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A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT… A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE

Imagine yourself where the best of small-town living is combined with big-city amenities and sophistication.

Here in Mason City, the preserved beauty of the past enhances a modern-day lifestyle.

As the largest city in the region, Mason City is the culture, entertainment and economic center of North Iowa. Conveniently located  120 miles north of Des Moines and 135 miles south of Minneapolis/St. Paul,vibrant shopping, delicious dining, and lively community events are all part of everyday life. Combined with quality schools, picturesque neighborhoods, access to great healthcare, and excellent employment opportunities, you quickly see why Mason City is a great place to call home.

You’ll find homes for every taste and budget. Our vibrant, walkable downtown basks in natural beauty throughout every season of the year.  Add that to the low cost of living and unique quality of life, and you’ll soon see how easy it is to fall in love with Mason City.

Ready to make a move? We’re ready for you. Request your relocation packet today!

Mason City Iowa City Community Profile

Population – 27,193
Average Household Income – $77,856
Average  Home Value – $177,763
Homes Owned – 58.6%
Homes Rent – 30.6%
Average Property Rent – $950

As of July 1, 2023.  Source – https://livability.com/ia/mason-city

Iowa has been named the #1 best state in the country, according to a new 2018 study from U.S. News & World Report.
Mason City continues to rank favorably among similar Midwest communities in the most recent Cost of Living Index Report, which averaged data submitted for the entire year of 2018.  The most recent data for Mason City and comparable Midwest communities, as of August 2022, is illustrated in the chart below.  (100.0 represents the mean; a low score is interpreted as a low cost of living.)

City & Composite ScoreGroceriesHousingUtilitiesTransportationHealthcareMisc. Goods & Services
Mason City – 88.594.471.2109.794.3101.291.5
Ames – 96.4111.683.293.299.6107.1100.1
Burlington – 86.897.756.6114.194.896.799.1
Cedar Rapids – 88.097.071.886.399.4100.395.5

Agribusiness

In Iowa, agriculture employs one out of every six workers.  Iowa’s strong agricultural and manufacturing heritage has placed the state in leadership positions in the renewable fuels industry areas of wind power, ethanol and biodiesel production.

  • Iowa ranks 1st in the nation in the production of ethanol
  • Iowa ranks 2nd in the nation in the production of biodiesel
  • Iowa ranks 3rd in the nation in wind generation output

Employment Sector

Employment growth for all wage and salary workers, agriculture, and the self-employed is projected to add almost 27,325 jobs from 2016 to 2018, an increase of 1.5 percent over the two-year period. The aging population will spur an increase in the demand for healthcare services, resulting in the healthcare industry accounting for a large share of new jobs projected through 2018. Three sectors are expected to account for over 48 percent (13,175 jobs) of the state’s job growth. These sectors are health care and social assistance, construction, and professional and business services.

Industry

MercyOne is the largest employer in Mason City, employing a staff of more than 2,600.

Other leading employers include Smithfield, Cargill, Curries Manufacturing, The Principal Financial Group Pension Center, Woodharbor Cabinetry, McKesson, the public school system and Mason City Clinic.

Healthcare

MercyOne is a 346-bed regional referral teaching center.  Their medical staff of 300+ physicians covers a broad range of specialties.  In addition to being a Level II Trauma Center, MercyOne is home to a Diabetes Center of Excellence, Bariatric Center of Excellence, Stroke Center of Excellence, and a Cardiovascular Program ranked in the top 100 nationally for nine consecutive years.  The range of specialties includes Interventional Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Interventional Radiology, Nephrology and much more.  Mercy Health Network – North Iowa is also comprised of Mercy Clinics (a primary care and specialty physician network), a home health agency, a hospice, a senior services agency, a regional referral laboratory, regional rehabilitation and diagnostic technology services, pharmacies, an emergency services network and a variety of other health care services.

Healthy Hometown, backed by the Healthiest State Initiative, assists communities in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of policies, programs and environments for promoting health and well-being. Through this initiative, our community is provided with the tools and expertise to take action to make our hometown healthier and safer.

Mason City received the 2018 award from the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. The award recognizes the community’s efforts to improve the physical, social and emotional well-being of Iowans. Highlights include the Farmers’ Market, community gardens, bike share program, playground improvements, River City Sculptures on Parade, and new bike paths/walking trails.

Recreation

In addition to the existing walking/biking trail system, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan for Mason City added over 24,725 linear feet of trail, the equivalent of 4.683 miles. Part of this work was the completion of a new 850-foot trail extension on South Taft Street, which now connects worksites and residents to retail businesses, a university branch, a bank and a grocery store. Residents can more easily and safely travel by foot or bike to these popular places.

Mason City is fortunate to have an array of beautiful parks that are perfect for taking a stroll, biking, playing disc golf, basketball, volleyball, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying the picturesque views these parks provide.  They’ll entice you to get out and enjoy the outdoors!

The Lime Creek Nature Center opened in 1984 as a conservation education facility serving North Iowa. It was funded exclusively by donations from private citizens, businesses, organizations, and foundations.  Over eight miles of trails wind through the various habitats at the Lime Creek Conservation Area, providing an excellent opportunity to view native plants and wildlife in their natural settings. Hikers, cross-country skiers, bicyclists, joggers, horseback riders, photographers, and nature enthusiasts all use
these trails. The easy access trail is available for walking,
wheelchair and stroller traffic.

