Median Income
$64,250
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,200
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$785
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Mason City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,094
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density2,073/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,250
Per Capita$32,801
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$634M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,200
Rent$785
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$115,986
Health
Obesity36.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Elevation578 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+90.1%
School Score5.41
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute26 min
Libraries3
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. 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 $64,250, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mason City is $92,200, 67% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $785 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% 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 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mason City has a population of 2,094 with a density of 2,073 people per square mile. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 1.9% Black.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mason City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.9% |
| 86% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Mason City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mason City is $64,250, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income: Mason City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,250 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,801 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $813 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,475 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 298 |
| County GDP | $634M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Mason City is $92,200, 67% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $785 (33% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,986.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,200 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $115,986 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $785 |
| 33% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $632 |
| 1 Bedroom | $698 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $916 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,537 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,889 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.22% |
In Mason City, 36.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.5% report depression. 22.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Mason City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,740/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Crime Rates: Mason City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Mason City has an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation is 39.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 39.3 inches |
| 3% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 12.9 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 578 ft (176 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,073/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2022°N, 89.6971°W |
| County FIPS | 17125 |