Median Income
$49,917
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$175,700
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
255/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
44.4%
32% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$778
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Mason City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population175
Median Age27.8 yrs
Density372/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,917
Per Capita$44,765
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$882M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,700
Rent$778
Ownership79.2%
Zillow$185,880
Housing Units103
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent255/100K
Property2,073/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking13.9%
Depression18.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,265 ft (690 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+44.4%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score6.26
Community
2024 VoteR 86% / D 13%
Commute21 min
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Mason City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mason City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, 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 $49,917, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mason City is $175,700, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $778 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mason City is below the national average at 255 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mason City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.3 inches, including 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Mason City has a population of 175 with a density of 372 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 27.8 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.9% female and 57.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.8yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mason City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mason City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mason City is $49,917, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,765 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 488 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mason City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,917 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,765 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,725 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 488 |
| County GDP | $882M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 98.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Mason City is $175,700, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,880. Monthly rent averages $778 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,290. 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,700 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,880 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $778 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.8% |
| Housing Units | 103 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.87% |
In Mason City, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 18.0% report depression. 15.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,743. The dentist ratio is 1:2,095. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mason City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 18.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,743 |
| Dentists | 1:2,095 |
| Mental Health | 1:814 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Mason City has a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,073 per 100,000, 6% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 255.3/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,073.0/100K |
| 6% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 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 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 308 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 26.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 2,265 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,265 ft (690 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 372/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2222°N, 99.2988°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Custer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kearney Regional (EAR)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.3"
31% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
70 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
32 km |
| Aug 26, 1991 |
15 km SSE of Brownlee, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
72 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
71 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
65 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
71 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
74 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
44 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
43 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
610 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 24 fatalities, 372 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
19 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BETTY'S WAY (68,425 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
93 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
91 km |
| 1989 |
DUNNING |
4,114 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,883 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
74 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,149 |
97 km |
| 2023 |
DEL PORTO |
2,856 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
99 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,298 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,970 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,283 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
1,200 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,185 |
71 km |
| 2023 |
NERBR-HFR-FY23-RX-PETERSON |
1,061 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 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 24.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
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 175 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 372 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.9% female and 57.1% male.
Is Mason City expensive to live in?
Mason City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,917, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,700 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $778 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mason City safe?
Mason City is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,073 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.3 inches, with 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Mason City?
The job market in Mason City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 488 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mason City?
The median home value in Mason City is $175,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,880. For renters, the median monthly rent is $778. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,290.
How are the schools in Mason City?
Schools in Mason City score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 44.4% of adults in Mason City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mason City?
The obesity rate in Mason City is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 18.0% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,743.
What is transportation like in Mason City?
The average commute in Mason City is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 98.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mason City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mason City is 97.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
