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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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).
Fort Dodge city, IA Climate
Fort Dodge city, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.3°C (47°F) and receives about 838 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.3°C
Avg Temp
838
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 15° | 24 mm |
| February | -6° / 22° | 19 mm |
| March | 1° / 34° | 53 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 81 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 107 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 122 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 109 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 103 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 83 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 63 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 46 mm |
| December | -6° / 21° | 28 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Fort Dodge city, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Fort Dodge city, IA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -14°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.