Median Income
$62,369
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,000
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$874
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Mason City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population27,135
Median Age43.0 yrs
Density962/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,369
Per Capita$36,527
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$3,729M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,000
Rent$874
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$160,992
Housing Units14,123
Rent Burden24.0%
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured4.4%
Smoking17.3%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Elevation1,106 ft (337 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 43%
Commute14 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations6
Libraries7
Is Mason City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mason City receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Mason City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mason City is $62,369, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mason City is $130,000, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $874 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Mason City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 44.4 inches of snow.
Mason City has a population of 27,135 with a density of 962 people per square mile, spread across 28.1 square miles. The median age is 43.0 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.4%), with 6.5% Hispanic, 3.3% Black, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27,135
Total Population
2023 Census
43.0yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mason City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mason City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mason City is $62,369, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,527. The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,681 business establishments, including 127 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mason City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,369 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,527 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,681 |
| County GDP | $3,729M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 127 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Retail | 211 |
| Manufacturing | 53 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,115 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
The median home value in Mason City is $130,000, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,992, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $175,000 with homes selling in an average of 73 days. Homes sell for 96% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $874 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 14,123 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $6,115 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,000 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,992 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $175,000 |
| Median List Price | $195,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $175,000 |
| Median List Price | $195,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $95 |
| Homes Sold | 17 |
| Days on Market | 73 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.0% |
| Price Drops | 14.7% |
| Inventory | 95 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $874 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 14,123 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,115 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.70% |
In Mason City, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.4% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 4.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:700. The dentist ratio is 1:1,034. 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
1.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
2.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
127.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Mason City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 4.4% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:700 |
| Dentists | 1:1,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:288 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,468/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 137 |
Mason City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 44.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,106 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,106 ft (337 m) |
| Area | 28.1 sq mi (72.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 962/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1486°N, 93.1998°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cerro Gordo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.72"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
623 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 53 fatalities, 1,035 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
72 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
43 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
53 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
77 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Mason City has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Mason City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $690 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $466 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mason City
What is the population of Mason City?
Mason City has a population of 27,135 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 962 people per square mile, spread across 28.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Mason City expensive to live in?
Mason City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,369, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,000 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $874 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Mason City?
Mason City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 44.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Mason City?
Mason City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 1,681 business establishments in the area, including 127 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mason City?
The median home value in Mason City is $130,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,992. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $175,000, with homes typically selling within 73 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $874. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,115.
How are the schools in Mason City?
Schools in Mason City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.3% of adults in Mason City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mason City?
The obesity rate in Mason City is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 4.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:700.
What is transportation like in Mason City?
The average commute in Mason City is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mason City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mason City is 88.4% White, 3.3% Black or African American, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.