City profile
Mason City, IA
Cerro Gordo County · Population 27,050
Mason City is a town in Cerro Gordo County, IA with about 27,050 residents and a typical home value near $142,000. It is 110 miles from Des Moines, IA, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
19°F
Summer avg
75°F
Sunny days / yr
200
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$142,000
Typical monthly housing
$941
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
76
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.43%
- State income tax (top)
- 3.8%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 6.94%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 70/100
Top hazards: Drought, Tornado, Winter weather
Nearest major airport
114 mi to Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 43% Democratic / 55% Republican
Community
Population
27,050
Black population
3.5%
County
Cerro Gordo County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are still rising in 2026 — good for long-term value, less room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hail, derechos
Highlights
- About 27,050 residents
- Typical home value about $142,000
- 110 miles from Des Moines, IA
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.