Fort Dodge ZIP Codes — Webster County, IA

There is one unique ZIP code in Fort Dodge, Iowa and it is 50501. Area code: 515.

ZIP codes

152.16

sq mi land

1.22

sq mi water

515

area code

Fort Dodge, IA ZIP code map

About Fort Dodge, IA

Fort Dodge, IA, is a vibrant city located in the heart of Iowa, known for its rich history and welcoming community. As the largest city in Webster County, it serves as a hub for various economic and recreational activities in the region. Fort Dodge offers a blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences, making it an appealing place to live and visit.

Location & geography

Fort Dodge boasts a land area of 152.16 square miles, complemented by a water area of 1.22 square miles, which contributes to its scenic landscapes. The city is located approximately 90 miles north of Des Moines, the state capital, and is flanked by neighboring cities such as Fort Madison to the east and Webster City to the west. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and proximity to the Des Moines River, enhancing the area's natural beauty.

Community & economy

The character of Fort Dodge is marked by a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving its historical heritage. The local economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, which contribute to the city's growth and stability. Daily life in Fort Dodge is enriched by various cultural events, parks, and recreational activities that foster a close-knit community atmosphere.

Transportation

Fort Dodge is well-connected by major highways, including U.S. Route 169 and Iowa Highway 7, facilitating easy access to surrounding areas. The nearest airport serving the region is the Fort Dodge Regional Airport, which offers limited commercial flights. Public transportation options are available, helping residents and visitors navigate the city efficiently.

History

Fort Dodge was founded in 1850 and quickly developed as a key military outpost and transportation hub in the region. Key industries historically included lumber and agriculture, which laid the foundation for the city's growth and economic stability. Notable events, such as its involvement in the establishment of Fort Dodge Community College, have marked its role as an educational center.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Fort Dodge is its rich Native American history, as it was once a location for various tribal settlements. Additionally, the city hosts the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration, which is one of the largest such events in the Midwest.

ZIP codes for Fort Dodge, IA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
50501	Fort Dodge	Webster	View map

Demographics & statistics

28,530

Population

38.8

Median age

$64,013

Median household income

$32,912

Per capita income

$134,200

Median home value

$761

Median monthly rent

66.2%

Home ownership

13.5%

Poverty rate

3.4%

Unemployment

8,977

Housing units

21.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

857

Under 5

776

896

5–9

811

802

10–14

727

1,187

15–19

1,076

1,196

20–24

1,083

1,931

25–34

1,749

1,712

35–44

1,551

1,587

45–54

1,437

893

55–59

809

1,004

60–64

909

1,540

65–74

1,394

956

75–84

865

410

85+

372

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	5,931	20.8%
18 and over	22,599	79.2%
65 and over	5,537	19.4%
Median age	38.8 years

Race & ethnicity

White 81.5%

Two or more races 6.3%

Black or African American 4.1%

Hispanic or Latino 4.1%

Other race 2.3%

Asian 1.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	24,262	81.5%
Two or more races	1,872	6.3%
Black or African American	1,229	4.1%
Hispanic or Latino	1,228	4.1%
Other race	672	2.3%
Asian	403	1.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	92	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 5.9%

$10k–$15k 3.6%

$15k–$25k 9.4%

$25k–$35k 9.9%

$35k–$50k 12.6%

$50k–$75k 18.1%

$75k–$100k 15.7%

$100k–$150k 15.2%

$150k–$200k 6.0%

$200k+ 3.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	5.9%
$10k–$15k	3.6%
$15k–$25k	9.4%
$25k–$35k	9.9%
$35k–$50k	12.6%
$50k–$75k	18.1%
$75k–$100k	15.7%
$100k–$150k	15.2%
$150k–$200k	6.0%
$200k+	3.7%
Median income	$64,013

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 10.4%

$50k–$100k 28.1%

$100k–$150k 17.5%

$150k–$200k 20.8%

$200k–$300k 11.8%

$300k–$500k 9.0%

$500k–$1M 1.9%

$1M+ 0.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$134,200
Median rent / month	$761
Owner occupied	66.2%
Renter occupied	33.8%
Vacant	8.1%
Single-family detached	74.1%
Large apartment buildings	6.3%
Mobile homes	2.9%
Median rooms	5.6
Avg household size (owned)	2.28

