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.
Mason City, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 27,064 inhabitants. At 92%, the majority of the Mason City population is White; this is followed by 3% Black and 1% Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Mason City. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Mason City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Mason City and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Mason City to Iowa and the national average.
Using data and statistics Mason City has received a livability score of 77 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 92nd percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Mason City ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Mason City has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Mason City ranks well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A-) The bad news for Mason City, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and crime (D).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Mason City, the unemployment rate stands at 2.48%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Mason City can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
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. The median home price for Mason City homes is $112,500, which is 15.3% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Mason City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 12.5% lower than the Iowa average.
| 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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