A new housing study released Tuesday shows that 408 new housing units will need to be built by 2029 within Webster County and 226 units within the City of Fort Dodge in order to keep up with housing and income demands.

The study, completed by Next Move Group, LLC, of Pensacola, Florida, was released by the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and presented to the Webster County Board of Supervisors.

“We’re thrilled to share updates on our housing study, which includes current data and insights–a much-anticipated update since our last study in 2014,” said Astra Ferris, CEO of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. “This comprehensive study covers both Webster County as a whole and the Fort Dodge city limits, providing a detailed overview of the region’s housing landscape.”

According to economic projections, 157 more households within Webster County will make between $75,000 to $100,000 in 2029 than currently are in 2024.

Also, 327 more households within Webster County are anticipated to make between $100,000 to $150,000 in 2029 than in 2024, and 409 more households in the county are expected to make between $150,000 to $200,000 in 2029.

The study stated that while Webster County is not experiencing population growth, many of these households currently residing in the county will see income increases.

In Fort Dodge, the study stated that 105 more households will make between $75,000 to $100,000 in income.

Another 174 households will make between $100,000 to $150,000, and 233 more households are expected to make between $150,000 and $200,000 in 2029 than currently are in 2024.Given that Fort Dodge is not experiencing population growth, most of these households to see the income increases are currently residing within the city.

“The timing couldn’t be better, given our recent designation as a Fort Dodge Thriving Community,” said Ferris. “One key highlight from the study is the projected increase in Webster County’s average household income, which is expected to rise from $86,000 to $98,000 by 2029.”

Given the increases in income that are expected within the City of Fort Dodge and in Webster County, the study stated that new housing for rent and to own is necessary.

Eighty-four new homes in Webster County will be needed for those looking to purchase homes in the $225,000 to $325,000 range.

Sixty seven homes will be needed for purchase in the $325,001 – $475,000 range, and 105 homes will be needed in the $475,001 to $600,000 range.

For rental units within the county, 25 will be needed in the $1,000 to $1,250 monthly range, 30 units in the $1,251 to $1,500 range, and 46 units in the $1,501 to $2,000 range.

Within the City of Fort Dodge, 24 units in the $1,000 to $1,250 range will be needed, 17 units in the $1,251 to $1,500 range, and 28 units in the $1,501 to $2,000 range.

In addition to the five year housing study, the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance will also soon be releasing a senior housing study focusing on affordable housing options.

“We’re in the process of adding an important addendum to incorporate data from affordable housing waitlists and highlight low-to-moderate income housing needs,” said Ferris of the senior housing study. “This will help us better target developers to address current housing gaps without relying on long-term projections.”

The senior living housing study is anticipated to be released soon, according to Ferris.

“Together, these studies serve as invaluable tools to attract and retain a diverse range of developers to the region, ultimately expanding housing options and meeting the needs of our communities,” said Ferris.

Housing recommendations for next five years

408 housing units should be built within Webster County

292 of units for sale

116 of units for rent

226 of units should be built within City of Fort Dodge

149 of units for sale

77 units for rent