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Fort Madison, Iowa Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Fort Madison, Iowa at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $94,200
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security and retirement income exempt for those 55+.
- Avg January Low
- 18.7°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 88.4 (US avg = 100)
- Best For
- established retirement community
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 75 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Fort Madison, Iowa, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Fort Madison's cost of living is 11.599999999999994% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Fort Madison using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$204
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$229
Median home price used: $94,200
Median rent reference: $806 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Fort Madison, Iowa after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Fort Madison scores 100 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Fort Madison
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Fort Madison →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Iowa has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 294 sunny days a year and an average January low of 18.7°F, Fort Madison offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Fort Madison
Is Fort Madison, Iowa a good place to retire?▾
Fort Madison, Iowa is one of the US retirement-friendly cities tracked by RetireCityIQ. Notable retirement-relevant traits include established retirement community. See the at-a-glance card on this page for the cost of living, state tax treatment, climate, and healthcare access metrics.
What is the cost of living in Fort Madison, Iowa for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 88, roughly 12% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $94,200.
Does Iowa tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Iowa residents: State income tax; Social Security and retirement income exempt for those 55+.
What is the climate like in Fort Madison, Iowa?▾
Fort Madison, Iowa has January average low around 19°F, July average high around 86°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Fort Madison, Iowa?▾
Fort Madison scores 100/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a top-tier score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).