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

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Highlights
Are people in Fort Dodge older or younger than people in Ottumwa?
- The Median Age in Fort Dodge is 0.7 years younger than in Ottumwa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fort Dodge or Ottumwa?
- Fort Dodge housing costs are 16.0% more expensive than Ottumwa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fort Dodge or Ottumwa?
- The average commute for residents of Fort Dodge is 2.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ottumwa.

Things to do in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa, IA is a charming city located in Wapello County. With an estimated population of 25,000 people, Ottumwa has something special for everyone. From outdoor activities like fishing and hiking to cultural attractions like the American Gothic House–there's always something new to explore in this lively city. Residents also benefit from easy access to quality public and private schools as well as excellent healthcare facilities. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation—Ottumwa has something special for everyone!

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!

 Ottumwa, IAFort Dodge, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock24,826329,725,481
 Median Income$48,198  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3738.4
 Avg. Home Price$97,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.38  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ottumwa    5 Reviews

Over 12 years ago

Ottumwa has a seemingly high rate of theft-related crimes as well as drug use which I'm sure correlates to the incidences of assault. For a community of 20-30,000, the  More

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Over 16 years ago

ottumwa, Iowa has no diverse culture. It is not very open especially when it comes to branching out to new ideas of others culture...The idea of culture here is the pro  More

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Over 17 years ago

Pros: 1. Extremely low cost of living and housing 2. Affordable place to live Cons: 1. High crime rate 2. Very poor school system 3. Economically depressed 4.  More

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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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