Fort Madison, IA
Population 10,221 · Iowa
About Fort Madison, IA
Fort Madison is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 10,221 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,359 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Madison features a median home value of $95,900, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Madison one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $824, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,142 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (3,347 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (1,232 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Madison shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Madison have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.1% of Fort Madison residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Madison Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Fort Madison, IA
Compared to national averages, Fort Madison has a median household income of $49,359 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $95,900, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $824 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Fort Madison's income is 27% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 27% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Fort Madison, IA?
Fort Madison offers affordable housing with a median home value of $95,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $824/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,359) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Madison’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Madison has a population of 10,221 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Fort Madison with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Fort Madison
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Keokuk | 9,748 | $49,340 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Grinnell | 9,527 | $64,426 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 9,438 | $48,302 | $152,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Madison With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Madison
What is the population of Fort Madison, IA?
The population of Fort Madison, IA is 10,221 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Fort Madison?
The median household income in Fort Madison, IA is $49,359 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Madison?
The median home value in Fort Madison, IA is $95,900, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Madison?
The median monthly rent in Fort Madison, IA is $824, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Madison?
The unemployment rate in Fort Madison, IA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Madison, IA a good place to live?
Fort Madison offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,221 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Madison, IA?
19.1% of residents in Fort Madison aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fort Madison?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Madison, IA: median home value is $95,900 (61% below national), median rent is $824/month, and median household income is $49,359. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Madison?
The poverty rate in Fort Madison, IA is 14.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fort Madison, IA?
Fort Madison's population is 5.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 4.6% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.