Median Income
$64,250
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,200
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
422/100K
11% higher 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%
Veterans5.1%
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
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$115,986
Housing Units1,161
Rent Burden43.8%
Crime
F
Violent422/100K
Property1,125/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault328/100K
Burglary516/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking15.6%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation578 ft (176 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.41
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute26 min
Broadband80.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Mason City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mason City receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 422 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,125 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $32,801 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $813, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 298 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Mason City is $92,200, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,986, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $785 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $698 for a one-bedroom to $916 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,161 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $3,889. 43.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 43.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $632 |
| 1 Bedroom | $698 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $916 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,537 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,161 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,576. The dentist ratio is 1:2,550. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,576 |
| Dentists | 1:2,550 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,505 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,740/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Mason City has a violent crime rate of 422 per 100,000 residents, 11% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 328.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 93.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,125 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 563, burglary at 516, vehicle theft at 47 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mason City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mason City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 421.9/100K |
| 11% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 93.8/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 328.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,125.2/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Burglary | 515.7/100K |
| Theft | 562.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 46.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mason City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 12.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 578 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mason County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
150 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
782 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 811 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
48 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
50 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
53°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Mason City has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (1.5").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Mason City
What is the population of Mason City?
Mason City has a population of 2,094 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,073 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Mason City expensive to live in?
Mason City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $64,250, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,200 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $785 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mason City safe?
The violent crime rate in Mason City is 422 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,125 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mason City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mason City?
Mason City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 12.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mason City?
The job market in Mason City is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $813. There are 298 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mason City?
The median home value in Mason City is $92,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $115,986. For renters, the median monthly rent is $785. Fair market rent is $698 for a 1-bedroom and $916 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,889.
How are the schools in Mason City?
Schools in Mason City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Mason City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mason City?
The obesity rate in Mason City is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,576.
What is transportation like in Mason City?
The average commute in Mason City is 26 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mason City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mason City is 96% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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