Fort Dodge, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Fort Dodge, Iowa is 24,788 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest city in Iowa. The median household income is $61,769, the median home value is $128,900, and the median age is 38.2.
The population has declined 0.9% since 2010 (25,119 → 24,886).
24,788
Population
1548
People / sq mi
$61,769
Median Income
$128,900
Median Home Value
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Fort Dodge covers 16.0 sq mi of land at 1548 people per square mile.
About Fort Dodge, IA
What sets Fort Dodge apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 3.2% versus 14.0% nationally. Fort Dodge is a city in Iowa with a population of 24,788. It ranks #20 among cities in Iowa by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $61,769, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.0%, below the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $128,900, with typical rent around $764.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 20.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Fort Dodge city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Fort Dodge city had a population of 25,119 in 2010 and 24,886 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,119 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.06%.
24,886
Population (2024)
25,119
Population (2010)
25,119
Peak (2010)
-0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,119 |
| 2011 | 25,036 |
| 2012 | 24,766 |
| 2013 | 24,827 |
| 2014 | 24,654 |
| 2015 | 24,633 |
| 2016 | 24,438 |
| 2017 | 24,337 |
| 2018 | 24,156 |
| 2019 | 23,888 |
| 2020 | 24,864 |
| 2021 | 25,036 |
| 2022 | 24,705 |
| 2023 | 24,702 |
| 2024 | 24,886 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.5% |
| Black or African American | 4.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$61,769
Median Household Income
$32,899
Per Capita Income
7.0%
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$128,900
Median Home Value
$764
Median Rent
64.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.8%
High School+
20.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
81.9%
Public Transit
3.2%
Work From Home
17.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.3%
Foreign Born
93.3%
Non-English at Home
7.1%
Veterans
16.8%
With Disability
91.4%
Health Insurance
88.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.3% |
| Manufacturing | 15.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.1% |
| Construction | 8.7% |
| Public Administration | 5.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 4.7% |
| Information | 4.5% |
| Retail Trade | 3.5% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.8% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.9% |
Largest cities in Iowa
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Metro areas in Iowa
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Dodge, Iowa has a population of 24,788 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest city in Iowa.
The median household income in Fort Dodge, Iowa is $61,769, with 7.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Fort Dodge, Iowa is $128,900, with median monthly rent at $764 and a homeownership rate of 64.0%.
The median age in Fort Dodge, Iowa is 38.2 years. The population is 51.9% male and 48.1% female.
The population has declined 0.9% since 2010 (25,119 → 24,886).
Where to stay in Fort Dodge
Visiting or relocating to Fort Dodge, IA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.