2025 Compare Cities Overview:
West Des Moines, IA vs Fort Dodge, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Fort Dodge older or younger than people in West Des Moines?
- The Median Age in Fort Dodge is 0.9 years older than in West Des Moines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fort Dodge or West Des Moines?
- Fort Dodge housing costs are 59.9% less expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fort Dodge or West Des Moines?
- The average commute for residents of Fort Dodge is 3.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of West Des Moines.

Things to do in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines, Iowa is a vibrant city located in the greater Des Moines area. This lively town offers an array of exciting attractions for visitors to explore such as the beautiful Living History Farms or the thrilling Adventureland Amusement Park. Residents here also enjoy plenty of outdoor activities at Raccoon River or Water Works Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and wide range of recreational activities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make West Des Moines their home.

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!

 West Des Moines, IAFort Dodge, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock24,826329,725,481
 Median Income$76,564  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3738.4
 Avg. Home Price$282,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.17  Unlock26.38
Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  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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