Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mason City, IA
Considering a move to Mason City, IA? This friendly city of 27,338 residents offers an affordable lifestyle with a median home price around $140,500 and average rent near $830. Commutes are short at just over 13 minutes, and the area enjoys 60% sunny days annually. Mason City features a solid public school system, accessible healthcare, and a low cost of living—making it a great fit for families or anyone seeking a relaxed pace in northern Iowa.
Demographics - Mason City, IA
Demographics - Mason City, IA
Mason City is home to about 27,338 residents, with a median age of 43.2, reflecting a mature and settled community. The population is predominantly White, with small Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and just under 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
27,338
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mason City, IA?
Mason City offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $140,500 and average rent at $830. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$140,500
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$890
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
99.8
Transportation:
95.2
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Mason City, IA a safe place to live?
The city experiences relatively low violent crime, with 217 incidents per 100,000 residents, and a property crime rate that means a 1 in 46 chance annually. This creates a generally safe environment for families and newcomers alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
217
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,170
Crime Index:
2,387
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 460
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Mason City, IA year-round?
Mason City enjoys four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 9°F and warm summers reaching up to 83°F. The area receives about 33.5 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 60% sunny days, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents of Mason City enjoy a median household income of $56,600 and a short average commute of just 13.2 minutes. The community boasts a high rate of high school graduation, but a modest percentage hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting a close-knit and practical workforce.
Median Income:
$32,400
Household Income:
$56,600
Family Income:
$75,800
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$41,300
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
12.6%
Non English Speakers:
4.7%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Mason City, IA?
Mason City features a robust public school system, including Mason City High School and John Adams Middle School, highlighted by favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to North Iowa Area Community College, supporting both K–12 and higher education opportunities for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Mason City High School
Street:
1700 4th St SE
Phone:
641-421-4525
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
John Adams Middle School
Street:
29 S Illinois Ave
Phone:
641-421-4420
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Private Schools
Name:
Newman Catholic School
Street:
2445 19th St SW
Phone:
641-423-6638
Students:
400
Colleges
Name:
North Iowa Area Community College
City:
Mason City
State:
IA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Mason City provides quality healthcare, anchored by MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center and a strong physician presence at 1.9 doctors per 1,000 residents. Nearly 94% of locals have health insurance, ensuring broad access to medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center
Address:
1000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401
Phone:
(641) 428-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mason City, IA?
The housing market in Mason City is accessible, with a median home price of $140,500 and most residents owning their homes. Rental vacancies remain moderate, and home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$140,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For vehicle and licensing needs, residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation, with resources available both online and at the main office in nearby Ames. The DMV provides comprehensive services for drivers throughout the state.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
1300 S. Grand Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.