Let the numbers do the talking.
Mason City, IA vs Urbandale, IA
Mason City, IA vs Urbandale, IA: What the data shows
Mason City, IA is in Mason City, IA while Urbandale, IA is in Urbandale, IA — both in the same state. On home prices, Mason City, IA is the more affordable option at $129,600 median — $118,300 less than Urbandale, IA's $247,900. WYLT rates Mason City, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Urbandale, IA as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.
Mason City, IA has the stronger safety profile of the two. Mason City, IA has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Urbandale, IA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Mason City, IA has Low flood risk and Urbandale, IA has Low flood risk.
Urbandale, IA is the more walkable neighborhood. Mason City, IA scores 25/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Urbandale, IA's 29/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Urbandale, IA has the higher school rating — Mason City, IA rates 5.5/10 and Urbandale, IA rates 6/10.
| Category | Mason City, IA | Urbandale, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Good for now |
| Median Price | $130K ✓ Lower price | $248K |
| Median Rent | $838 ✓ Lower rent | $1K |
| Median Income | $62K | $85K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Low | Low |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 25/100 | 29/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 17/100 ✓ Better transit | 1/100 |
| Bike Score | 36/100 ✓ More bikeable | 1/100 |
| Commute | 90 min | 20 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 5.5/10 | 6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Budget‑conscious familiesRetirees seeking a quiet settingFirst‑time homebuyers | Families looking for quiet suburban lifeCommuters to Des MoinesRetirees who prefer a small-town feel |
Bottom line
For budget-conscious families or retirees seeking a low-cost community, Mason City's affordability and quieter lifestyle make it the better choice. However, if you're a commuter or value solid schools, Urbandale's proximity to Des Moines and decent schools make it worth considering. Ultimately, Urbandale's more convenient commute and better schools tip the scale, but Mason City is a more affordable, peaceful option.
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