$208,664Average Value$123Average Price per Sq Ft30Homes For Sale
Tidy parks, respected schools and job opportunities in Humboldt
The Des Moines River meanders through Humboldt, an agricultural community of about 5,000 people in north central Iowa. The town offers public and private school options, well-maintained parks, and job opportunities at employers like Hog Slat, a swine equipment manufacturer, and Hy-Capacity, which makes agricultural components. But commuters aren’t far from Fort Dodge and Angola, which are about 25 miles away. “I was born and raised here. I liked the small-town feel and I wanted to raise my family here,” says Madelyn Riles, a broker associate with Smith Real Estate with more than 40 years of experience. “The streets are really wide and it’s very clean. There’s a lot of pride of ownership, and the city keeps everything up. When people move into the community, they always talk about how beautiful the parks are.”
Kids in Humboldt can play at the playground in Taft Park.
Get-Co is a major employer in Humboldt.
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Education options include a B-rated district and private school choice
Humboldt Community School District receives a B rating from Niche and serves 1,500 students across two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The district is wrapping up a nearly $11 million facilities project that includes a new athletic center, building additions and renovations. St. Mary Catholic School offers private education for kids in preschool through sixth grade. The school is currently unrated by Niche. “I know their school has greatly increased due to people looking for alternative education,” Riles says. “We’re seeing more demand for private schools.”
Humboldt High School is home of the Humboldt Wildcats.
Saint Mary's School is a Catholic private school in Humboldt.
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Subdivisions with existing homes and new construction
The housing stock mixes established homes and new construction in still-developing subdivisions. Architectural styles range from early 1900s designs like bungalow, American Foursquare and ranch-style homes to New Traditional and Craftsman-inspired builds in newer housing additions. The median sales price is $135,000, but most homes fall between $150,000 and $350,000, depending on size, age and condition. Subdivisions like Eagle Ridge feature homes built in the last 20 years that can exceed $500,000.
Many homes in Humboldt were built in the 1900s.
New Traditional homes are common in Humboldt.
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Parks, trails and recreation centers offer year-round fun
Humboldt has three trails and about a dozen parks, ranging from the relaxing riverside Bicknell Park to the 9-acre Taft Park. It includes a wooden playground — dubbed Wildcat Wonderland in honor of the Brownstown school mascot — as well as ball diamonds, a skate park and basketball courts. The Des Moines River is popular with paddlers and anglers. Just outside town, Frank A. Gotch State Park and Joe Sheldon County Park offer camping and hiking trails. The Humboldt Family Aquatic Center is a summertime favorite, and the Humboldt Recreation Center has been connecting residents since it opened in 2018.
The Humboldt Recreation Center has a running track, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and fitness areas.
Several playgrounds can be found throughout the residential areas of Humboldt.
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Quick commutes and pedestrian-friendly trails
Medical care is available in town at Humboldt County Memorial Hospital. Residents can jog and bike around town on the Cottonwood, Three Rivers and Frank Gotch trails. A new pedestrian bridge over the West Fork of the Des Moines River will link the new Eagle Ridge housing development to the Cottonwood Trail, providing an extra option for recreation and transportation. Algona and Fort Dodge are within a 25-mile drive on U.S. Route 169, while Des Moines and Des Moines International Airport are about 120 miles away.
Flooding is rare but still a possibility along the Des Moines River, which flooded in 2024. “There was extensive damage to homes along the river,” Riles says. “What I always say to my customers is this: When your desire is to live on the water, you have to expect some flooding may occur.”
The De Moines River cuts through Humboldt.
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital serves the area.
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Tacos, taverns and take-home pizzas
Dining options lean casual in Humboldt, ranging from classic American fare at Miller’s Tavern to authentic tacos at El Valle Tienda Y Carniceria. Locals grab groceries at Hy-Vee or Fareway Meat and Grocery, and the Humboldt Farmers Market runs from May through September. Humboldt has struggled with empty storefronts downtown and strived to bring in new businesses and restaurants like 716 Main. “It was an old John Deere building and it’s been restored, so now it’s a cool building and a lot of people eat there,” Riles says. “That place is always busy, and it’s nice because there’s a big room where they can seat a lot of people.” Pasquale’s Pizza fires up fresh pies daily at its 13th Street North restaurant. Diners can bring the flavor home thanks to Pasquale’s line of frozen pizzas, also made in town. Fort Dodge has more retail options.
El Sol de Mexico is a popular Mexican restaurant in Humboldt.
716 Main has dinner and drinks in Humboldt.
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Local events and churches bring residents together
The Humboldt County Fair attracts thousands of visitors to the community for agricultural displays, carnival rides and food. The Fourth of July is a major holiday with a 5K and 10K race, parade and fireworks over the weekend. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa are fierce football rivals, and residents get together for the Cy-Hawk Rivalry game in downtown Humboldt in September.
Faith is an important part of daily life for many people. There are several churches in town, including Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic and nondenominational churches. “When people are new and ask how to get to know people, I always recommend looking to join a church, especially if they don’t have kids in the school system,” Riles says.
The Humboldt County Fair is a 120-year-old tradition.
Saint Mary's Catholic School is a private school in Humboldt.
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Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Adam Lapallo
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kyle Olson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Humboldt, IA sell after 113 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Humboldt, IA over the last 12 months is $169,900, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Outdoor Enthusiasts, here is your opportunity to purchase a premier Iowa timber property. This secluded parcel, comprised of timber and pasture, offers the ideal blend for any outdoorsman. Running along the east fork of the Des Moines River, this attractive property offers a striking view, abundant wildlife, and a remarkable opportunity to find your trophy buck.
Ben HollesenMidwest Land Management & Real Estate, Inc.
MAIN FLOOR LIVING IN THIS COZY RAMBLER.......REMODELED AND UPDATED THROUGHOUT - THIS ADORABLE 2 BEDROOM HOME IS SITUATED ON A CORNER LOT; VINYL EXTERIOR. ALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES, WASHER AND DRYER - STAY!!!! CLEAN AND MOVE-IN READY!!!!
CHARM AND CHARACTER ABOUND in this 3 bed, 1.5 bath 2 story home. Enjoy the old world charm - beautiful oak woodwork, built-ins, pocket doors. Living room 12'10 x 13'8; Kitchen w/newer cabinets and counter tops: 14'3 x 12'3; dining room with A BEAUTIFUL STONE FIREPLACE; 12'5 x 17'7; main floor half bath; 5'9 x 4'10; main floor laundry; 10'1 x 12'10; enclosed front porch; 6' x 24'; upper level
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