Fort Dodge Residential
Real Estate Market Report
Q4 2025 / Early 2026 • Webster County, Iowa • Updated Monthly by Guthrie & Associates
$159,950
Median Sold Price
97
Median Days in RPR
132
Active Listings
18
Months of Inventory
Median Price Trend — Fort Dodge
Sales by Property Type (Last 30 Days)
Market Analysis
Fort Dodge's residential market is showing stable fundamentals heading into 2026. The median home price of $159,950 reflects a modest 1.93% year-over-year adjustment, while the 3-year trend shows a healthy 11.15% appreciation. With 132 active listings and homes averaging 97 days on market, buyers have more time to make informed decisions. The rental market remains active with 34 properties listed, and median rent has held steady near $785/month. Fort Dodge continues to offer exceptional affordability compared to national averages, with the average home value of $125,806 representing tremendous value for families and investors alike.
Inventory remains tight at approximately 1.8 months of supply, well below the 6-month balanced market threshold. Homes priced correctly are receiving multiple offers within the first week on market. The average days on market has dropped to 28 days, down from 31 days in the same period last year.
Webster County's affordability advantage over Des Moines and other Iowa metros continues to attract buyers seeking value. The median price-to-income ratio remains favorable at approximately 2.8x, compared to the national average of 4.5x.
For Buyers
Fort Dodge is currently a buyer's market, giving you negotiating power. With homes averaging 97 days on market, you have time to be selective. Interest rates remain the key variable — getting pre-approved now locks in your purchasing power. The $109/sq ft average means you can find spacious, quality homes well below national averages. Focus on neighborhoods near Cooper, Duncombe, and Feelhaver schools for the best long-term value.
For Sellers
Pricing strategy is everything in today's market. Homes priced correctly are still selling — the 5-day DOM on 1316 3rd Ave N proves that. Professional photography, staging, and a competitive list price will set you apart. Scott's track record of achieving 97-100% of list price comes from deep market knowledge and aggressive marketing across all platforms.
For Investors
Fort Dodge offers some of Iowa's strongest cash-flow opportunities. With purchase prices in the $50K-$150K range and rents of $800-$1,200/month, cap rates of 8-12% are achievable. The rental vacancy rate remains low, and the city's stable employment base (Iowa Central Community College, UnityPoint Health, manufacturing) supports consistent tenant demand. Multi-family properties under $300K are particularly attractive.
Fort Dodge Neighborhood Snapshot
| Neighborhood | Median Price | YoY Change | Avg DOM |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Fort Dodge | $185,000 | +5.1% | 22 days |
| South Fort Dodge | $148,000 | +3.8% | 31 days |
| East Side / Snell-Crawford | $162,000 | +4.5% | 26 days |
| West Fort Dodge | $175,000 | +4.9% | 24 days |
| Downtown / Central | $128,000 | +2.9% | 38 days |
| Badger / Rural Webster | $210,000 | +6.2% | 19 days |
Get Your Free Home Valuation
Find out what your Fort Dodge home is worth in today's market. Free CMA from Scott Underberg.
Or call Scott directly:
(515) 576-5703