Education

North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a nationally-ranked, two-year institution that serves students of all ages and abilities. With a staff of approximately 300, the College currently offers nearly 40 one- and two-year career programs, the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree in most fields and an array of continuing education opportunities for professional and personal growth.

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center provides new business start-up and expansion services.  One-on-one business counseling, feasibility planning, technical assistance as well as access to capital guidance are among the many resources available to budding entrepreneurs through the Pappajohn Center.

Buena Vista University offers human services programs in criminology, criminal justice, human services, psychology. Students can choose to learn at one of the 16-degree completion locations or fully online.

Worldwide College of Auctioneering was founded in 1933 by the legendary auctioneer Col. Joe Reisch to provide the very best Auctioneer education and training available. Bi-lingual classes are available as well.

LaJames College offers diplomas in cosmetology/beauty school, massage therapy, estheology/skin care & nail technician.

Senior Living

A variety of senior living arrangements are available in Mason City.  Assisted living, independent living as well as low income housing are available options to choose from when considering these lifestyle choices.

Places to Worship

Whatever your faith, attending worship provides an opportunity for family connections and expanding your social circle. Our community is home to people of diverse backgrounds and traditions including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu faith. CLICK HERE for our interactive directory of places to practice your beliefs and celebrate your faith.

Transportation

The Mason City Municipal Airport is North Iowa’s Gateway to the World. Our local airport offers easy access, streamlined security, free parking, free terminal Wi-Fi and first class airline service to  Chicago, on United Express (dba SkyWest).

Mason City Public Transit is open to the general public, including those with disabilities. The transit operates from 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on certain holidays.

Rental cars are available through Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Jefferson Bus Lines, located at the Mason City Municipal Airport provides comfortable and affordable services to your favorite destinations.

Fido Friendly

Mason City is a pet-friendly community.  The fenced dog park is an excellent place where Fido can socialize and exercise off-leash.

Dog/Cat License Required
Owners of all canines and felines over six (6) months of age, shall obtain an annual license. City licenses may be renewed for 1, 2, or 3 years depending on the expiration of the rabies vaccinations.

License fee shall be $50.00 per year for each animal that has not be altered and $10.00 per year for each neutered or spayed animal.

These area veterinary clinics offer the convenience of licensing your pet in their offices:
Animal Medical Hospital
(641) 423-6834

Pioneer Animal Hospital
(641) 424-0810

Mason City Pet Clinic
(641)423-0633

Licenses may also be obtained from the following businesses:
City of Mason City, Clerk’s Office
(641) 421-3600 at 10 1st Street NW Mason City, IA

Mason City Stray Animal Shelter
(641) 424-3617 at 2750 Birch Drive

Humane Society of North Iowa
(641) 423-6241 at 2700 Birch Drive

Community Connections

The City of Mason City provides for public safety through the city-managed Police Department, Fire and EMS, Animal Control, and Building Inspections. In addition, the City provides a wide variety of community services such as street repair, street sweeping, snow and ice removal, tree trimming, roadside mowing, traffic signs and light maintenance, garbage pickup, recyclable & yard waste pickup.

WATER & GARBAGE

City Hall, 10 1st St. NW 641-421-3610
Request for service should be made in person and a deposit may be required.

RECYCLING

The City provides a blue bin to each residence of Mason City to place their recyclables in for pickup. For more information on curbside items accepted or what date your pickup is, call the Sanitation Department at 641-421-3691

GAS & ELECTRIC

Alliant Energy
Customer Service 800-822-4348
Request for service can be completed over the phone and a deposit may be required.

TELEPHONE & INTERNET

CenturyLink
Local and long-distance service, Internet and Voice over IP
Residential 800-244-1111
Business 800-603-6000

Cricket Wireless
473 Indianhead Dr. #103
(641) 201-6159

DIRECTV
Local and long-distance AT & T phone service, TV, Internet
Residential & Business 877-406-8649

Mediacom Broadband & Internet Services
473 Indianhead Dr. #105
855-633-4226

MetroPCS (T-Mobile)
473 Indianhead Dr. #103
(641) 243-7900

T-Mobile
2114 4th St SW
(641)530-6118

US Cellular
402 Indianhead Dr.
 (641) 425-8100

Verizon
4063 4th St SW
(641) 424-8448

DRIVER’S LICENSE & VEHICLE REGISTRATION

Driver’s License Station
2570 4th St SW, Mason City, IA
641-423-8391

Cerro Gordo County Treasurer
220 N. Washington, Mason City, IA
641-421-3127

MEDIA/BROADCAST

KIMT-TV 3
112 N. Pennsylvania
641-423-2540

Globe Gazette
687 S. Taft
641-421-0500

Alpha Media
341 S Yorktown Pike
641-423-1300

KCMR 97.9 FM Radio
600 1st St. NW
641-424-9300

North Iowa Broadcasting
31 1st St. NE
641-421-7744

U.S. Post Office
211 N. Delaware, Mason City, IA
641-423-5231

Community Involvement

Exchange Club of Mason City
(641) 424-5993

Mason City Evening Lions
(641) 423-0866

Mason City Jaycees
(641) 430-6607

Mason City Noon Kiwanis
(641) 423-5920

Mason City Noon Lions
(641) 423-4768

Mason City Noon Rotary Club
(641) 420-4850

Mason City Sunrise Rotary
(641) 420-4399

River City Morning Kiwanis
(515) 996-5437