Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Fort Dodge?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Dodge, you need to earn at least $36,080/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $59,452, which means the typical resident is $23,372 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 24,850

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$631	$2,103	$25,240	$-34,212
1 Bedroom	$749	$2,497	$29,960	$-29,492
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$902	$3,007	$36,080	$-23,372
3 Bedroom	$1,100	$3,667	$44,000	$-15,452
4 Bedroom	$1,353	$4,510	$54,120	$-5,332

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Fort Dodge's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$59,452

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$36,080

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$23,372

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 18.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Fort Dodge

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Fort Dodge's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,486

Studio

$631/mo

1 BR

$749/mo

2 BR

$902/mo

3 BR

$1,100/mo

4 BR

$1,353/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Fort Dodge.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Fort Dodge's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge, Iowa stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $59,452 significantly exceeds the $36,080 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $23,372 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Fort Dodge, a studio at $631/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,100/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $44,000.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $54,120 would position you well — though many residents in Fort Dodge manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

With a total population of 24,850, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,570 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $36,080 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

11,570

Active civilian employees in Fort Dodge

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Fort Dodge

What salary do I need to live in Fort Dodge, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Dodge under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $36,080. The median household income in Fort Dodge is $59,452.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Fort Dodge on $59,452?

The affordability verdict for Fort Dodge is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 18.2%, meaning median earners have a $23,372 surplus.

What is the average rent in Fort Dodge compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Fort Dodge is $749/month. With a median household income of $59,452, residents spend approximately 18.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Fort Dodge?

A studio in Fort Dodge rents for approximately $631/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $25,240 to afford this.

Is Fort Dodge considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $23,372 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Fort Dodge is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $36,080 to the local median household income.

How Fort Dodge Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements