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Is Mason City a Good Place to Live? Mason City, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Mason City ranks #577 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #108 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.5 min, #4 of 208) and low living costs (84.1, #17 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (83%, #145 of 191).
Mason City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Mason City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Mason City?
Mason City's cost of living index is 84.1, 16% below the US level of 100 and #24 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $882/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $160,992, 33% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Mason City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 84.1#24 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $160,992#58 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $142,000#71 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $882/mo#73 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.2x#12 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.3%#116 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Mason City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Mason City is in the Mason City, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Mason City safe?
Mason City recorded 354 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #645 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #112 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mason City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,580 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Mason City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 354#645 of 1,085 | 234 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,580#883 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Mason City?
The median household in Mason City earns $64,804, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Mason City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $64,804#930 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 12%#651 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Mason City?
The median resident of Mason City is 42.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Mason City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 42.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 20.8%#1147 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 65.5% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Mason City's schools and health?
Mason City's 7 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $14,852 spent per pupil. 40.5% of adults are obese and 12.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Mason City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,852#603 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 40.5%#1143 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.4%#854 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.7%#334 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,293 students are enrolled in Mason City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Mason City?
The average commute in Mason City is 13.5 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.9% of workers take transit and 4.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Mason City scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.6°F and winters 19.1°F, with 36.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Mason City | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 13.5 min#35 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 1.8%#34 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 81% | 76.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.2% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4.3% | 9.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24.2 | 7.2 | 0.9 |
| Feb | 28.5 | 11.4 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 42.1 | 23.6 | 2.3 |
| Apr | 57.5 | 34.5 | 4.2 |
| May | 69.6 | 46.8 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 79.6 | 57.3 | 5.4 |
| Jul | 82.5 | 60.5 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 80.2 | 57.6 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 74.1 | 48.8 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 59.9 | 36.6 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 43.6 | 24.3 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 29.7 | 13.5 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mason City Muni Airport.
| Measure | Mason City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 45.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 69.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 19.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 36.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mason City Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Mason City?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Mason City's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cerro Gordo County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Mason City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#708 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Cerro Gordo County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Cerro Gordo County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 72% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0028% | 61% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0015% | 43% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Mason City compare with similar-size cities?
Mason City is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #108 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 27,050.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #577 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 | 13.5 min |
| Conway, SCPop. 27,263 | #1072 | 48.5 | $56,650 | $866/mo | 324 | 24 min |
| Clinton, MSPop. 27,195 | #520 | 57.8 | $74,745 | $1,118/mo | 95 | 24.2 min |
| Kuna, IDPop. 27,158 | #410 | 59.9 | $96,219 | $1,774/mo | no data | 28.9 min |
| Jenks, OKPop. 27,102 | #185 | 64.9 | $111,004 | $1,602/mo | 99 | 20.5 min |
| Cabot, ARPop. 26,960 | #711 | 54.8 | $75,000 | $1,110/mo | 359 | 28.6 min |
| South Portland, MEPop. 26,930 | #80 | 69.1 | $86,838 | $1,812/mo | 55 | 17.1 min |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #1018 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 | 15.7 min |
| Ewa Gentry, HIPop. 26,563 | #205 | 64.4 | $135,684 | $2,580/mo | no data | 35.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Mason City compare with the rest of Iowa?
Mason City ranks #12 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 57 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 14% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Mason City's score calculated?
Mason City scores 57 out of 100, #577 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Mason City. Similar-size median 52.9.
51.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Mason City's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
65.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Mason City. Similar-size median 52.2.
44.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Mason City's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Mason City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
90.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Mason City. Similar-size median 46.7.
46.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Mason City. Similar-size median 44.2.
43.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Mason City. Similar-size median 47.3.
48.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Mason City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
66.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
47.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Mason City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Mason City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Mason City
Is Mason City, IA a good place to live?
Mason City ranks #577 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #108 of 208 small cities and #12 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13.5 min, #4 of 208) and low living costs (84.1, #17 of 208), and trails on low graduation rates (83%, #145 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Mason City?
Mason City's cost of living index is 84.1, 16% below the US level of 100 and #24 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $882/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $160,992, 33% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Mason City?
Mason City recorded 354 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 8% above the US rate of 328 and 51% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #645 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #112 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Mason City Police Department. Property crime runs 2,580 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Mason City?
The median household in Mason City earns $64,804, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 14% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 12% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Mason City?
Median rent in Mason City is $882/mo (Census), #73 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 16.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Mason City?
The typical home value in Mason City is $160,992, up 1.8% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $142,000.
How are the public schools in Mason City?
Mason City's 7 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $14,852 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Mason City?
The average commute is 13.5 minutes, #35 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 1.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Mason City?
Mason City averages 45.6°F over the year, 69.6°F in summer and 19.1°F in winter, with 36.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Mason City walkable?
Mason City scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Mason City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Cerro Gordo County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, inland flooding, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
Who lives in Mason City?
Mason City has 27,050 residents. The median resident of Mason City is 42.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Mason City compare with the rest of Iowa?
Mason City ranks #12 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 57 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 14% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 51% above the statewide rate. Homes are 33% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Mason City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Mason City's population of 27,050 are Conway, SC (#1072 overall), Clinton, MS (#520 overall), Kuna, ID (#410 overall), Jenks, OK (#185 overall), and Cabot, AR (#711 overall). Mason City is #577.