on the north side of town contain ranch-style and New Traditional homes with two- to three-car garages. "We have an aging population here where our young people tend to leave and come back later," Anderson says. "We do have some townhomes for people who are downsizing."
Data from the Iowa Department of Public Safety shows that crimes against people in Fort Dodge have increased by about 16% since 2019. Meanwhile, property crime grew by 6%.
Many homes surrounding the downtown Fort Dodge area are pushing 100 years old.
Newer homes can be found in developments and neighborhoods on the outskirts of Fort Dodge.
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Bus routes throughout Fort Dodge and direct flights to Chicago
Though most residents drive, Dodger Area Rapid Transit operates six fixed bus routes throughout Fort Dodge to destinations like Iowa Central Community College and UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center. The crossroads between U.S. Routes 20 and 169 puts the city on the path across Iowa and state lines. Fort Dodge Regional Airport runs two direct flights to Chicago a day. “It’s another plus that many towns our size don’t have, and a good connection to get to an international airport that can take you anywhere,” Anderson says.
Des Moines River parks and the Fort Museum
Most city parks are on the west side of town along the Des Moines River shoreline or Soldier Creek. Race courses and motocross tracks neighbor cornfields and industrial centers on the city’s outskirts. The Fort Museum and Frontier Village bring the city’s military history to life from spring to fall, showcasing a replica stockade and artifact-filled exhibit, including a one-room schoolhouse and log cabin.
Loomis Park sits along the Des Moines River and provides a natural respite from the city.
Frontier Village is home to over a dozen original buildings dating back to the 1800s.
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From the downtown historic district to the future Corridor of Commerce
The Webster County Courthouse looks out over mom and pop shops, breweries and professional offices in the Fort Dodge Downtown Historic District. Meanwhile, the former site of Crossroads Mall on Business Route 20 is now one of Fort Dodge's most significant developments. "They're calling it the Corridor of Commerce," Anderson says. "We're getting new sports facilities, restaurants, and reimagined mall settings with mostly outdoor strip malls and individual stores." Chain fare and big-box stores also line this stretch; some options, like Aldi and Walmart, are the only locations for miles.
Downtown Fort Dodge is home to the Webster County Courthouse and many other historical and charming buildings.
The "Corridor of Commerce" is located on Fort Dodge's west side.
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A school district hub for Webster County
The Fort Dodge Community School District scores a C from Niche and extends to surrounding towns like Badger and Coalville. The new Fort Dodge Early Childhood Center opened its doors in 2021 to all prekindergarten and kindergarten students in the district. From there, kids attend one of four elementary schools before heading to Fort Dodge Middle School and Fort Dodge Senior High School. Iowa Central Community College offers dual enrollment courses to high schoolers virtually or in person at its campus off U.S. Route 169.
Fort Dodge Senior High School serves students in grades 9-12.
Iowa Central Community College is located on the south side of Fort Dodge.
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Music in Fort Dodge calls for a “Shellabration”
Getting involved in Fort Dodge often means putting on a show. The city is home to three independent theater organizations that recruit local talent for plays and musicals throughout the year. Civil War reenactors, a chain saw artist and a parade down Central Avenue are highlights of Frontier Days, a three-day celebration hosted by the museum. And what began as a partnership to restore the Oleson Park Bandshell has grown into Shellabration, Inc.: an all-volunteer board that organizes a namesake music event in July and the Downtown Country Jam in September. Cheering crowds and live acts replace traffic at the corner of Central Avenue and Ninth Street during each event.
