Chester, PA 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.
Fort Dodge
78.6
#168 nationally
Chester leads in walk score (60 vs 34). Fort Dodge leads in median household income ($59,452 vs $39,193). Fort Dodge leads in average commute (16.8 min vs 21.7 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 24,591 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $132,746 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $59,452 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 16.8 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 34 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 29.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 84 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | R+31.2 |
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Score
Chester, PA
Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal
Population
33,595
Crime
High
Walk Score
60
Median Income
$39,193
Northeast
View Chester, PA →
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 →