$153,496Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft82Homes 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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Fort Dodge, IA sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Fort Dodge, IA over the last 12 months is $148,500, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This well-maintained split-level home offers 4 bedrooms and 2.75 bathrooms with plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy! The inviting family room features beautiful hardwood floors and a cozy wood-burning fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings at home. Pride of ownership shines throughout, with thoughtful updates including a new composite deck ideal for outdoor entertaining.
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 2528 13th Ave S in Fort Dodge, a well maintained home on the south side. This property offers a comfortable layout with inviting living spaces, great natural light, and functional flow throughout. The kitchen provides ample cabinet and counter space and opens nicely to the main living area, making it ideal for everyday living and entertaining. You'll appreciate one spacious bedroom,
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
Solid 30x24 garage located next to 1727 14th Ave SW in Fort Dodge. Situated on a nice lot, this property is a great option for anyone needing extra storage space. Whether you're looking to store a boat, vehicles, or just need a place for your tools and toys, this checks the box. Easy access and plenty of potential for a variety of uses. Priced at $25,000 hard to find this kind of space at this
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
This charming 1.5-story home features 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, offering a cozy layout with room to grow. Included are 2 additional lots, providing extra space for outdoor living, gardening, or future expansion—plus plenty of off-street parking! A great opportunity for homeowners or investors looking for value and flexibility in one package. Don't wait—schedule your showing today and explore
This spacious ranch features 5 bedrooms including a spacious master suite on the main level- plus two more bedrooms on the main level and two additional bedrooms in the finished basement. The versatile lower level also includes a possible office, a recreation room, hobby room and abundant storage, with a total of 3 bathrooms. A warming 2-sided gas fireplace anchors the living spaces, and the
Charming corner-unit condo offering 1,152 square feet of light-filled living space plus a full basement, three bedrooms, three baths, a front porch, back deck, and a detached garage. This home features an open-concept main living area that flows from a sunny living room to the dining area and kitchen area. Full basement provides high ceilings, laundry, and abundant storage. Ideal choice for first
3 bedrooms plus a non-conforming 4th bedroom on lower level, 2 bath and detached 2 car garage. In addition to the living room and family room there is a rec area on the lower level. Nice deck in the backyard with a fenced in yard. Call Stephanie Bishop 515-227-8627 or Jim Kesterson 515-570-0672
Seize the moment with this prime lot located at the bustling intersection of 1st Ave South and 32nd Street in Fort Dodge, IA. Witness the surge in traffic firsthand in this rapidly growing area, positioned just a block away from Wal-Mart and directly opposite a brand-new hotel. Discover the potential of Lot 3, as showcased in the accompanying image, and envision the endless possibilities that
3 bedroom, 1 bath main level laundry with attached garage ready for customization and personalization! The interior awaits your creative touches. Bring your vision to life and make this your dream home. Call Stephanie Bishop at 515-227-8627
This beautifully updated raised ranch features 4 bedrooms, new flooring throughout, and a fresh interior paint that brightens every room! a brand new full bathroom adds modern convenience and style, while the freshly landscaped yard enhances curb appeal. The thoughtful layout provides versatile living spaces, with ample storage and convenient access to the backyard. Move in ready and perfect for
Welcome to District 29 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.Discover comfortable, modern living in a convenient Fort Dodge location. District 29 offers thoughtfully designed studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with functional layouts that fit a variety of lifestyles.Each apartment features in-unit washers and dryers, walk-in closets, air conditioning, and private balconies or patios.
Welcome to 2nd Avenue Rowhomes – Modern Living in Fort Dodge!Discover contemporary comfort at 910-920 2nd Ave South, Fort Dodge’s newest apartment community. Offering thoughtfully designed one and two bedroom Rowhome style apartments, these residences blend style and convenience in a walkable, central location.Each home features:-Bright, open-concept floor plans with large
*******Market Rate Apartments********SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY TO FIND OUT MORELive in the newly renovated Phillips Luxury Apartments that truly bring a new meaning to class. Converted from original classrooms and academic spaces into modern proper-designed apartments, the Phillips Luxury Apartments, showcase a respect to the past while displaying an avant-garde style of living.
This apartment is perfect for singles or couples. It is located in a great neighborhood and offers a modern living space. Recently renovated, it features an open floor plan for a spacious feel. The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and a bathroom. Water, gas, sewer, trash, and electricity are all included in the rent.
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
Enjoy this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house that offers a 1 stall small garage, a deck on the front of the house to enjoy the outdoors and a view of the river. Tenant is responsible for all lawncare and all utilities. One year lease. NO HUD.
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