Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Ratings
Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.
Located in the state of Iowa, Mason City is a medium-sized city with a population of 27,815 inhabitants. At 92%, the majority of the Mason City population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 1% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Mason City will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Mason City, Iowa could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Mason City and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
The livability score in Mason City is 80/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Mason City would be considered a very livable city! Mason City also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Mason City ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Mason City ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
The Mason City unemployment rate of 2.6% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Mason City has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Mason City is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Mason City come in at $198,497, which is 17.3% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Mason City, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 16.7% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Mason City | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.6% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.0% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.9% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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