Mason City, IA
Population 27,135 · Iowa
About Mason City, IA
Mason City is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 27,135 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,369 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mason City features a median home value of $130,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Mason City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $874, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,117 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (8,574 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (4,104 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mason City shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mason City have an average one-way commute time of 13.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.3% of Mason City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mason City Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Mason City, IA
Compared to national averages, Mason City has a median household income of $62,369 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $130,000, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $874 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Mason City's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 2% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Mason City, IA?
Mason City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $130,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $874/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,369) that falls below the national average. However, Mason City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mason City has a population of 27,135 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Mason City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Mason City
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Marshalltown | 27,491 | $68,854 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Ottumwa | 25,352 | $56,994 | $92,400 | Compare |
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Clinton | 24,425 | $57,493 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Johnston | 24,196 | $103,430 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Burlington | 23,800 | $55,274 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Muscatine | 23,567 | $59,332 | $146,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Mason City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mason City
What is the population of Mason City, IA?
The population of Mason City, IA is 27,135 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Mason City?
The median household income in Mason City, IA is $62,369 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mason City?
The median home value in Mason City, IA is $130,000, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mason City?
The median monthly rent in Mason City, IA is $874, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mason City?
The unemployment rate in Mason City, IA is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mason City, IA a good place to live?
Mason City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 27,135 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mason City, IA?
21.3% of residents in Mason City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Mason City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mason City, IA: median home value is $130,000 (47% below national), median rent is $874/month, and median household income is $62,369. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Mason City?
The poverty rate in Mason City, IA is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mason City, IA?
Mason City's population is 5.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.9% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.