Webster County Public RecordsIowa

Webster County, IA, has around 20 public schools, including Fort Dodge Senior High School. Approximately 88% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 18% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores fall near the state average, with a math proficiency of about 71% and reading at 70%. School safety is prioritized, with reported low rates of major incidents. The county offers adult education through Iowa Central Community College, and educational programs include AP courses, vocational training, and special education services.

As of 2023, Webster County, IA has an employment rate of approximately 59%. The labor force primarily works in healthcare and social assistance (19%), manufacturing (17%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (10%). Major occupations include production (16%), office and administrative support (15%), and healthcare practitioners (11%). About 79% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 16 minutes. Roughly 72% of residents work within the county, while others commute to nearby cities such as Fort Dodge, the county seat, and Ames.

Webster County, IA, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values near $120,000 as of 2023. Rental rates average around $700 per month. The housing market trends stable, with moderate annual appreciation of 2–3%. Popular housing types include single-family homes and duplexes, particularly in neighborhoods like Duncombe and Fort Dodge. Property tax rates average 1.55% of assessed home value. Residential neighborhoods offer both historic homes and newer developments, attracting families and retirees.

Webster County, IA, has an estimated 2023 population of about 36,500. The median age is approximately 41 years. Females make up 50.2% and males 49.8% of the population. Racially, the county is 86% White, 6% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 3% Hispanic or Latino, with other races and mixed backgrounds comprising the remainder. The area has a predominantly aging, White population, but diversity is gradually increasing.

Webster County, IA, had 21,340 registered voters as of November 2022, with 41% Republican, 33% Democrat, and 26% No Party/Other. Voters participate in general, primary, city, and school elections, with key issues typically including taxes and education. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 59% and Joe Biden 39% of county votes. The Webster County Auditor administers elections, with 13 polling locations countywide. Election administration is transparent, with results and information available on the county website. The major parties—Republican and Democratic—both maintain active local organizations.

Webster County, IA, has a crime rate of 34.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than the state average. In 2023, there were 1,660 reported crimes, including 225 violent crimes and 1,435 property crimes. The most common offenses are theft and burglary. Law enforcement prioritizes community policing and public awareness. Reporting is facilitated via the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and local police, with incident trends regularly published. Overall, while crime is present, recent efforts have led to a slight 3% decrease compared to the previous year.