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.2%
2010–2019	4.3%
2000–2009	5.8%
1990–1999	6.1%
1980–1989	5.7%
1970–1979	15.7%
1960–1969	8.2%
1950–1959	16.3%
1940–1949	8.0%
1939 or earlier	29.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.3%
1 bedroom	10.9%
2 bedrooms	32.7%
3 bedrooms	35.3%
4 bedrooms	15.4%
5+ bedrooms	3.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	8.2%
1 vehicle	33.6%
2 vehicles	36.3%
3 or more	21.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	67.8%
Electricity	24.2%
Propane / LP gas	5.3%
Fuel oil	0.4%
Wood	0.4%
No fuel used	1.6%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	4,483	37.5%
Cohabiting couple	1,246	10.4%
Male householder, no spouse	2,746	22.9%
Female householder, no spouse	3,492	29.2%
Households with children under 18	2,893	24.2%
Households with seniors (65+)	3,916	32.7%
Average household size	2.16

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	42.1%	29.9%
Married	39.8%	40.1%
Separated	1.4%	1.4%
Widowed	3.2%	12.8%
Divorced	13.6%	15.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.9%

Some HS, no diploma 6.9%

HS graduate 33.6%

Some college, no degree 24.5%

Associate's degree 12.0%

Bachelor's degree 15.4%

Graduate / professional 5.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.1%
Bachelor's or higher	21.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	371	5.5%
Kindergarten	336	5.0%
Elementary school	2,457	36.7%
High school	1,416	21.1%
College / grad school	2,116	31.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 24.1%

Manufacturing 15.1%

Retail trade 13.0%

Construction 9.5%

Arts, food & hospitality 9.0%

Transportation & utilities 5.3%

Public administration 4.9%

Professional & management 4.3%

Finance & real estate 4.1%

Agriculture & mining 3.7%

Other services 3.5%

Wholesale trade 2.1%

Information 1.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	27.4%
Service	19.2%
Sales & office	22.2%
Natural resources & construction	12.6%
Production & transportation	18.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	82.2%
Government	12.4%
Self-employed	5.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.3%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	82.7%
Carpool	7.9%
Public transit	0.3%
Walk	3.4%
Other means	2.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	16.9

Poverty

All people 13.5%

Under 18 years 19.5%

18 and over 11.9%

Married-couple families 4.7%

Female-led households 21.2%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	34.5%
Retirement income	23.5%
Supplemental Security	4.1%
Cash public assistance	2.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	11.3%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	33.2%
High cholesterol	31.7%
Heart disease	7.2%
Stroke	3.4%
Asthma	10.0%
Arthritis	25.0%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	7.7%
Cancer	6.9%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	20.7%
No physical activity	27.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	32.2%
Fair or poor health	15.0%
Poor mental health	14.6%
Poor physical health	10.7%
No health insurance	11.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	75.2%
Visited dentist	61.4%
Cholesterol screening	85.8%
Teeth loss	16.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,755	7.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.1%
Under 18	6.5%
18–64 years	12.5%
65 and over	32.8%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	66.0%
Public insurance	42.5%
Uninsured under 19	6.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	26,897	94.3%
Spanish	528	2.0%
Other Indo-European	109	0.4%
Asian & Pacific Islander	159	0.6%
Other languages	133	0.5%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	27,654	96.9%
Born in same state	27,511	96.4%
Born in different state	21,422	75.1%
Foreign born	143	0.5%
Naturalized citizen	876	3.1%
Not a US citizen	212	24.2%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	3,124	10.9%
French	2,151	7.5%
Polish	1,700	6%
Arab	1,119	3.9%
English	400	1.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	314	1.1%
Norwegian	25	0.1%
Irish	13	0%
German	10	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	41.9%
Internet access	88.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Fort Dodge, IA have?

Fort Dodge, IA has one ZIP code: 50501. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.