Austin, MN vs Fort Dodge, IA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Austin
83.9
#10 nationally
Fort Dodge
78.6
#168 nationally
Austin leads in crime level (5.2 vs 29.1). Austin leads in walk score (37 vs 34). Fort Dodge leads in cost of living index (84 vs 91).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, MN | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 83.9 (#10) | 78.6 (#168) |
| Population | 26,171 | 24,591 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $193,110 | $132,746 |
| Median Household Income | $61,667 | $59,452 |
| Average Commute | 17 min | 16.8 min |
| Walk Score | 37 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 5.2 | 29.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 84 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.5 | R+31.2 |
B
83.9 Score
Austin, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$193,110
Population
26,171
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Austin, MN →
C+
78.6 Score
Fort Dodge, IA
Small Iowa city with local appeal
Median Home
$132,746
Population
24,591
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
34
Midwest
View Fort Dodge, IA →