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Mason City, IA
Mason City · Cerro Gordo County · IA 50401
Updated June 19, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Good for now
Verdict
$130K
Median Price
25/100
Walk Score
5.5/10
Schools
90 min
to Des Moines
Score Breakdown
AAffordability
92/100
BSafety
78/100
D+Schools
55/100
B-Quietness
70/100
FCommute
35/100
FWalkability
25/100
WYLT Score59/100
Our Take
Mason City offers an affordable, quiet small‑town lifestyle with decent schools and low flood risk, but it lacks walkability, public transit, and nightlife. It works for budget‑conscious families or retirees looking for a low‑cost community, but those who need robust commuting options or a lively social scene may want to consider alternatives.
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The Good
- ✓Very affordable housing and rent
- ✓Decent public schools for the area
- ✓Low flood risk and stable weather
- ✓Small‑town feel with low crime levels
Real Talk
- !Walk score of 25 means you’ll need a car for most errands
- !Public transit is virtually nonexistent; minimal bus service
- !Nightlife and dining options are limited; most restaurants are family‑style
- !Commute to larger job markets can take 1.5‑2 hours by car
- $Higher gasoline and vehicle maintenance expenses
- $Potential higher insurance costs for rural properties
- $Limited local services may mean higher costs for specialized healthcare
Best For
Budget‑conscious familiesRetirees seeking a quiet settingFirst‑time homebuyersRemote workers who can work from home
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeLow
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityLow
Crime & Safety
Mason City, IA
B
Safety grade
Safety score78 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Low1.6incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
57% safer than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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📬
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