Mason City, IA
Population 27,135 · Iowa
About Mason City, IA
Mason City is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a population of 27,135 residents. The median household income is $62,369 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Mason City is 43 years.
Housing in Mason City has a median home value of $130,000 and median monthly rent of $874. Of the 14,117 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 8,574 owner-occupied and 4,104 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Mason City is 3.0% and the poverty rate is 10.6%. 21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 13.8 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Mason City?
The median household income in Mason City, IA is $62,369 per year.
What is the median home value in Mason City?
The median home value in Mason City, IA is $130,000.
What is the average rent in Mason City?
The median monthly rent in Mason City, IA is $874.
What is the unemployment rate in Mason City?
The unemployment rate in Mason City, IA is 3.0%.