2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Fort Dodge, IA vs Ames, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Ames older or younger than people in Fort Dodge?
- The Median Age in Ames is 13.6 years younger than in Fort Dodge.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ames or Fort Dodge?
- Ames housing costs are 111.0% more expensive than Fort Dodge housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ames or Fort Dodge?
- The average commute for residents of Ames is 2.3 minutes longer than it is for residents of Fort Dodge.

Things to do in Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge is a city located in Webster County Iowa along U.S Route 20 near Iowa's border with Minnesota. Home to more than 24 810 inhabitants Fort Dodge's economy relies heavily on animal health care industry since it has become home to several pharmaceutical companies manufacturing products used both nationally and internationally this makes Fort Dodge one if not the main contributor when comes to producing health supplies needed globally unfortunately though not every inhabitant benefits from this riches however locals enjoy an array if amenities such as regular art exhibitions galleries minor league sports teams bowling centers shopping malls local festivals exciting events plenty off amazing eateries plus lots off other family attractions that make this charming little Midwestern gem an desirable destination you won't regret visiting!

Things to do in Ames?
Ames, Iowa is a lively city located in the heart of central Iowa. This bustling city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the picturesque Reiman Gardens or the historic Octagon Center for the Arts. Residents here also enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities at Hills Memorial Park or Brookside Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Ames their home.

 Fort Dodge, IAAmes, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock65,522329,725,481
 Median Income$50,409  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock23.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$113,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock2.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time14.16  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fort Dodge    4 Reviews

Corrupt politicians always scheming to funnel public money to wealthy private interests, creating a welfare dependent economy that will be imploding sooner than later,  More

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Over 10 years ago

Before moving to the Fort Dodge area please consider other options. The city is a decaying town, streets have definitely seen better days and are filthy. There are not  More

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Over 15 years ago

I see that everyone is rather hard on Fort Dodge. I grew up and lived there until I married and (like a failed pioneer) moved east to Gettysburg, Pa. It was the best  More

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Reviews for Ames    12 Reviews

Over 13 years ago

Hello, I am in San Jose Ca, but am seriously thinking of moving somewhere much slower for a better quality of living. I've just turned 59, so I'm kinda preparing for  More

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Over 13 years ago

Like every other city Ames has both good and bad points. The good points are: low cost of living, very friendly people, lots of outdoor activities and quite a few events  More

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Ames enjoys a high quality of life at a very affordable cost, substantially lower than many other communities. The presence of Iowa State University, a large (28,000  More

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