Written By
Emma Downes
Photography Contributed By
Drew Davis
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
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On average, homes in Fort Dodge, IA sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Dodge, IA over the last 12 months is $149,900, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover luxury living in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with this stunning new build nestled in a serene wooded area. Spanning 4576 sq ft, this modern masterpiece boasts 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and is designed with an open concept to enhance the flow of natural light. Every inch exudes contemporary elegance, from the sleek finishes to the state-of-the-art kitchen. The expansive living area, perfect for
Hard to find 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 4 level split in Knollcrest. This one offers the space everyone's looking for, with a primary suite, multiple living areas, and room to spread out. You'll love the 4 season sunroom overlooking the nicely landscaped yard, plus the patio and composite deck for entertaining. Cozy family room, large rec room, and a layout that just makes sense. New roof already taken
Welcome to this well-cared-for 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick ranch in the desirable Snell-Crawford neighborhood—offering a peaceful, nature-inspired setting. With 2,930 sq ft of living space, this home features multiple living areas, main floor laundry, and a layout perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. The spacious heated garage includes a dedicated workshop/storage room, ideal for
Located in the desirable Woodlands neighborhood, this spacious split-level home offers 4 bedrooms, a 3 car garage, and a fenced in yard, perfect for privacy and outdoor enjoyment. A standout feature is the new 833 sq ft rec room addition, complete with a bar and space for a golf simulator, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. The main level also features laundry for added convenience. With a
Once in a lifetime opportunity here folks! As the old saying goes, they don't make more dirt! This parcel of 32.75 +- acres, has been allocated by the county to be included in the P59 Corridor. This means that it can be developed for commercial and/or industrial use through the rezoning process. It features mostly flat to gently slopping land, along with direct access to Business HWY 20. There
is well-maintained 3+ bedroom, 3-bath home offers space, functionality, and comfort throughout. The main level features a welcoming kitchen, spacious living room, dining area, and a convenient half bath. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms and a full bath, all filled with natural light. The lower level includes a non-conforming bedroom, additional bathroom, laundry area, and a cozy family
This move-in ready 2-bedroom home offers comfort, space, and an impressive garage setup. The highlight is the 36 x 20 garage with heated floors, perfect for year-round projects, hobbies, or storage. Inside, you'll find a cozy layout with a spot for an eat-in kitchen area, and plenty of storage throughout. The basement adds extra living space with a family room and a non-conforming 3rd bedroom,
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on just over a half-acre lot in the quiet Lakewood neighborhood. On the main level you'll find 1,500+ square feet with 3 bedrooms, a knotty alder kitchen with pantry, main floor laundry, and a tiled walk-in shower. The living room has plenty of windows and a cozy fireplace. Downstairs, the daylight basement adds another family room, bedroom, bath, and storage plus
Bring your ideas to life with this home. So much character that is ready to be brought back to life. This 2, bed 2 bath home is ready for new owners. Has a 1.5 car garage and nice size yard. Call your favorite agent today to take a look!!!!
Listed at just $55,000, this property is a fantastic opportunity for a starter home or investment! Major updates have already been completed, including new windows, new flooring, and a roof replaced in 2020, giving you peace of mind from day one. The home also features an attached one-car garage for added convenience. Affordable properties with key improvements like this don't last long—whether
Embark on a journey of opportunity with this expansive 17-acre property, poised for commercial development. When combined with the adjacent land, the total area extends to over 27 acres, offering a canvas for endless possibilities. Highlighted in the green section of the attached image, this property invites visionaries to imagine and create a future landmark. For more details or to discuss the
Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath in round Prairie neighborhood! This property offers main floor bathroom and laundry. This home also features a 3rd nonconforming bedroom in the attic, storage shed, 2 car detached garage with a fenced in yard. Call Stephanie Bishop 515-227-8627 or Jim Kesterson 515-570-0672 for a private showing
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This property at 302 S 8th St apt 3 Fort Dodge features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 1,000 square feet The living room offers ample space for relaxation and includes natural light from large windows. Each bedroom is adequately sized, providing comfortable living quarters. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and includes a tub/shower combination. The kitchen is
This 800 square foot property at 902 3rd Ave N features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and includes natural light from large windows. The bedroom is designed for comfort and includes sufficient closet space. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and provides essential amenities. The kitchen includes necessary appliances and has a functional
Spacious 4-bedroom, 1-bathroom duplex available for rent at 1626 Second Ave N, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. This well-laid-out home features four bedrooms all located upstairs, one full bathroom, a large dining room, a bright sunroom that provides additional living space, and a patio area. The property is a duplex located in a quiet area with convenient access to local amenities. The home is
This 600 sq. ft. property located at 1423 5th Ave S features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is equipped with air conditioning for comfort. The bathroom includes standard fixtures and provides essential amenities. The bedroom is adequately sized, suitable for a single occupant or couple. This property is smoke-free, promoting a healthier living
This property at 1302 2nd Ave N features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 900 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and is designed for easy furniture arrangement. The bathroom is equipped with essential fixtures and provides convenient access from both bedrooms. Each bedroom is adequately sized, suitable for various furniture layouts. Additional amenities
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